WLIA Ashland Conference Social Events
When registering for the WLIA 2026 Spring Conference in Ashland, be sure to also register for our social events! Check out the details below, plus find all of the other information on registration, room block, and the agenda on the Spring Conference Page.
Houghton Falls Hike (Free)
Sunday, May 17th, 1:00 PM
Coming a day early? Spring is waterfall season! Join us for a hike at Houghton Falls; a 1.5 mile in-and-out trail to view waterfalls in a glen, ending at a rock outcropping over Lake Superior. If possible, join us for lunch at Café Coco (210 W Bayfield St, Washburn, WI) at noon and carpool over to the falls. Otherwise, meet us at the parking lot and trailhead at 34005 Houghton Falls Rd, Washburn, WI at 1:00 PM on Sunday, May 17th. Are you coming on Sunday and need to add on an extra night stay? The Hotel Chequamegon is offering a small block of rooms Sunday night for the $98 rate as well (with breakfast included)!
Trolley Mural Tour ($5 Cash)
Monday, May 18th, 5:00 – 6:15 PM
The 8-block Main Street Business District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is the background for a fascinating tour through Ashland’s history as seen through the eyes of Ashland’s mural artists. We'll enjoy a 75-minute ride around town viewing the painted murals on many buildings. Meet at the Hotel Chequamegon parking lot before 5:00 PM on Monday, May 18th. Each rider will need to bring $5.00 cash to pay for their trolley ride. The trolley bus is first-come-first served and will leave at 5:00 PM so please get there early!
Oredock 1k Walk (Free)
Monday, May 18th, 6:30 – 7:30 PM
This unique base of the historic Soo Line Oredock extends 1800 feet out into Lake Superior. It’s fully accessible and a great place to walk – it even connects to the Ashland Waterfront trail which encircles the city. Please join us as at 6:30 PM at The Hotel Chequamegon lobby to either make the 15-minute walk to the oredock, or drive over. Once at the oredock, we’ll walk the entire length and back, for a full 1k! Group photo will be had!
The Union Jazz Dinner Social Night ($25)
Tuesday, May 19th, 5:30 – 11:00 PM
We’re honoring the beautiful venue we’re in for our conference for our social night – 20’s style! The Union National Bank was built in 1923, and recently has been restored to its original glory. Enjoy dinner and drinks alongside your colleagues while listening to the Golden Era Jazz band. You can dress for either the 1920’s or the 2020’s (aka your regular clothes) – your choice! We welcome flappers and dapper gentlemen to use the 1920’s photo booth and document the roaring fun to be had. Event starts at 5:30 PM on Tuesday, May 19th, with dinner at 6:00, and music from 7:00 - 9:00 PM.