Bayfield Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled on the shores of Lake Superior, the charming city of Bayfield in the Wisconsin region of the United States offers a delightful escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, quaint shops, and vibrant arts scene, Bayfield is the perfect destination for those looking to unwind and immerse themselves in the beauty of the great outdoors.

One of the main attractions in Bayfield is the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, a group of 22 islands that boast stunning sea caves, pristine beaches, and picturesque lighthouses. Visitors can explore the islands by kayak, sailing boat, or even take a guided tour to fully appreciate the natural wonders that this area has to offer. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, a scenic cruise along the shoreline provides a unique perspective of the islands and their majestic cliffs.

Back on land, the town of Bayfield itself is a vibrant hub of activity. The historic downtown area is lined with charming shops, art galleries, and cozy cafés. Visitors can wander through the streets, discovering local crafts, delicious treats, and unique souvenirs. The local art scene is also thriving, with numerous galleries showcasing the work of talented artists inspired by the area's natural beauty.

Food enthusiasts will find plenty to satisfy their taste buds in Bayfield. The city is famous for its apple orchards, and during the fall season, visitors can indulge in freshly picked apples, homemade pies, and other delicious apple-themed treats. The local dining scene is also diverse and offers a range of culinary delights, from hearty Midwestern fare to gourmet cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find a wealth of recreational activities to enjoy in Bayfield. The area is a haven for hiking, biking, and birdwatching, with numerous trails winding through the surrounding forests and along the lakeshore. In the winter months, Bayfield transforms into a winter wonderland, with opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing.

Alternative names: Area: 0.87 mi²Elevation: 633 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 46°48'39"N, 90°48'58"W

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WisconsinUnited States

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Bayfield Top Attractions

Bayfield Attractions - What to See and Explore

Bayfield offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Big Top Chautauqua, Old Bayfield County Courthouse, Apostle Islands Marina, Christ Episcopal Church. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Music venue
Big Top Chautauqua
The Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua is a 900-seat music venue and performing arts center, located near Bayfield, Wisconsin. It is an all-canvas tent-theater which has operated since 1986, primarily during the summer, and has hosted such entertainers as Willie Nelson and Lyle Lovett.
Neoclassical architecture • Romanesque revival architecture
Old Bayfield County Courthouse
The Old Bayfield County Courthouse is located in Bayfield, Wisconsin.
46°48'33"N • 90°48'47"W
Apostle Islands Marina
Sailing • Boat or ferry • Marina

Civic center • Church
Christ Episcopal Church
Christ Episcopal Church was built in 1870 and is located in Bayfield, Wisconsin. It was designed in the Victorian Gothic and Carpenter Gothic architectural styles.
46°48'31"N • 90°48'53"W
Bayfield Maritime Museum
History museum • Museum
46°47'23"N • 90°51'4"W
Pikes Bay Marina
Sailing • Park • Marina
46°46'37"N • 90°53'39"W
Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua
Concerts and shows • Theater
46°48'36"N • 90°48'57"W
Stone's Throw
Art gallery • Shopping • Museum
46°48'21"N • 90°49'38"W
Eckels pottery and fine craft gallery
Art gallery • Shopping • Museum
46°48'49"N • 90°48'53"W
Frank Boutin Jr. House
The Frank Boutin Jr. House is a historic single dwelling in Bayfield, Wisconsin, United States. The property was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 27, 1974.
Neighbourhood
Bayfield Historic District
The Bayfield Historic District is an area spanning 60 blocks in Bayfield, Wisconsin. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

Things to See and Do in Bayfield by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Bayfield.

Culture

Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua
Bayfield
Concerts and showsTheater
Stone's Throw
Bayfield
Art galleryShoppingMuseum
Eckels pottery and fine craft gallery
Bayfield
Art galleryShoppingMuseum

Day trips

Bayfield – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Bayfield, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Split Rock Lighthouse (Split Rock Lighthouse State Park), Madeline Island Museum (Madeline Island), Edna G (Two Harbors).

37 milesNW
History museum, Lighthouse, Museum
Split Rock Lighthouse, Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Split Rock Lighthouse is a lighthouse located southwest of Silver Bay, Minnesota, USA on the North Shore of Lake Superior. The structure was designed by lighthouse engineer Ralph Russell Tinkham and was completed in 1910 by the United States Lighthouse Service at a cost of $75,000, including the buildings and the land.
2.5 miSE
Island, Maritime museum, History museum
Madeline Island Museum, Madeline Island
Madeline Island Museum is a museum owned and operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society. Opened on June 15, 1958, the museum is in the town of La Pointe, Wisconsin on Madeline Island, one of the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior.
43 milesW
Museum, Ship
Edna G, Two Harbors
Edna G is a tugboat which worked the Great Lakes and is now preserved as a museum ship. Edna G was built by the Cleveland Shipbuilding Company in 1896 for the Duluth and Iron Range Railroad at a cost $35,397.50. She was named for the daughter of J. L. Greatsinger, president of the railroad.
16 milesS
City hall
Old Ashland Post Office, Ashland
The Old Ashland Post Office is a historic building in Ashland, Wisconsin, United States. It now serves as the Ashland City Hall, which is what most people know it as, and refer to it as. It houses the offices of city government.
42 milesW
Lighthouse, Museum, Vernacular architecture
Two Harbors Light, Two Harbors
The Two Harbors Light is the oldest operating lighthouse in the US state of Minnesota. Overlooking Lake Superior's Agate Bay, the lighthouse is located in Two Harbors, Minnesota. The construction of the lighthouse began in 1891 and was completed the following year, with the light being lit for the first time on April 14, 1892.