northern great lakes visitor center

This was an unexpected gem encountered on a day of driving across Wisconsin. In addition to the museum, there is a nature trail on a boardwalk through the northern forest. There were birches, marshland grasses, flowers, butterflies and more. Take your camera and take pictures. The back porch was shaded, had a nice breeze, had rocking chairs, and was a wonderful place for a snack or sack lunch.

We decided to give this place a try and it was a nice way to get info on the area. It is almost like a mini museum and there are little movies about different topics that I found very interesting. If you like info on the history of a area and surroundings it is worth a look.

A lot of information on display. Well set up and an excellent view from the tower. A theater for presentations, gift shop and good bathrooms.

This place is full of information about the area, the history, the activities, and everything there is to know about Lake Superior, Apostle Islands, and the area. There are snow shoes to rent with trails behind the building. The staff are all very knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. Go here first, you'll be glad you did.

This was a pleasant surprise after a long road trip. We stopped in here, more as just a pit stop but it became much more. Very informative on all things to do with Lake Superior and northern Wisconsin. From mining and logging to the fishing histories of this area. The staff were all friendly and helpful. We liked the look out tower and the view. There is a little store to buy t's and books on this area as well, and I think maybe a cafeteria. They have a small interactive museum inside as well and that was neat.Family friendly, good for all ages, and fun

This is a wonderful teaching facility. Stop in - stay for as long as you want - you will learn, you will be introduced to the beauty of the Greatest Lake and its history, cultures, habitats, and become aware of how you can make a difference in our Natural World. Also a great resource for those who are planning a stay in the area - many resources. A MUST if you have children - many exhibits that are interactive, and a wonderful walkway through the area surrounding the Center. Something new every time we stop in! Oh, did I mention that it is absolutely FREE?

Nice views of Apostle Islands. Informative multimedia presentation. Very helpful people. Interesting exhibits, too. Clean, well maintained. Even a fun gift shop.

We drove a long time to get there and it was worth it! I asked the person at the front desk if it was OK to let our two-year-old run loose and she said "of course." The observation deck at the top was my favorite though the exhibits and murals are great too. The staff was very nice. We liked the mining exhibit where you can push the dynamite T-bar and hear the "explosion" in the mine.

this was our first trip to Ashland in several years and we were surprised to find this visitor center there. it represents both Wisconsin and Minnesota history in the region. Mining, lumber, fishing, geology...you name it. It has a great circular observation tower that can be reached by stairs or elevator. Nice trails and parking. The exhibits were well thought out and designed for both kids and adults. This place is so nice and attractive there were people there planning to have their wedding held at the visitor center.

The center a beautiful structure overlooking marsh land and a small lake. I toured the interior and looked at all the "climate change" propaganda and wondered how the huge glacier that carved out the Great Lakes area melted on its own without man-made carbon emissions. The trails and walkways are well constructed and I did see several birds and other wildlife even though it was late in the season. No fee, donation suggested.

Everything about this place was great - our family really enjoyed it. Only downside was the fact that we visited near closing time on a Friday, and I don't think the staff could've shooed us out any faster if they tried. We were even patronizing their gift store and buying stuff - probably would've spent more if they would've let us!

We have been coming up to Ashland for years. It is only 2 hours from our house. It was a rainy weekend and we decided to visit the warm visitor center. WOW.....what a surprise!!!! It is a great museum with history that we never knew about Northern Wisconsin. They have artifacts, movies and so much more. You can go to the 3rd floor by either stairs or elevator. On the third floor there is an observation deck. They have a box of FREE binoculars to use!!! I'm afraid of heights but felt quite safe! You can see the light house in Ashland and many other sights from the observation deck. See each floor....they all have different cool things that will bring a smile to everyone's face....young and old. There is also a cool hiking trails.

Always something new happening. People traveling with kids or seniors need to stretch this place is worth the stop. It's more than a rest stop. Plan to spend at least a half hour but you may want to spend an hour. There's friendly people to greet you, there's walking trail, a 3 story view of the wet lands , a movie theater, a historic room, and of course potties. The only draw back is the elevator is slow so I recommend the stairs.

Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center has the best mural, and they have wonderful program we attend. The next program we are going to is called Fright Night on Oct 24th 2014. Kids can enjoy the season of Halloween in a safe place.

You're going to want a little extra time here.There are trails to walk, a look out tower, a theater of different presentations, historical archives, an interactive museum, a shop, and more. It was certainly more than we had expected.