17 Best Things to Do in Bayfield WI

Some popular things to do in Bayfield, WI include visiting the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, taking a boat tour to the nearby sea caves, hiking the many trails in the area, visiting the Bayfield Marina, and enjoying the local shops and restaurants.

Additionally, Bayfield is known for its apple orchards and is home to the Bayfield Apple Festival which is held annually in October.

Other activities include visiting the Bayfield Heritage Center and fishing and kayaking in Lake Superior.

 

Best Things to Do in Bayfield, WI

1- Touring the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Ice Caves

Touring the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore ice caves is a popular winter activity in Bayfield, WI.

The ice caves are formed by the natural erosion of the sandstone cliffs along the shore of Lake Superior.

The caves are only accessible during the winter months when the lake is frozen, typically from January through March. Visitors can access the caves via a ranger-led tour or by renting a kayak and exploring on their own.

It’s important to note that the ice conditions can change rapidly and can be extremely dangerous, so it’s important to check with the National Park Service before visiting and to take necessary safety precautions.

2- Old Bayfield County Courthouse

The Old Bayfield County Courthouse is a historic building located in Bayfield, Wisconsin.

The courthouse was built in 1877 and served as the county courthouse until the construction of a new courthouse in 1960. The building is a fine example of Victorian architecture and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

It is now open to the public as a museum, showcasing the history of Bayfield County and the surrounding region.

Visitors can take a tour of the building and view exhibits on the area’s logging and fishing industries, as well as the history of the Native American tribes that have lived in the area for centuries.

3- Meyers Beach Sea Caves

Meyers Beach is a popular spot for sea cave exploration located in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Bayfield, WI.

The sea caves are formed by the natural erosion of the sandstone cliffs along the shore of Lake Superior. The caves are only accessible during the low water season, typically from mid-July to mid-October.

Visitors can access the caves via a ranger-led tour or by renting a kayak and exploring on their own.

It’s important to note that the water level can change rapidly and can be extremely dangerous, so it’s important to check with the National Park Service before visiting and to take necessary safety precautions. Meyers Beach also offers beautiful views of the lake, a sandy beach, and a great place for hiking.

4- Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua

Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua is a popular summer concert and performance venue located in Bayfield, WI.

The Big Top is an open-air tent theater that seats up to 1,200 people, and it is set up on the shore of Lake Superior.

The venue offers a wide variety of performances throughout the summer, including concerts, plays, comedy shows, and more.

The focus of the performances is on traditional Americana, including bluegrass, folk, and country music, as well as storytelling, dance, and comedy.

Additionally, the venue also hosts a variety of educational programs and workshops for visitors of all ages.

The schedule for the performances is usually announced in the spring of each year.

5- Bayfield Maritime Museum

The Bayfield Maritime Museum is a maritime history museum located in Bayfield, Wisconsin.

The museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the maritime history of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands. It features exhibits on the history of commercial and recreational boating, shipwrecks, and the life of the sailors who worked on the Great Lakes.

The museum also has a collection of artefacts and photographs that tell the story of the people who have lived and worked on the lake, from the early days of sailing ships to the modern era of recreational boating.

Visitors can also see exhibits of the local shipping and fishing industries and learn about the role of the U.S. Coast Guard in the area. The museum is open seasonally and hours vary depending on the time of year.

6- Copper Crow Distillery

Copper Crow Distillery is a craft distillery located in Bayfield, Wisconsin. They are known for producing high-quality, small-batch spirits using locally sourced ingredients.

The distillery produces a variety of spirits including gin, whiskey, rum, and brandy. They also offer tours of the facility, where visitors can learn about the distilling process and sample some of their products.

They also have a tasting room where visitors can sample and purchase their spirits and a cocktail bar where visitors can enjoy Copper Crow’s products in a variety of creative cocktails. The distillery is open to visitors year-round, but hours of operation may vary depending on the time of year.

7- Hauser’s Superior View Orchard

Hauser’s Superior View Orchard is a family-owned orchard located in Bayfield, Wisconsin.

The orchard is known for its apples and has a wide variety of apple varieties available for picking during apple season, typically from late August to October. They also have a farm market where visitors can purchase fresh apples, apple cider, and other apple-related products. The orchard also features a cidery where they make hard cider from their own apples and other local fruit.

