If you love Lake Superior, you will love Bayfield, Wisconsin. Bayfield is a fun stop if you are going on a road trip to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan as well. Located on the most northern tip of Wisconsin, this tiny lake town is the gateway to the iconic Apostle Islands. There are 21 islands that make up the Apostle Islands, famous for kayaking adventures, exploring sea caves and historic light houses. Whether you stay on the mainland and enjoy the panoramic views of Bayfield, or explore the islands, you can be sure to have the most unique adventure yet!
Do you love road trips along Lake Superior? Check out these blog article itineraries to plan other adventures: North Shore MN Summer Itinerary or North Shore Road Trip Itinerary and Michigan Upper Peninsula Itinerary.
1. Hike Trails in the Brick Yard Creek Community
We stayed at the Hemlock Chalet, located near Lake Superior in Brickyard Creek. Brickyard Creek is a residential community located in the Boreal Forest, dedicated to active stewardship of the environment. Brickyard Creek has over 70 acres and has several beautiful trails (see map here). We enjoyed Brickyard Creek Trail, which you can get on alongside the trail & walk towards Roy’s Point Marina, the community beach (perfect for a lakeside fire!).
2. Rent a Cozy Cabin
Bayfield, Wisconsin is not short of beautiful places to stay near Lake Superior. The best part about the Midwest is every season is cabin season, offering a unique experience! The Hemlock Chalet hosts up to 4 guests with a fully equipped kitchen, cozy living room with an electric fire place and two bathrooms (one with a soaking tub!). The downstairs bedroom has a king sized bed (check out the map of the Apostle Islands in this room- it was so cool!), and there is an upstairs lofted bedroom.
We especially loved the location, as it’s surrounded by the Boreal Forest, a meadow & is only steps away from trails and Roy’s Point Marina near Lake Superior. We especially loved the screened in 4 seasons porch. There is a fireplace and panoramic views you can enjoy any time of year!
3. East Dock Park
Whether you want to sit quietly on the dock looking out at Lake Superior, go for a run or walk near the Bayfield Marina or have kids that want to play on the playground, East Dock Park was one of our favorite spots in downtown Bayfield. The park has great playground equipment with swings facing Lake Superior. There is a small chalet for picnics near Lake Superior, along with a walking path and dock with panoramic views.
4. Take a Ferry to Madeline Island & Visit Big Bay State Park
Madeline Island has the best water activities and is famous for the iconic Big Bay State Park. To get there, you will take the Madeline Island Ferry (your car goes with you of course!). Make sure to check the ferry schedule and be aware it can drastically change during the winter months. I would for sure visit Tom’s Burned Down Cafe if you can- it’s like nothing I have ever seen before!
At Big Bay State Park, we took a stroll along Barrier Beach. There are several trail heads in this area as well for great hikes. There is a scenic overlook that is a short drive from the entrance (take a right after the visitor’s center). The view here is very different from Barrier Beach- you get more of the cliffs that remind me of Pictured Rocks in Munising, Michigan.
If you are looking for canoes or kayaks to rent, check out Trek & Trail Outfitters. They have been assisting visitors with navigating the Apostle Islands for years!
5. Les Voight State Fish Hatchery
The Les Voight State Fish Hatchery raises trout, splake and brown trout for stocking Lake Superior and many inland lakes and streams in Wisconsin. While we did not get to go due to no availability during our stay, I always recommend visiting hatcheries, especially if you have kids. It’s a very interactive experience, and very neat to see the stages of growth. They are open 7 days a week, 8 am to 3 pm, but during winter months, visitors need to schedule tours.
6. Dine at St. James Social Club
If you are looking for a picturesque place for fine dining, St. James Social Club is a unique experience! They are a newer restaurant in Bayfield, opening in November of 2023. They have unique seating (bar seating), creative cocktails and mocktails and a delicious chef’s menu! We tried the trout with risotto rice, salads and a tiramisu gelato dessert. The service was great and the restaurant is very spacious! They are also a boutique hotel with a spa for guests.
7. Visit Bayview Park for Sunrise Views
Are you looking for a beautiful sunrise spot? Look no further than Bayview Beach! This hidden gem was 10 minutes from our cabin, Hemlock Chalet, in Brickyard Creek Community off of Highway 13. There is a small sandy area for parking (be careful not to get stuck in the muddy spring months) and the beaches are sandy. We spent some time having some coffee and baked goods while walking the shoreline. It was a perfect morning start to our fun Saturday!
8. Coffee Flights & Local Bakery in Washburn
If you have been following me for awhile, you’ll know I am a coffee flight fanatic. I fell in love with North Coast Cafe in Washburn. They have a small breakfast menu, pastries and a lot of options for smoothies, coffee and ice cream in the summer months (they also have a drive thru window).
For coffee flights, they give you a menu and you get to choose which flavor you want and if it’s iced or hot. I loved having the options- this is something I have not found as much with other places that do flights! They also have a cute shopping section.
Just a few seconds down the road from North Coast Cafe is Coco’s Bakery. They have artisan breads, fine pastries and a breakfast and lunch menu (check out their specialty coffee and soups). They have great scones, Apple turnovers and raspberry cheesecake danish!
9. Bayfield Food Scene
For being a small town, Bayfield has a lot of different food options- so if you are a foodie, this is your place! We really loved Wonderstate Coffee. They had great pastries and a delicious Maple Latte. Its a great spot just to relax, visit or work remotely.
Classic restaurants I’d suggest are The Deck, The Pickled Herring (both with Lake Superior Views) and Manypenny Bistro. Manypenny Bistro is very kid friendly and they have the best fresh white fish! Bayfield also has three different fish houses around town if you’d like to cook at home or in your cozy cabin!
10. BLU Studio + Wellness
BLU Studio + Wellness was a wonderful experience for us! Darcy Schwerin offers in person and virtual classes at her studio as well as nutrition therapy. I booked a holistic facial and Gua Sha massage (face, neck, shoulder and arm massage) and it was heavenly. I don’t think my skin has ever felt better and more refreshed & healed from any other experience I have ever had. It was worth every penny!
Another great spa and massage option is Superior Body Massage and Spa. While we did not get a chance to book here (we definitely will try them out this fall!), we were impressed by all the different services they offer.
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