Things to do & places to visit in Bayfield, Wisconsin, United States

Bayfield, at the northern tip of Wisconsin, on the shores of Lake Superior, is the main gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, a series of pristine islands known as "The Jewels of Lake Superior." Camp, hike, kayak, scuba dive and sail amongst these 21 islands, exploring hidden sea caves, six historic light stations and forgotten ship wrecks. The mainland is a popular destination for art lovers, with a large community of local artisans operating galleries and workshops.

Bayfield city in Wisconsin, United States. Timezone: America/Chicago, current date and time: Wednesday, May 08, 2024, 17:14.

Top things to do (21)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Dreamcatcher Sailing (355 reviews)
- Dreamcatcher sailing
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Boat Tours

We had a great time on Dreamcatcher, Brontae(sp) was an excellent captain. He shared his love of sailing with us while helping us learn about the art of sailing. We had great conversation while on board. We highly recommend this experience for anyone interested in sailing as a way to see the Apostle Islands. See more..
5.0 Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Ice Caves (227 reviews)
- Summer is nice, Some winters are spectacular
Caverns & Caves

The caves are beautiful in the Summer, but about every third Winter they are spectacular. A few years ago tens of thousands of people came here. It is definitely worth a long trip. Also about February the lake freezes and you can drive over the ice to Madelaine Island. The locals contribute their Christmas Trees that mark the route. See more..
5.0 Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua (177 reviews)
- Amazing venue for shows
Theaters

Wow….this place is amazing! I’m very glad a friend told me about Big Top when I shared that I was traveling to Bayfield for vacation. Saw the Indigo Girls. Amazing concert at an amazing venue. Super easy to get to location, near Bayfield. Showed up to easy parking. Scanning of tickets on the mobile phone was quick. There’s great food and drinks that you can purchase once you arrive. The concert under the tent was spectacular. Everyone attending the show and working at the show was very friendly. You need to experience this at least once!! See more..
5.0 Superior Body Massage & Spa (103 reviews)
- Best Facial
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spas

Superior Body Massage & Spa is conveniently located in downtown Bayfield, only a block away from the Madeline Island Ferry dock. Tucked away in a quiet setting, we are proud to offer a fantastic variety of day spa services including massage, facials, spa treatments, manicures, pedicures and facial waxing. Couples sessions and group services available. View our full service menu and packages and book immediately online. Cash, check and credit cards accepted. We do recommend booking appointments in advance as our schedules book up quickly. We look forward to seeing you soon! See more..
5.0 Copper Crow Distillery (32 reviews)
- Good Spirits, New Tradition
Wednesday: Spent < 1 hour Distilleries

A fun experience that added to our day in Bayfield. We wanted to sit and enjoy a cocktail away from the tourist crowds of downtown. The Copper Crow was a great find. They have a long list of hand crafted drinks to please almost any mood. The Bloody Mary is top notch but really every drink was fabulous. With super friendly staff providing great service, we sat by the fire pit on a cool afternoon and stayed longer than we planned. And we liked the cocktails so much we bought bottles of gin and vodka in the local grocery store later in the day. Should mention they have non-alcoholic beverages there too. Copper Crow will become yet another tradition for future trips to Bayfield. See more..
5.0 Apostle Islands Booksellers (20 reviews)
- Wonderful Independent Bookstore!
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Apostle Islands Booksellers is a full-service, locally-owned, independent bookstore located in Bayfield, Wisconsin on the south shore of Lake Superior. Our collection of books emphasizes the history, cultures, nature, lifestyle, cuisine and activities of our locale - the Apostle Islands, the Chequamegon region, Lake Superior, the Great Lakes, Ojibwe Country and the Northwoods. We offer carefully selected general fiction and non-fiction titles of interest to residents of Bayfield, Washburn, Ashland and the surrounding communities as well as the many visitors who journey to the unique and spectacular settings of Madeline Island, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and the Gaylord A. Nelson National Wilderness Area. We also carry a selection of quality accessories, maps and charts, and gift items with a regional flavor. You will find us on Rittenhouse Avenue in the heart of historic Bayfield, Wisconsin across from the Big Water Café and Coffee Roasters. Come in and browse. If we don't have just what you want, we can usually get it for you quickly or find an excellent alternative. Check our Events calendar and join us for author readings, book groups and other events to add a literary dimension to your Bayfield experience. See more..
5.0 Howl Adventure Center (17 reviews)
- Worth Checking Out!
Spent More than 3 hours Gear Rentals

