Book Across the Bay: An event with unparalleled beauty, excitement, and community — and a fire-breathing dragon — on Lake Superior in Ashland, WI

Book Across the Bay is a magical multi-sport event trekking across a frozen bay of the largest lake in the world with live music, fireworks, a fire-breathing snow dragon, a sky full of stars, dumpster fires, food and drink, a path lined with beautiful candle-and-ice luminaries, and a wonderful sense of community. If you are searching for a vivacious and fun-filled event that will bring back the glow to your winter-worn face, this is certainly an excellent choice.

This past Saturday, February 18, 2023, I road-tripped up to Ashland, Wisconsin—one of my favorite places in the world—to trek across the frozen bay of Lake Superior with my family for a total distance of six miles. The coordination of the volunteers, event directors, participants, and everyone else involved resulted in an event that I genuinely wouldn’t describe as anything less than magical.

Book Across the Bay is a multi-sport event, open to skiers, snowshoers, walkers, and runners. During the drearier winter months in the Midwest, I often struggle to be active and engage with exciting events in the community. Book Across the Bay was more than an antidote to these winter doldrums.

All of Ashland was abuzz with the energy of the imminent event during the day on Saturday. Out-of-towners were exploring the multitude of cultural experiences that Ashland and the surrounding towns had to offer­—including beautiful murals and art, delicious coffee, handcrafted food, wildlife, natural scenery, local businesses, Northland College, artesian wells, interesting establishments, and wonderful people—and the locals were enjoying the camaraderie and helping to create an incredible and friendly atmosphere. Even the packet pick-up for Book Across the Bay was a creatively engaging experience, with live music, food vendors, raffles, and an unexpected community kite-flying event on the frozen lake.

In preparation for the race, my family and I went back to the local Quality Inn to rest and eat a bit. We dressed in warm clothes, put our bib numbers on, and headed next door to El Charro Mexican Bar & Grill to get a few delicious margaritas before embarking on our adventure. Upon our arrival, participants were swarming into the starting area on the bay, which was organized into a few different waves based on sport type. Some of us put Yaktrax on our shoes to help grip the ice, but I was perfectly fine in my amazing Hoka Gore-Tex Challenger Mid boots that I purchased while I worked at the running store (they are also low-drop which I love!). The atmosphere was one of excitement and anticipation, and strangers were swapping stories and sharing encouraging words and humorous comments. The sun had almost set on the horizon, creating a beautiful mirage of colors in the sky, and the dumpster fires and ice luminaries with candles inside only added to the gorgeous silhouette.

The waves of people were starting to be released, and the sun was setting rapidly. Excitement rose even more. We started in the fourth wave since we were all walking, and it was very dark on the expanse of ice except for the lights of the establishments on shore, the fires, the luminaries, and people’s headlights or flashlights. (If you’re in need of a great running/sport headlight, check this one out.) Sticking together as a group was a thrilling challenge for the first few miles, and fireworks went off a bit after the start, making the event feel even more like a celebration of togetherness. The magic of the margaritas was also quick to set in, rendering the cold hardly noticeable!

The stars were out by mile one or two of the six-mile event, and the energy became a bit more contemplative, although the party atmosphere never diminished. The hardworking volunteers at each of the well-placed stops along the way were quick to offer encouragement, snacks, water, music, and other welcome amenities and entertainment. The constellations of stars became denser and denser since the weather was good and the visibility of space was not hindered by big-city smog on Lake Superior. The unique sight of the endless lines of candle luminaries only added to the beauty. The sight was breathtaking from the course and is nostalgically engrained in my memory.

At the turnaround point halfway, we were met with a marvelous, large snow sculpture of a dragon with flames intermittently roaring from its mouth. There was yet another support tent with sustenance, kind people, live music, and warmth. Many lingered for a bit to enjoy the atmosphere, and I was glad we had chosen to walk so that we could really have some quality time to talk and joke with each other and take in the details of the event.

The last half was slightly more chaotic than the first, as members of our group wandered apart and creatively found ways to get back together. We had been out on the dark, open ice for quite a while, and the luminaries were melting from just the heat of the candles. I helped a skier with his troublesome skis and got to chat with him for a while since I was separated from my group, and it was enjoyable to make a new friend. The finish was buzzing with the same exciting energy that had been dispersed throughout the course, along with the bit of relief that comes from being surrounded by people and modernity after venturing out on the cold, open ice. Finishers all had various ways of celebrating their adventure, and my family went to a local restaurant for a delicious dinner and a warm, bright atmosphere.

Book Across the Bay was an experience that will stay with me forever as a spiritually fulfilling and dream-like event. I thank all of those who creatively designed the event and made it a reality, and I very highly recommend it to anyone, especially if you are looking to spruce up your midwestern winter experience!

-Josh