Wisconsin Summer Getaway: Bayfield & the Apostle Islands
Did you know there are islands in Wisconsin? Located on the southern shore of Lake Superior is the quaint little coastal town of Bayfield that’s also the gateway to the Apostle Islands. There are only three National Lakeshores in the country, and these 22 islands with their iconic sea caves make up one of them. Despite their status as an official member of the U.S. National Park system, the Apostle Islands have still managed to remain somewhat of a hidden gem. While these scenic islands are reason enough to pay a visit, don’t miss out on exploring the adorable Midwest town of Bayfield while you’re here. With fruit farms, wineries, and picturesque views, Bayfield is the perfect summer weekend getaway in Wisconsin.
Get ready to enjoy a scenic summer getaway with this travel guide to Bayfield and the Apostle Islands.
Getting to Bayfield, Wisconsin
Bayfield is the perfect weekend getaway from the Twin Cities. It’s about a four-hour drive, and the towns of Duluth or Superior make for a great stop at around the halfway mark. If you’re flying in from out of state, the closest major airport is MSP in Minneapolis, but there’s also a smaller regional airport in Duluth (about two hours from Bayfield).
Best Time to Visit Bayfield & the Apostle Islands
SUMMER
The summer months are a beautiful time to visit Bayfield. Temperatures are typically at their most comfortable from late June through August, but be on the lookout for the occasional summer storm that could prevent you from visiting the islands. This is the most popular time to visit, so expect higher accommodation prices in the summer.
FALL
September is another great time to visit. Autumn colors pop up in late September, and Bayfield’s many orchards celebrate the harvest season during this time as well. By mid-October, the temperature shifts from pleasant sweater weather to winter jacket weather. Autumns are short and hard to predict in Wisconsin, so if you’re coming from out of state with less flexibility in your planning, you might end up with summer-like weather in September or winter-like weather in October.
WINTER
Although winters can be harsh (or even dangerous) in Wisconsin, this is actually one of the most popular times to visit. This is due to the Apostle Island sea caves that turn into remarkable ice caves in the colder months. Once the lake freezes enough to be safe, visitors can walk across the frozen water to explore these breathtaking ice caves.
SPRING
Bayfield has a short spring season with winter weather lasting through at least March (and often through April). With unpredictable weather that’s too warm for ice caves but not warm enough for exploring the lakeshore by boat or kayak, this isn’t the best time to visit. The upside is there will be few visitors and lower prices. And you may get lucky and have a day of perfect spring weather!
The Coldest of the Lakes
No matter what time of year you visit, don’t expect to go for an enjoyable dip in the lake. The largest of the Great Lakes is also the coldest lake in the United States. On a warm summer day, the water temp might reach the mid-60s if you’re lucky (that’s about 18°C).
Lake Superior is a beauty to behold (it’s the world’s largest freshwater lake and the cleanest and clearest lake in the country), but it’s not great for a swim. If you plan to kayak, a wetsuit is highly advisable (and often required by rental companies).
Where to Stay in Bayfield for a Summer Getaway
Old Rittenhouse Inn
This is the classic, elevated B&B experience. Expect ornate cottage interiors (complete with all the granny florals – but in a good way), and an expertly crafted breakfast by the inn’s chef. The view from the porch is also gorgeous.
Wild Rice Retreat
There’s nothing else like Wild Rice Retreat in the Bayfield area. This modern retreat boasts beautifully designed units that were created to provide a restful and rejuvenating experience. In addition, they also offer nourishing amenities and experiences like locally-sourced meals, yoga classes, a sauna, guided meditation, and more. They’re also pet friendly!
Apostle Rentals
Apostle Rentals offers a variety of vacation homes at various price points, but most are on the more budget-friendly side. Stay anywhere from a condo by the water to a B&B with beautiful lake views. The hosts, Jack and Marie, are also incredibly kind.
Where to Eat & Drink
Be sure to plan where you want to eat ahead of time and check the hours. As with many small towns, few restaurants in Bayfield are open late, and many are closed on various weekdays.
BREAKFAST & COFFEE
Wonderstate Coffee
We stopped here every morning for coffee and bagels. Definitely try to snag an everything bagel before they run out for the day!
LUNCH & DINNER
Landmark Restaurant
This is Bayfield’s premiere restaurant. Located at the Rittenhouse Inn, the restaurant space is so charming and cozy. The menu rotates daily, using seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible, so expect something delicious and fresh. Book a reservation in advance to guarantee a seat here.
The Copper Trout
Come here for classic Italian dishes made with local ingredients like fresh Whitefish, seasonal berries and apples, and wild foraged mushrooms. And although it’s an Italian menu, they still serve up cheese curds (this is Wisconsin after all).
The Pickled Herring
If freshly caught Lake Superior fish is what you’re after, then The Pickled Herring should top your list.
The Fat Radish
This one is over in the neighboring town of Cornucopia. The menu features elevated dishes and even a few vegan options (a rarity in small-town Wisconsin). If you’re out visiting Meyers Beach and looking for dinner nearby – this is the place. Reservations are recommended.
