Calling all artist and art lovers – downtown Pontiac will quickly become your new happy place! Pontiac has over 25 large, colorful, outdoor murals created by a talented group of artists known as the Walldogs. Simply follow the red footprints from mural to mural for a walking tour with nostalgic charm! Our collection of miniature art cars is scattered around the downtown sidewalks – each one created by a local artist or art group – great for photo opps! The Pontiac Community Art Center is a studio, teaching space, gallery, and retail sales outlet for locally produced works.  Pontiac is also home to The Museum of Gilding Arts.  Created by the International Society of Gilders, the museum focuses on the history, craft and art of using precious metal in design and decor.  

With a name like Pontiac, of course we love cars! You’ll also love and appreciate our one-of-a-kind museum:  The Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum and Resource Center.  With classic Oaklands and cool Pontiacs, this museum is the only museum dedicated to just these two automobile brands.  The museum is also home to one of the largest collections of oil cans and antique road maps around.  

History Buff? We’ve got you covered! The Pontiac Museum Complex houses a variety of exhibits and displays: 

The Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum offers a collection of images, artifacts, and stories about the nation’s most famous road – Route 66. Memorabilia related to the iconic Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire including his school bus home ‘The Road Yacht’, VW Microbus, and a gallery of his artwork.  

The Livingston County War Museum is staffed entirely by volunteer veterans. This museum pays tribute to the men and women from Livingston County who served in the nation’s military since World War I.  

Ron Selle and Darlene Agner have beautifully curated fascinating exhibits that delve into the history of three transformative time periods in our nation’s history:   

The Life in the 1940s – Featuring four rooms, completely furnished with furniture and toys of the era. Be sure to stop into the “Stage Door Canteen” to enjoy some vintage1940s music.   

The Life on the Titanic - This exhibit portrays the life and times of the ship, its passengers, and the elegant Edwardian Age. The items on display are contemporaries of those that sank on the famed ship as well as items from the rescue ship. 

The Music of the Civil War – Learn about the music that was popular during the Antebellum period, the war itself, and Reconstruction Era. There are framed original editions of sheet music with recordings as well as displays of antique musical instruments and soldier artifacts.   

Most famously, the city has many connections to our nation’s 16^th President, Abraham Lincoln. Follow the Looking for Lincoln Story Trail and learn more about this important historical figure and his connection to Pontiac. Located on the south lawn of the Historic Courthouse is a life-size commemorative statue of Honest Abe himself – another great selfie spot awaits! 

To learn more about Pontiac, head online to visitpontiac.org or call the Pontiac Tourism office at (815) 844-5847.  

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Nestled on the South Shore of Lake Superior’s Chequamegon Bay, the City of Ashland boasts a unique mix of historic charm and modern convenience. Ashland is a great start point for both the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and southern Ashland County, home to Copper Falls State Park, Saint Peters Dome and Morgan Falls. This historic city spreads out along U.S. Hwy. 2, embracing the shore of Chequamegon Bay and the greatest of the Great Lakes; Lake Superior. Ashland offers endless waterfront activities; hiking & biking, boating, kayaking, canoeing, fishing and camping. There are several beaches that offer a view of the pristine waters of the big blue lake. The Lake Superior Waterfront Trail is a continuous trail linking Maslowski Beach on the west to Bayview Park & Beach on the east. You’ll find an actual diving board on the newly renovated pier at Bayview Park & Beach.  Maslowski Beach and Prentice Park on the west side of Ashland are known for their natural Spring Water from Artesian Wells. The Artesian wells are a favorite stop for locals and visitors alike. Ashland is home to a full-service 140 slip Marina, conveniently located in the center of Ashland.  

The Ashland Oredock jets out nearly 1/8 of a mile located along the waterfront trail.  Its easy access makes for a great spot to birdwatch, walk, bicycle ride, run, fish, or picnic.  Attractions in Ashland include: Beautiful Murals that depict the history of this over 150-year-old city. Ashland is the “Historic Mural Capital of Wisconsin”, a title that brings tourists from all over to visit and see these life size murals painted by two artists on the sides of historic brownstone buildings in an 8-block historic downtown business district.  Along with the historic murals are two community murals located at the Chequamegon Food Co-op and in the tunnel that runs under Highway 2 connecting the beautiful Ashland Lakefront trail to the Historic Downtown. 

Ashland’s Restaurants are all locally owned and operated.   Whitefish is the favorite fish found in the Chequamegon Bay and several fish to table restaurants such as the Chequamegon Grille, Deepwater Grille, and 2^nd Street Bistro offer whitefish and other farm fresh entrées.   Burger Barn is known for their excellent burgers, and also Cheese Curds from Wisconsin.   Ashland has 5 pizza parlors and three of them originate from the same family.  All with a little different twist!   El Charro boasts authentic Mexican, and the New China Restaurant is an authentic Chinese restaurant with a lovely outdoor dining area. Family restaurants include the Breakwater Restaurant with beautiful views of the Ashland Lighthouse, and the Ashland Family Restaurant.   If fresh bakery and fresh bread is on your list of favorites, the Ashland Baking Company is well known in the region for their fresh baked breads and exquisite desserts.  Many gluten-free options.  You’ll even find an authentic chocolatier at Gabriele’s German Cookies and Chocolates located on main street.  River Rock Inn & Bait Shop has an incredible selection of freshly caught fish and smoked fish from Lake Superior.  Southshore Brewery, attached to the Deepwater Grille, is our local micro-brewery specializing in American Pale Ale, and Nut Brown Ale along with seasonal favorites!   The Tastes of Wisconsin bring all sorts of tastes from Wisconsin from wine, to homemade bratwurst and sausage to excellent choices of cheeses, spices, and fresh meat. 

Ashland is a welcoming community with a diverse inventory of lodging options available from mom and pops to full-service luxury.  

Ashland is a four-season destination with a plethora of day trips that can be taken including the Apostle Islands and Madeline Island to the North and Copper Falls State Park to the south and all sorts of beautiful scenery in between.  

Please visit our website to order a visitor guide, mural brochure, waterfalls brochure, or any number of other free information pieces we have to offer.  

Welcome to Ashland!! Where you’ll find yourself next to the water!  www.visitashland.com

Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce ~ P.O. Box 746 ~ Ashland, WI 54806 ~  www.visitashland.com

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