1. How much does it cost?
2. Where is the Center?
3. Why was the Center established?
4. Who runs the Visitor Center?
5. What is there to do at the Visitor Center?
6. When is the Visitor Center Open?
7. How do I become a Friend of the Center?

How much does it cost to go to the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center?

Enjoy free admission to the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center everyday. Programs offered at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center may require a registration fee. Parking and admission into the Center are free.

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Where can I find the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center?

We're located on County Highway G just off of US Highway 2, two miles west of Ashland, Wisconsin (just west of the intersection of Highways 2 and 13). Locate Us

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Why was the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center established?

About ten years ago local citizens initiated the project of the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center. The Friends of the Center, a grass roots, non-profit organization formed to support the goals of a new Center that combined elements of history, natural resources, and visitor information under one roof. They lobbied the state and federal governments for nearly six years and obtained state and federal funds to build this Center. Construction began in 1995. The Center opened in May 1998.

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Who runs the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center?

The Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center is staffed by 20 permanent and 13 seasonal, part time staff members. The Center operates through a unique federal, state and local partnership. Federal, state, and local organizations align their missions to bring specialized services to our visitors and communities. The Center's operating partners are: The US Forest Service, National Park Service, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Wisconsin Historical Society, University of Wisconsin - Extension, and the Friends of the Center Alliance, Limited.

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What is there to do at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center?

We've lots to offer! Spend an hour or an afternoon! For a glimpse see our photo gallery. Our four-season facility is open to explorers to discover our:

• Award-winning Center design that incorporates the distinctive architectural elements of the Region (brownstone, metal roof, cedar siding, tower suggests a lighthouse)

• Regional visitor information services (one-stop shopping)

• Professional, high-quality exhibits (3,000 square feet) bring regional stories to life.

• 5-story observation tower overlooking Lake Superior

• 9-county regional archives

• Educational programs and events

• Classrooms and meeting rooms

• Unique, regional gift shop

• Lounge and library

• Art gallery

• Two, ½ mile loop trails, beginning and ending at the Center.

• 100-seat theatre with video programs shown throughout the day

• Eleven minute, multi-media presentation entitled “Northern Voices”

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When is the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center open?

We're open year-round, seven days a week. Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, and Easter Sunday.

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For More Information Contact:

Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
29270 County Highway G, Ashland, WI 54806
Tel: 715-685-9983
FAX: 715-685-2680
To send us an e-mail click here.