DESSERT
Sweet & Salty
Sweet & Salty serves up a huge variety of tasty ice cream flavors, including a rotating flavor of the week. For the perfect summer afternoon, grab a few scoops and head down to the waterfront park to enjoy your treat with a view. Oh – they also have homemade waffle cones!
Gourmet Garage
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort treat – look no further. Everything at Gourmet Garage is scratch-made and freshly baked, and boy can you tell when you take a bite. Make a stop out here to grab any of their incredible pies, cookies, cheesecakes, or other seasonal baked goods.
DRINKS
The Deck
This casual rooftop bar has a great view overlooking the harbor. Grab a cocktail or local craft beer, relax, and enjoy the scenery. If you get hungry, they also have a full food menu.
Adventure Club Brewing
This is Bayfield’s only local brewery, and it’s a good one. If you happen to need any bike or outdoor gear, you’re in luck, because they also share a space with Howl Adventure Center. Don’t forget to check out the giant, interactive wolf sculpture outside – an interesting, if not bizarre, feature.
Bayfield Winery & Blue Ox Cider
Stop here for some wine and cider samples (I’m a big fan of their dry brut cider), and enjoy the view of their beautiful vineyard. They often have live music here throughout the summer as well! Check the website for the schedule.
Things to Do on a Summer Getaway to Bayfield
Tour the Apostle Islands Lakeshore
Unless you’ve brought your own boat along, there are two ways you can visit the Apostle Islands. One is by kayak – either on your own or with a Bayfield Kayak Tour. This method is definitely for the more adventurous soul as kayaking on Lake Superior isn’t for beginners.
If (like me) kayaking isn’t your transportation mode of choice, the second way to explore this National Lakeshore is via a boat tour with Apostle Island Cruises. We took the Morning Grand Tour, which shepherds you on a three-hour loop around the islands. Along the way, you’ll see stunning scenery, the Raspberry and Devils Island Lighthouses, and the iconic sea caves. Throughout the tour, a guide will share interesting facts and stories about the history of the islands and wildlife.
No matter which way you choose to do it, exploring the Apostle Islands Lakeshore is a must and is sure to be the most memorable part of your trip to Bayfield.
Set-Off from Meyers Beach
Meyers Beach is another great launch pad to view sea caves along Lake Superior. Hike the 2.5-mile Lakeshore Trail starting at Meyers Beach to see sea caves from above, or set out on a sea kayak from the beach to paddle your way to the caves. Although it’s not near the islands, Meyers Beach is part of the National Lakeshore, so a small day-use fee is required to park here, and a ranger is on-site if you have any questions.
NOTE: While the beach is nice, I don’t feel the views are worth the fee unless you’re planning to hike or kayak. Meyers Beach really more of a starting point than a destination.
Enjoy the views from Bayfield Memorial Park
The perfect spot to relax by the shore, we found ourselves coming here every morning and evening throughout our trip. There are plenty of benches as well as a shaded gazebo if your feet need a break. There’s also a paved path along the shore for a little stroll. Just watch out for goose poop!
Stroll around downtown
Downtown Bayfield is adorable and very walkable. We loved just ambling about town, popping into various shops that caught our interest. A few favorites were Honest Dog Books, Penny Print Studio, and Good Flower Farm.
Visit the Bayfield Maritime Museum
This free museum is the perfect little afternoon field trip in downtown Bayfield. Set in just one open space, the museum is small, but it’s interesting to have a look around and learn a little bit about the maritime history in Bayfield. Don’t forget to stop by the little pilothouse display right out front to try your hand at steering the ship!
Take the Ferry to Madeline Island
While Madeline Island is the largest of the Apostle Islands, it’s not included in the National Lakeshore. This, however, means that people still live and work on the island, making this a lovely place to spend a few hours exploring. Pop over to Farmhouse Kitchen and Inn for a bite, grab a coffee at Mission Hill Coffee House, or go for a hike at Big Bay State Park. There’s even a golf course if you’re up for a round! Check the ferry rate and schedule, and note that if you want to go over to the state park, you’ll definitely want to bring your car.
Hit up the farms, orchards, and wineries of Bayfield’s Fruit Loop
Unlike the majority of Wisconsin, Bayfield has a temperate climate. Because of this, the area around Bayfield is plentiful with orchards, fruit farms, and wineries – earning itself the title of Bayfield’s Fruit Loop. Stop for wine samples and a Wisconsin cheese plate at Bayfield Winery. See the view of Lake Superior from the top floor of Hauser’s (and grab some of their excellent hard cider before you go). And most definitely make a stop at Erickson Orchard to pick whatever’s in season. And don’t leave Erickson’s before grabbing a fresh apple cider donut from their bakery!
There you have it – Wisconsin’s best-kept secret! I’m telling you, Bayfield is the perfect summer getaway that no one knows about. With plenty of adventure, incredible scenery, and relaxing accommodation options, Wisconsin’s hidden gem might not stay hidden for long.
PIN IT FOR LATER