The Howl Adventure Center has been a fun and wonderful addition to the Bayfield area. During COVID-19, having beverages out on the terrace and the availability of the food truck has been a godsend to area residents and visitors alike. Their support of our local Rec Center and local events is commendable and greatly appreciated by all. Check them out to put a little adventure back into your life! See more..
5.0 Bayfield Artists Guild (11 reviews)
- A great shop of Unique Art
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality & Gift Shops

The Bayfield Artists's Guild is situated on one of Bayfield, Wisconsin's charming main roads, Rittenhouse Avenue. In walking distance from everything in town including great dining, lodging, and of course incredible views. Visit our beautiful town on the shore of Lake Superior and stop by our gallery. You'll find all kinds of treasures to remind you of this magical place. All created by local artists, you'll find paintings, photography, ceramics, jewelry, wood sculptures, cutting boards, quilts, soaps, lotions, and more. See more..
5.0 Bayfield Heritage Association (4 reviews)
- Making History Interesting
Wednesday: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour History Museums

The Bayfield Heritage Association is a free history museum in downtown Bayfield. Venture back in time and learn about the people, industries, events and places that define our region through a variety of exhibits. Attend one of our monthly educational programs to learn from area historians about a range of interesting topics like shipwrecks, lighthouse keepers, and Native American history. Conduct your own family genealogy and access our full archive collection of photographs, maps, and recorded interviews with Bayfield elders. See more..
5.0 Bayfield Civic League Memorial Park (1 review)
- Gorgeous Waterfront Vantage Point
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Walking Areas

The first and only other time I visited Bayfield was summer 1980, exactly 40 years prior to this visit. The first time was so enchanting that I always wanted to go back, but it wasn't in the cards. So in August, we made it a point to drive out of our way to check out Bayfield again. We began our visit in Bayfield Civic League Memorial Park, where the vantage point is perfection for watching ferries come and go to Madeline Island, and for catching occasional yacht traffic at the marina just to the south. The park is about half a city block long, with nicely maintained grassy lawn and plenty of strategically placed park benches for resting weary feet. Hanging flower baskets and American flags adorn lampposts, creating a quaint ambiance. The view of the bay is unobstructed. A couple of educational markers relate the history of sailing in the Bayfield and Apostle Islands area. Dogs on leashes are welcome, and a paved walking path makes the park wheelchair accessible. See more..
4.5 Meyers Beach Sea Caves (138 reviews)
- Dreaming of hiking this again!
Spent 1-2 hours Caverns & Caves • Hiking Trails

Meyers Beach sea caves are located just North of Cornucopia, Wi. There are caves at the the Northern end of Mawikwe bay and one cave at the South end of Mawikwe Bay. See more..
4.5 Bayfield Maritime Museum (132 reviews)
- Must do when you are in Bayfield
Spent < 1 hour History Museums

Open 10am to 4pm Seasonally; Weekends in June, Daily July Through Labor Day, Weekends in September Sharing stories and artifacts about Lake Superior commercial fishing, lighthouses, boats, ships, and the innovative people of Bayfield who made their living on this great inland sea. We operate strictly with volunteers and your support. After you've explored Bayfield's maritime stories, please consider donating what you can to keep these traditions alive. We operate strictly with volunteers and your support. After you've explored Bayfield's maritime stories, please consider donating what you can to keep these traditions alive. See more..
4.5 Apostle Highlands Golf Course (50 reviews)
- Good course, terrific views, great price
Golf Courses

