The picturesque harbor town of Bayfield is on the shores of Lake Superior in northern Wisconsin. With breathtaking views and clear waters, Bayfield is a great destination for those looking for outdoor adventures, a historic downtown, and beautiful scenery. Originally a fishing village, Bayfield also serves as the gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
Things to Do
Kayaking
Bayfield is home to some of the best kayaking in the country. Paddle along the Apostle Islands’ famous sea caves, a series of red sandstone cliffs that include caves, tunnels and narrow passageways. If you’re a beginner, there are plenty of local outfitters that can give you a guided tour of the caves along the mainland north of Meyers Beach or any of the 21 islands in the national lakeshore. Outfitters include Living Adventure, Wilderness Inquiry, and Trek and Trail.
Madeline Island
Ride the ferry to Madeline Island, the only inhabited island of the Apostle Islands. The small island’s charm and natural beauty make it the perfect day-trip getaway. Daily ferries shuttle both vehicles and pedestrians to and from La Pointe, one of the oldest settlements in the Upper Midwest. Here you can see artists studios, galleries, and the Madeline Island Museum. On the east side of the island, check out Big Bay State Park for 1.5 miles of beaches and more than 7 miles of hiking and nature trails.
Island Tours
A boat tour of the Apostle Islands is a highlight of any trip. You’ll find sandstone cliffs, picturesque lighthouses, and stunning sea caves. Apostle Islands Cruises offers a three-hour sightseeing cruise around the islands at 10 a.m. daily, May 13-Oct. 22, with an evening cruise on select dates through Oct. 21.
Big Top Chautauqua
Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua is a performing arts showcase operating June through September under a canvas, state-of-the-art tent featuring nationally known as well as local performers. Some of the big names scheduled for this season include Brandi Carlile, Three Dog Night, Merle Haggard, Buddy Guy, Emmy Lou Harris, BoDeans, Gaelic Storm, and Home Free.
Food & Beverage
Kickapoo Coffee Café– Start your day with a great coffee from Kickapoo Coffee. The cafe also serves treats from the Ashland Baking Company— try the chocolate croissant! Take your drink with you on a walk of downtown or enjoy the lovely atmosphere in the shop.
The Fat Radish– The Fat Radish is a local farm-to-table restaurant on Main Street serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s also a great place to get a sandwich to-go for one of your outdoor adventures in the area.
The Deck at the Bayfield Inn– Enjoy lunch and a drink on the rooftop while watching sailboats drift by on Lake Superior. The bar is a hotspot in the evenings and has live music on summer weekends. There is a more formal restaurant downstairs in the hotel that has delicious food, too.
Tom’s Burned Down Café– Tom’s Burned Down Café in La Pointe is a funky outdoor bar and restaurant to enjoy the sunset on Madeline Island. This café is anything but ordinary and features live music and an art gallery.
Bonus: When you explore downtown Bayfield, check out some of the unique local shops. We recommend Joanne’s Scandinavian for authentic Scandinavian houseware and décor and The Candy Shoppe for homemade chocolates, fudge, and pies.
If you visit in October, be sure to go to the Bayfield Apple Festival, voted one of the 10 Best Harvest Festivals in the nation.