They also offer tours of the orchard and cidery, where visitors can learn about the history of the orchard and the process of growing and making cider.

Additionally, they have a bakery, gift shop and a restaurant on site. Hauser’s Superior View Orchard is open seasonally, and the hours of operation may vary depending on the time of year.

8- Brownstone Trail

Brownstone Trail is a hiking trail located in Bayfield, Wisconsin. The trail is part of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and is a 2.5-mile round-trip hike that leads to the Brownstone cliffs.

The trailhead is located on the mainland and follows the shore of Lake Superior to the cliffs. The Brownstone cliffs are made of sandstone and have been shaped by the forces of the lake over time.

The trail offers scenic views of Lake Superior, the cliffs and the surrounding forest. It’s a relatively easy hike, but visitors should be aware that the trail can be slippery and rocky in places, so appropriate footwear is recommended.

The trail is open year-round but access to the trail may be limited during the winter months due to snow and ice. It’s recommended to check with the National Park Service before visiting.

9- Blue Vista Farm

Blue Vista Farm is a family-owned farm located in Bayfield, Wisconsin. The farm is known for its organic produce, including vegetables and fruits. They also have a small herd of cows that are grass-fed. They provide visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about sustainable farming practices and to purchase fresh, locally grown produce.

They also offer tours of the farm, where visitors can learn about the farm’s history and current operations, and they also have an on-site farm store where visitors can purchase produce, eggs, and other farm products.

The farm also hosts several events throughout the year, such as farm-to-table dinners, workshops, and other educational events. The farm is open seasonally and the hours of operation may vary depending on the time of year.

10- Stone’s Throw Art Gallery

Stone’s Throw Art Gallery is an art gallery located in Bayfield, Wisconsin. The gallery features the work of local and regional artists, including paintings, sculptures, pottery, jewellery, and other mediums.

The gallery’s mission is to provide a space for artists to showcase their work and to promote the arts in the community. They also host exhibits, artist talks and other events throughout the year.

The gallery is open year-round and the hours of operation may vary depending on the time of year. It’s a great place to explore and discover the work of local artists and purchase original artworks, gifts and handmade crafts.

 

See also: 

25 Best Things to do in Huntington WV

19 Best and Fun Things to Do in Denton TX

19 Best and Fun Things to do in Laredo Tx

 

11- Big Ravine Trail

The Big Ravine Trail is a hiking trail located in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Bayfield, Wisconsin. The trail is considered moderately difficult and is approximately 2.5 miles round trip. It starts from the parking lot on Meyers Road and travels to the top of the Big Ravine, which offers a scenic view of the area.

Along the way, the trail passes through a variety of habitats, including hardwood forests, wetlands, and rocky outcroppings. The trail also features a wooden footbridge over the ravine.

The trail is open year-round, but access may be limited during the winter months due to snow and ice. Visitors should be aware that the trail can be steep and rocky in places, so appropriate footwear and water are recommended. It’s also recommended to check with the National Park Service before visiting.

12- Eckel’s Pottery and Finecrafts Gallery

Eckel’s Pottery and Finecrafts Gallery is a local art gallery located in Bayfield, Wisconsin. It’s a great place to find original works by local and regional artists.

The gallery features a wide range of artworks, including pottery, sculpture, jewellery, paintings, and other fine crafts. They showcase the work of over 50 artists.

The gallery also has a studio where visitors can watch pottery being made and learn more about the process. The gallery also offers workshops, classes and other educational events throughout the year, which are a great way to get hands-on experience and take home a unique piece of art. The gallery is open year-round, but the hours of operation may vary depending on the time of year.

13- Bayfield Apple Company

The Bayfield Apple Company is a family-owned orchard and cidery located in Bayfield, Wisconsin. The orchard is known for its apples and has a wide variety of apple varieties available for picking during apple season, typically from late August to October. They also have a farm market where visitors can purchase fresh apples, apple cider, and other apple-related products such as jams, jellies, syrups, and pies.

The company also have a cidery where they make hard cider from their own apples and other local fruit. They offer tours of the orchard and cidery, where visitors can learn about the history of the orchard, the process of growing and making cider, and sample some of their products. The orchard is open seasonally and the hours of operation may vary depending on the time of year.

14- Les Voight State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center

The Les Voight State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center is a visitor center and fish hatchery located in Bayfield, Wisconsin. The hatchery is dedicated to the production and stocking of fish for the Great Lakes region, and it raises and releases a variety of fish species including lake trout, brown trout, and brook trout.