This is a good well-kept course with plenty of interesting holes, a good deal of up and down fairways, and some terrific views of Lake Superior. It's not a premium quality course, but for the price it is a bargain. It's plenty challenging and just a lot of fun. The staff were nice and helpful, and there is driving range so you can warm up a bit before a round. I would gladly play this course again. See more..
4.5 Blue Vista Farm (48 reviews)
- Beautiful Berries and More!
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Farms

Under new owners, the current offerings and future plans for Blue Vista Farm will be a wonderful addition to the Bayfield area. You can just feel the owner's positive and joyful attitude that is reflected in this outdoor space! The setting is beautifully done with lovely flowers and a quaint barn that will become a focal point for the previously mentioned plans. And the berries! Let's not forget the berries! Raspberries today and blueberries coming soon. Blue Vista Farm is easy to find. Just turn up County J by Howl Adventure, go 1.6 miles, and the farm will be on your left. I'll have to make a return visit when it's apple picking time! See more..
4.5 Stone's Throw Art Gallery (44 reviews)
- Beautiful shop of unique treasures
Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries

What an adorable shop....Such a variety of items to browse through! Ended up with a beautiful artist made bowl to remind me of our trip, painted with rolling waves in a palette of blues. So much more than a “souvenir shop”. See more..
4.5 Eckels Pottery & Fine Craft Gallery (33 reviews)
- Great quality and oh so friendly
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries

Welcome to Eckels Pottery where you'll find pots of every description in both stoneware and porcelain clay bodies. We've been offering a wide variety of original and functional pieces designed for everyday use for 55 years. In addition to pottery, we also offer finely crafted jewelry, woodworking, garden art, and glass work from many local, regional, and national artists. We're located in beautiful Bayfield, Wisconsin, where visitors are invited to watch every step of the fascinating process of pottery making, from lump of clay to finished product. See more..
4.5 Bayfield Apple Co. (24 reviews)
- Apples, Apples, Apples
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Farms

Love to get apples there and the best apple cider I've ever had, must bring some home with us every fall!! See more..
4.5 Erickson Orchard and Country Store (21 reviews)
- Great Store and Doughnuts
Speciality & Gift Shops

We stopped in early August so there wasn’t much in the way of fruit or produce ready yet. The country store had a large variety of canned jams, sauces, and even maple syrup. They also had some fun decor items for sale. The fresh apple cider doughnuts were very good and a nice treat before departing. The small seating area had a very homey feel. Worth a quick stop on the “fruit loop” tour. See more..
4.5 Seven Ponds Winery (21 reviews)
- One of my favorite wine tasting experiences of all time!
Wineries & Vineyards

Our stop at the Wineries on Betzold Rd was one of the highlights of our girls trip to Bayfield. A beautiful outdoor setting, awesome service from Aidan and delicious wines and ciders made this one of my favorite wine tasting experiences. I love how we could relax and hang out and not feel rushed. 4 tastes for $7 was very reasonable and I loved how it was presented. I love apple wines so Autumn Crisp was a favorite along with the ginger cider. See more..
4.5 Old Bayfield County Courthouse (20 reviews)
- Quarried Brownstone
Historic Sites

Late 19th century brownstone building housing the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Visitor Center. See more..
4.5 Big Ravine Trail (18 reviews)
- A Gem within Gem
Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails

I didn't even suspect such an awesome preserve could be hiding literally within city of Bayfield limits. The Big Ravine Preserve actually contains several trails. The ravine itself is very deep and has steep sloes, almost resembling a box canyon in places. There is rich diversity of plant life, and I suspect the animal life is as rich. The place is very cool on a hot summer day, due to the very thick canopy of trees. Bayfield area is known for its nature awesomeness, but this stands out even on that background. See more..
4.5 Pikes Bay Marina (8 reviews)
- A safe place for your boat with friendly staff
Spent More than 3 hours Marinas

