Experiencing any pleasant activity on Lake Superior is a delight you’re sure to remember, but taking part of Book Across the Bay is a whole other journey of feeling connected with your abilities and Lake Superior itself. Community members from Ashland, Washburn, and Bayfield, and adventure seekers from all over the country come together in the name of skiing, snowshoeing, and trekking to create wholesome memories and be a part of a fantastical event that raises money for charity and brings people together.

Whether you’re competing for the best ski time or you enjoy a casual snowshoe/walking experience, Book Across the Bay is an event for all ages to experience. Along with booking it across that bay, there are other fun activities to take part in, such as socializing with other participants, dancing to live music, eating/drinking, cozying up by a bonfire, or gazing at the beautiful stars. A memorable time is in your future when you sign up for Book Across the Bay!

All of the gorgeous pictures within this article were taken by Laura K, a member of our public Facebook Group, and a past participant of Book Across the Bay! We hear from her and her wonderful experience further down this article, so be sure to stay tuned. And join our group to share your pics & videos too!

Money donated and registration goes towards charities that help children and those less fortunate around the Lake Superior area. So, while you’re bracing yourself for the crisp embrace of the winter wind underneath a blanket of stars and lanterns along the way, you can remind yourself that not only are you doing something good for your soul, you’re helping someone in need.

And if walking across frozen Lake Superior doesn’t sound like your jam, but you’d still like to be a part of Book Across the Bay, you can look into being a volunteer! Volunteers are what make this whimsical event what it is, and you can be one of the many helping hands that bring it all to life.

“Book Across the Bay is the upper Midwest’s most unique winter event, open to skiers and snowshoers of all ages and ability levels. The 10-kilometer course, which is groomed for both classic-style and skate skiing, and follows a route not on land, but over the frozen surface of Lake Superior, the world’s largest lake. The event is held at night, and the course is lit by the stars above and up to 1,000 candles in ice luminaries that line the entire route.”

-Book Across The Bay.org

Where Does Book Across the Bay Take Place?

Book Across the Bay is a 10k adventure that previously started in Ashland and grooved across Lake Superior to the finish line in Washburn. You could then take the trek from Ashland to Washburn and then back to Ashland or arrange a ride of some sort to give your legs a breather. The course is a bit different nowadays but then fun and adventure is just as incredible!

The usual rendezvous takes place around the Ashland Marina, but I would encourage you to keep an eye on Book Across the Bay’s social media pages for more detailed information. You can also take a peek at their Frequently Asked Questions page on their website for further info!

Experiencing Book Across the Bay | Q & A

Book Across the Bay is an event on Lake Superior that folks look forward to all year. A two-day event full of community, embracing winter, bonfires, good food and drinks, entertainment, and personal endurance. But for those of us who haven’t had the opportunity to experience Book Across the Bay, we’re left with curiosity and some lingering questions.

When you’re weighing your options and trying to gauge if something will suit you or not, it’s nice to get a first-hand account of what you’re checking out. That’s why we asked past participant Laura K, who’s a terrific member of our public Facebook Group, Loving Life “On Lake Superior” a few questions about her experience of Book Across the Bay. Also, the amazing pictures intertwined in this article come from Laura K herself!

OLS: How would you describe your experience of Book Across the Bay? Would you do it again?

Laura K:

Book Across the Bay was an exciting experience, it almost felt like being part of a movement there were so many people involved!

Knowing volunteers set up such a large event felt like people made it for me!

It was a physical challenge I had to prepare for, which I don’t really ever participate in other than the gym out on my own, so it was something totally different for me, I would absolutely do it again.

OLS: What was one of your favorite moments during your Book Across the Bay journey?

Laura K:

Seeing all the other people enjoying their time as well was something I enjoyed, most people were focused on getting the course complete so they could get back, but the few that took time to stop at the rest stops and warm themselves by the fires looked like they were so grateful it was there.

I saw a group of 5 that just decided to step off the course and lay on their backs together to watch the stars !! That was so sweet!!

When the first wave of competitors made way back to shore, that’s what the first & arcing waves were about, competition in time & probably personal records, they would shoot off fireworks for those that made it back so quickly! Looking back over your shoulder, hearing & seeing the reflection of the firework in front of me was neat, though it was small because we too were a ways out!

Seeing the stars from miles away from the shore was magnificent!

OLS: Do you have any tips for someone who hasn’t partaken in Book Across the Bay before but would like to give it a go?

Laura K:

I would say to prepare, do workouts pertaining to what what you’re going to do. Snowshoe or cross country ski. Practice.

Practice balance, endurance & acclimation to the weather. Strength train to make it easier on your body.

Just going because you feel you’re in shape is not a great idea!

It’s awesome to read the About section of a website for events or businesses, but it’s even more special to hear first-hand accounts from someone who’s passionate and made wonderful memories. Thank you, Laura K!

Do you want to see more pictures and hear more great memories on Lake Superior? Share stories and connect with others who love life and memories on Lake Superior at our friendly and wholesome Facebook Page, Loving Life “On Lake Superior”!

What can you do during the Book Across the Bay Weekend?

During the weekend of Book Across the Bay, there are plenty of fun activities and entertainment for all ages! From live bands, dancing, drinks, and food to children’s activities like sledding and being a part of Book Across the Bay itself, there’s an array of fun to be had on Lake Superior during this event-filled weekend. Take a peek at Book Across the Bay’s ‘Things to Do’ tab to read more!

If you’re looking for some recommendations, here are a few other places near the Book Across the Bay event that you can keep in mind during your adventurous weekend!

Black Cat Coffeehouse

“Wow! The great black cat! Perfect 6oz cappuccino, delicious flavorful food, fun environment, even has used books for sale and a back door patio. Felt like I was in another time. Just like many others I ordered my coffee and breakfast sandwich then went across the street to the bakery and picked up treats to take along on my road trip.

Thank you Black Cat for reminding me that great coffee and a bite to eat is a magical way to start the day.” – Jamie R

Central Railyard Park

“Great park. Lots of different slides to go down which my son loves. Great big park. He had a blast.” – Anna P

New China Restaurant

“The staff is so friendly and personable here!! The food is absolutely fantastic!!! We absolutely love it here and highly recommend it!!!!” – Macy N

Second Street Bistro

“My family ate here while on vacation and it was delicious! The service was friendly and the atmosphere was very relaxing! They had a lovely harpist playing live music the night we were there. We highly recommend having the layered cake with the pistachio ice cream!” – Rachel J

Ashland Mural Walk

“A fun, self-guided walking tour of the main drag that takes you past a bunch of cute little shops and restaurants. The murals are beautiful and tell a lot about the history of the area, but I found myself wishing there were little plaques by each mural to offer more details. I still highly recommend walking through and checking it out! There’s also lots of beautiful old architecture to admire.” – Lindsay S

There are many wonderful local businesses, events, and fun things to enjoy when you’re hanging out on Lake Superior! I encourage you to check it out for yourself and find your new favorite spot to grab a bite to eat or get some coffee; you may find you’re developing a new tradition!

Book Across the Bay is an experience full of heart, passion, and spirit that brings hundreds of people together on Lake Superior. Can you think of anything more wholesome than that? You can be a part of this magical event and other fun opportunities on Lake Superior by being a part of our public Facebook group, Loving Life “On Lake Superior” where we can all share the fun things going on in the area, and nostalgic photos and memories that are lovely to look back on.

I hope to see you there, and until next time, have fun on Lake Superior!