Top things to do in Bayfield, Wisconsin

The petite port town of Bayfield, Wisconsin, located on the edge of the largest of the Great Lakes, is a gateway to the music, art and wildlife of the Northern Apostle Islands. The city, located about 80 miles east of Duluth, Minnesota, attracts tourists looking to kayak to caves or islands, hike through the trees or simply take an evening stroll along Bayfield’s Rittenhouse Avenue cultural corridor.

What to do

Apostle Islands by boat

AND 55 mile narrated cruise passes the highlights of Apostle Islands National Lake. Other options: kayaking (Trekking and trail is a popular equipment supplier), sailing, island ferriesprivate tours and glass bottom boat cruises.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Almost A 70,000-acre preserve it covers 20 km of cave-strewn coastline along a peninsula jutting into Lake Superior and also includes 21 of the 22 Apostle Islands. (About 300 year-round residents live in this member of the archipelago Madeline Islandis not part of the national lakeshore.)

Cycling

Jump in Brownstone Trail or another trail in the area for a drive along Lake Superior.

Bayfield Maritime Museum

Artifacts and maritime displays tell the story of life on the inland sea.

Great Chautauqua Peak

Check online schedule for concerts and other performances in a 900-seat canvas tent near the shores of Lake Superior.

Madeline Island

Boats from Ferry line to Madeline Island deliver guests to La Pointe, where they can visit artists’ studios, galleries and unusual bars (e.g Spalona Tomek’s Cafe). In the eastern part of the island, Big Bay State Park and nearby Big Bay Municipal Park offer opportunities for hiking, swimming and picnicking.

Orchard tours

Pick up a map at the visitor center and drive to local orchards, including: Apple of Bayfield, Farm with perfect view of Hauser AND Blue Vista Farm for fresh fruit, baked goods and local products.

Rittenhouse Avenue

Bayfield’s main neighborhood offers one-of-a-kind boutiques, beach gift shops, and upscale restaurants, as well as stunning views of Lake Superior and Madeline Island. Get lost among the stacks on Honest books about dogs, which devotes a section to local authors.

Where to eat and drink

Seiche Cafe

Chef-owner Chris Wolfe’s menu changes daily at this seasonal spot, but may include almond-crusted lake trout with roasted red potatoes and asparagus at the seasonal spot. seasonal spot on Madeline Island.

Copper Crow Distillery

The copper crow, the nation’s first Native American distillery, produces unique vodka and gin with whey sourced from a Wisconsin dairy. Sample their spirits in cocktail form at the bar.

Copper Trout

This restaurant (formerly Ethel’s at 250) offers fresh fish and other local dishes. Try the popular Big Lake whitefish pizza with whitefish, peppers, onion, mozzarella and lemon-garlic olive oil.

Bistro DaLou

For budget-friendly but original wood-fired New York-style pizza, drive ten miles south on State-13 to Washburn to DaLou.

Manypenny’s Bistro

It’s a bistro is a place where you can eat gyros and pizza from a wood-fired oven.

Spalona Tomek’s Cafe

Take the ferry to Madeline Island and enjoy a drink at Tom’s listening to live music and visiting an art gallery.

Fat Radish

Artisanal sandwiches and wraps make a great picnic lunch Fat Radish, or stop by for a bagel with smoked whitefish or tacos with zander.

Pier Plaza Restaurant

The location by the bay makes it so great views for guestseats burgers, sandwiches, wraps.

Where to stay

Bayfield Inn

Hot tubs and fireplaces enhance rooms overlooking the Apostle Islands Bayfield Inn.

The legendary Waters Resort and Casino

Each room at Legendary waters It offers views of Lake Superior and the nearby Apostle Islands, as well as a fitness center, indoor pool and warm tub.

Old Rittenhouse Inn

Suites with fireplaces, steam showers or warm tubs Old Rittenhouse Inn they promise a romantic getaway, as well as five-course dinners and exquisite breakfasts. The wraparound porch is the perfect place to relax at the end of the day and enjoy the views of Bayfield and Lake Superior.

Guesthouse overlooking the Queen

On Guesthouse overlooking the Queen, the hardest decision may be whether to eat a continental breakfast in the shining yellow dining room or on the porch of this property, which opened as a guesthouse in fall 2022. The striking seven-bedroom Victorian home belonged to the delayed Mary H. Rice. After exploring Apostle Islands National Lake, swim in the petite outdoor heated pool.

Wild Rice Retreat

It’s a sanctuary focuses on art and wellness, offering classes such as yoga, meditation, indispensable oil blending classes, and hiking. Stay in newly built accommodation including Ricepods (petite detached cottages) and Nest with separate living and sleeping areas.

Pinehurst Inn

Reusable stainless steel water bottles are just one way this guesthouse is gaining a reputation as the premiere eco-friendly stay.

For more information bayfield.org