I work at Pikes Bay Marina and on a regular basis we hear from the boaters how much they love it here at Pikes Bay Marina. See more..
4.5 Bayfield Public Library (7 reviews)
- A swell little library in Bayfield
Wednesday: 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Libraries

My husband and I were recently in Bayfield, and one of our stops was the Carnegie Library in town. It’s a lovely old structure, stately and built of huge yellow-brown stone with rose-grey stone accents. The interior is immaculate, with stacks of books upstairs punctuated by inviting reading areas and two gorgeous period fireplaces at each end of the room. The downstairs is a children’s books area, activity center, kitchen and bathrooms. One gets the distinct impression that the library really does function as a community center. There were several patrons while we were there, even in the middle of the day. The librarians were very kind and allowed me to take photos. And on the way out was a table with donated books and DVDs that were free to take home. It’s wonderful to see a functioning library in a small town, and doubly so to visit one so inviting to patrons. We definitely recommend the Carnegie Library as a stop for visitors to Bayfield! See more..
4.5 Christ Episcopal Church (7 reviews)
- A very beautiful and sacred place. Back in time in no time
Civic Centres

This church was built in 1870 at a cost of $1,500. See more..
4.5 Pike's Creek Mt Ashwabay Ski Trails (7 reviews)
- Mt. Ashwabay Rocks!
Cross-country Ski Areas

Trailbound Trips brought a group of 36 women to Bayfield last week, and the ladies loved Mt. Ashwabay! The trails and hills were well groomed and in great condition, the instructors provided great lessons, the food was yummy, and everyone was friendly. A special shout-out to Pete K., who was amazingly helpful and welcoming. Kudos! We'll be back. Carol/Trailbound Trips See more..
4.5 Highland Valley Farm (5 reviews)
- Nice farm
Farms

We recently visited this farm and blueberry picking was on an all time high! With the Covid situation, they had a small station to do simple sampling and selling. See more..
4.0 Hauser's Superior View Orchard (153 reviews)
- Great Stop
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Wineries & Vineyards • Farms

Bayfield Winery offers a generous selection of apple-based fruit wines made right here in beautiful Bayfield, WI. Blueberry, blackberry, cherry, cranberry, and raspberry make up just a few of the wines you may taste when visiting Bayfield Winery, located in the big red barn at Hauser's Superior View Farm. See more..
4.0 Brownstone Trail (52 reviews)
- Nice quiet walk
Spent 1-2 hours Hiking Trails

This is a well maintained trail except for 0.5 mile section closed by a landslide. You need to walk out on Rt. 23. Wild flowers just starting to bloom. Peak through the trees and view at lake and boats. We walked at 6PM and saw no one. See more..
4.0 Les Voight State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center (17 reviews)
- Fun for the whole family!
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

We stopped in this past weekend with family, toddlers, teens & adults. We all really enjoyed the Hatchery. We were outside looking at the main trout pond and one of the Hatchery Employees-Craig came out and gave the kids some fish food to throw into the pond and answered a bunch a questions for us. He made it a fantastic visit! See more..
3.5 All Sisters' Winery (27 reviews)
- What a great little winery
Wednesday: 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM Wineries & Vineyards

Seven Ponds Winery, formerly All Sisters' Winery, is a family owned winery. The winery is located on 150 acres of green space including a newly planted vineyard, established apple orchards, and 7 ponds. Seven Ponds Winery offers a unique learning experience about wine made from Wisconsin grown, cold hardy grape varietals. Taste all the wines Seven Ponds Winery offers for just $5.00 and take your glass home with you as a memento. Enjoy a glass of wine on the deck as you take in the beauty of the ever changing scenery. Free WiFi available. See more..