The visitor center features interactive exhibits that educate visitors on the history of the hatchery, the fish species they raise, and the importance of fish stocking in the Great Lakes ecosystem.

The hatchery also offers guided tours of the facilities, where visitors can see the fish rearing and spawning process up close. The visitor center and hatchery are open year-round, but the hours of operation may vary depending on the time of year. It’s a great place to visit for all ages, especially for those who are interested in the natural history of the area.

15- Pikes Bay Marina

Pikes Bay Marina is a marina located in Bayfield, Wisconsin on the shore of Lake Superior. The marina offers a variety of services for boaters, including boat slips, fuel, pump-out service, and boat rentals.

The marina also has a ship store where visitors can purchase boating supplies and fishing equipment. They also offer fishing charters and boat tours, which are a great way to experience the beauty of Lake Superior. Additionally, the marina is a great place to launch kayaks and canoes, and it’s a great spot for fishing, bird-watching, and enjoying the scenic views of the lake.

Pikes Bay Marina is open year-round, but the hours of operation may vary depending on the time of year. It’s a popular destination for boating enthusiasts, anglers and nature lovers.

16- Pike’s Creek Mt Ashwabay Ski Trails

Pike’s Creek Mt Ashwabay Ski Trails is a network of cross-country ski trails located in Bayfield, Wisconsin. The trails are located in the Mt. Ashwabay Recreation Area, which is part of the Bayfield County Forest. The trails are groomed for both classic and skate-skiing and range in difficulty from easy to challenging.

The trail system offers a variety of terrains, including rolling hills, and beautiful woods and meadows.

The trails are open seasonally, usually from December to March, depending on snow conditions. Visitors should be aware that the trails are not lighted, so it’s best to visit during daylight hours. The trailhead is located at the Ashwabay Outdoor Education Center, which is open on weekends during ski season and offers ski rental, ski lessons and other services.

17- Christ Episcopal Church

Christ Episcopal Church is a historic church located in Bayfield, Wisconsin. It is an active parish that serves the community. The church was built in 1884 and is a fine example of Carpenter Gothic architecture. The church has beautiful stained glass windows, a historic pipe organ, and intricate woodwork.

The church is open to visitors during regular service times and also offers guided tours. Visitors can learn about the history of the church and admire the architecture and artwork. The church also hosts various events such as concerts, lectures and other community events. It is a great place to visit for those interested in history and architecture, and for those who want to experience a piece of Bayfield’s cultural heritage.

 

See also:

20 Best and Fun Things to do in Joplin Mo

26 Fun and Best Things to do in Forks WA

19 Fun and Best Things to do in Leesburg Va

 

Top Things to Do Around Bayfield and the Apostle Islands

1. Explore the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: This beautiful area features sea caves, historic lighthouses, and miles of hiking trails along the shore of Lake Superior.
2. Visit the Bayfield Marina: The marina offers a variety of boat tours, including trips to the sea caves and sunset cruises.
3. Hike the Brownstone Trail: This 2.5-mile round trip hike offers scenic views of Lake Superior and the Brownstone cliffs.
4. Take a Boat Tour of the Sea Caves: The sea caves are only accessible by boat during the low water season, typically from mid-July to mid-October.
5. Visit the Bayfield Heritage Center: This museum offers exhibits on the history of the area, including the logging and fishing industries, and the Native American tribes that have lived in the area for centuries.
6. Enjoy the Local Shops and Restaurants: Bayfield is home to a variety of unique shops and restaurants, offering everything from handmade crafts to local seafood.
7. Attend the Bayfield Apple Festival: This annual festival is held in October and celebrates the area’s apple orchards.
8. Visit Hauser’s Superior View Orchard: This orchard is known for its apples and offers visitors the opportunity to pick their own apples during apple season.
9. Take a Copper Crow Distillery tour: The distillery is known for producing high-quality, small-batch spirits using locally sourced ingredients, visitors can learn about the distilling process and sample some of their products.
10. Explore the Stone’s Throw Art Gallery: This art gallery features the work of local and regional artists, including paintings, sculptures, pottery, jewellery and more.

 

See also:

Can you walk Madeline Island?

Can you take a ferry to Apostle Islands?

When should I go to Apostle Islands?