A Superior Summer Trip
Soaking Up Experiences in Bayfield, Wisconsin
Located in Northern Wisconsin on Lake Superior is the quaint, coastal town of Bayfield. Many say that Bayfield and its surrounding area are where land meets the sky with Lake Superior providing a beautiful and ever-changing mirror. Whether you choose to charter your own boat, paddle a kayak, or cruise with one of the many tour operators, no trip to Bayfield is complete without time on the largest of the Great Lakes. Here, we share Bayfield attractions on lake and land.
By surface area, Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world measuring 31,700 square miles. The Ojibwe first noted its size by naming it Gitche Gumee, which loosely translates to big sea or huge water.
With the sheer size and area of Lake Superior, weather patterns are powerful and can change quickly. So, it’s a good rule of thumb to listen to the locals, dress appropriately, use cold-water gear, and be prepared to weather out a storm. Because of the challenging conditions and the neighboring Apostle Islands, this designated National Lakeshore is home to the largest collection of historic lighthouse and light towers in the United States. With windswept beaches and sandstone cliffs spanning twenty-one islands, the Apostle Islands is a treasure. Adventurers may kayak along the shore, while observers have their choice of large charter boat tours ranging from half-day to sunset cruises.
For those looking for a shorter boat trip, it’s just a hop, skip, and ferry ride to Madeline Island. Once on the island, grab a bite to eat (we love Farmhouse Kitchen and Inn), do some souvenir shopping, or take in a live performance with Madeline Island Chamber Music. Repeat visitors and locals recommend venturing out of town and spending the day hiking through Big Bay State Park to experience views of sandstone sea caves, bogs, and hemlock forests.
When adventuring in Bayfield, enjoy bites, sweets, and libations. Try some lake-to-table and farm-to-table meals at eateries for local white fish, lake salmon, and smoked trout. Near the harbor in Bayfield, there are numerous options from casual, like Manypenny Bistro, to fine dining like the Bayfield Inn Restaurant, including cozy locales to warm up with a frothy coffee or satiate your sweet tooth with local ice cream. A favorite summer and fall activity is exploring the Fruit Loop where you can pick your own strawberries, cherries, blueberries, and apples. Come hungry and with a thirst for adventure.
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Travel Tips
When to Go: July and August are the warmest with the most opportunities for harvesting berries. Late September and October provide beautiful fall colors, festivals, and apple-orchard experiences.
Must-Do Activities: Take the ferry to Madeline Island. Charter a cruise or kayak tour of the Apostle Islands. Eat your way around the Fruit Loop. Catch a concert at Bayfield’s Big Top Chautauqua.
Locavore Favorites: White fish (not fishy, great prepared multiple ways); smoked lake trout and salmon; sweet treats featuring berries or apples; ice cream and cheese curds; and hard cider.
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YHL/ Written by Heidi Siefkas
Photography provided by Getty Images, JMichl/iStock, Olivia Doyle/iStock, davelogan/iStock, timothy mattimore/iStock