Local Attractions - Bayfield Wisconsin
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore comprises a stretch of shoreline and 21 islands at the northern tip of Wisconsin, on Lake Superior. On the mainland, just north of Bayfield, the Lakeshore Trail winds past cliffs and sea caves. Many islands have trails, beaches and marinas, including Madeline Island, accessible by a 20 minute ferry ride on the Madeline Island Ferry from Bayfield to LaPointe.
Big Top Chautauqua
Nestled at the base of Mount Ashwabay, 3 miles south of Bayfield, WI, Big Top overlooks Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. It’s an outdoor musical experience unlike any other. The Carnegie Hall of tent shows, Big Top brings big names and budding artists to the stage, performing from mid June to early September.
Mount Ashwabay
Top notch hidden gem of the Midwest. Mt. Ashwabay is a non-profit ski hill and outdoor recreation area overlooking Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands. It boasts an impressive array of outdoor opportunities to escape the crowds and “get away from it all:” professionally developed and managed mountain bike trails, miles of expertly groomed Nordic ski trails, and the perfect downhill terrain for a family ski day. These hills are a special place in the northern woodlands of Wisconsin that afford a genuine space to enjoy wild and scenic wonders.
Sea Caves
Centuries of wave action, freezing, and thawing have sculpted shorelines throughout Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Some of the Great Lakes' most spectacular scenery occurs where these forces interact with sandstone of Northern Wisconsin. Nature has carved delicate arches, vaulted chambers, and honeycombed passageways into cliffs all around the the north shore of Lake Superior. Summer kayaking or winter ice, visit the sea caves and witness Lake Superior's ever-changing handiwork.
Madeline Island and Big Bay State Park
On the eastern side of Madeline Island, the largest of the Apostle Islands archipelago, Big Bay State Park features picturesque sandstone bluffs along 4 miles of Lake Superior shoreline.
The park also has a 1-mile boardwalk, sandy swimming beach, hiking trails, large family campground and two group camps.
A short ferry ride from Bayfield to Madeline Island is needed to reach the park.
Orchards and Vineyards
Bayfield’s agricultural heritage boasts gorgeous wineries and fruitful orchards of all kinds. The apples are so good, we even have a festival for them! Join us for Apple Fest every October, or skip the party and escape to the orchards to pick your own fruit and savor the flavors of the North Woods seasons: blueberries, raspberries, and apples to start, and finish off the day sipping on some of the local vintners’ vintages.
Other Area Attractions Include:
Dine Local
Savor freshly prepared food from local gardens and farmers at one of Bayfield’s many Farm to Table restaurants, or create your own feast by pairing tid-bits from our local fisheries, dairies, farms, and orchards. As a guest of The South Shore Condo you can enjoy the comfort of a home cooked meal with a fully stocked kitchen.
As a guest of The Bayfield Guest House, don’t forget to bring back your leftovers! There’s a mini fridge in every suite.
Drink Local
Sample (or indulge in) locally crafted beers, wine, liquor, and coffee at a host of area locations.
Ride with Us
All guests will receive a discount on bike rentals at Howl Adventure Center, during your stay. We’d be happy to point you toward some of our favorite trails, shopping and restaurants, all accessible on two wheels.
Ski With Us
Visiting in the winter? The ski hill and Nordic trails are just 5 minutes down the road. Each guest will receive a complimentary day pass (1 per guest up to 2) to Mount Ashwabay as long as the snow is flying!
Focus On Yourself
Guests of the Bayfield Guest House can unwind and relax in one of our private jacuzzi tubs built for two and those at the South Shore Condo melt into luxurious leathers, linens, and velvets, and melt away in the rain head shower head.
Read Widely
Our libraries boasts titles on a variety of subjects by local authors and illustrators. Not finding a favorite? The Bayfield Public Library is just 2 blocks away, and Bayfield is home to multiple amazingly stocked book stores.