1141 Ellis Ave. S, Ashland, WI 54806 For Sale

Newmark is pleased to bring to market the former Northland College Campus in Ashland, WI. A private liberal arts college founded in 1892, Northland College was renowned for its deep commitment to the environment, conservation and sustainability until its closing in 2025.

Building highlights include a modern science building, a state-of-the-art stadium, the newest and largest athletic and fitness center in northern Wisconsin, numerous residence halls, a functioning food production/food bank building, an attractive student center with a fully equipped commercial kitchen, and an environmental retreat center featuring organic architecture in perfect harmony with its woodland setting. The campus also features abundant open space, fire pits and a community garden.

Ashland is a quaint remote city surrounded by natural beauty, situated at the head of Chequamegon Bay, a destination for year-round recreational and sporting activities. Northland College’s spirit and legacy lives on through the thousands of alumni, faculty, staff and partners who remain committed to the region.

With the opportunity to serve students or visitors from both urban and rural contexts, Ashland represents a strategic location for investment and economic development in a unique natural setting. Future uses that leverage the existing infrastructure and natural surroundings include charter school, religious school, satellite college campus, corporate event or retreat center, youth camp, field study headquarters, and more.

Newmark is pleased to offer for sale the former Northland College campus in Ashland, Wisconsin. Founded in 1892, this private liberal arts institution earned national recognition for its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability until its closure in 2025. Set amid mature woodlands and the scenic shores of Lake Superior’s Chequamegon Bay, the campus represents a rare opportunity for institutional users and visionary investors alike.

The property includes well-maintained, versatile facilities: a state-of-the-art science building, a state-of-the-art stadium, the region’s newest and largest athletic and fitness center, multiple residence halls, a food production and food bank facility, a student center with full commercial kitchen, and an award-winning environmental retreat center integrated into the forested landscape. Expansive green spaces, fire pits, and a community garden further enhance the campus’s natural appeal.

Situated within the ancestral Ojibwe homelands, the property is surrounded by sizeable tribal populations whose culture and relationships remain foundational to the area’s community and economic landscape.

Campus infrastructure and natural resources offer unmatched versatility, suitable for charter and religious schools, satellite college campuses, retreats, camps, research centers, and more. This is a rare opportunity to own and repurpose a landmark property with a legacy of education, sustainability, and community.

Northern Wisconsin near the shore of Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world.