What To Do — A Few Recommendations

  • Tour the Islands

    Take a boat tour around the Apostle Islands; a must do for first timers!

  • Visit a Lighthouse

    The Apostles have Six listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

  • Ride the Ferry

    Take the 20 minute ferry ride to Madeline Island’s trails and beaches.

  • Go Sailing

    There’s nothing like the quiet of an island sail.

  • Kayak the Sea Caves

    Book with a local outfitter to kayak the Sea Caves in the Apostle Islands.

  • Relax on a Beach

    There are so many amazing beaches to choose from!

  • Splash in a Waterfall

    Waterfalls and rippling streams abound in the Bayfield peninsula.

  • Hike the Trails

    There are hiking trails in the area to fit every skill requirement.

  • Bike the Trails

    Local roads, trails and events offer numerous biking options.

  • Shop Orchards & Farms

    Bayfield has orchards, and berry and organic farms, many with shops.

  • Fish the Big Lake

    Arrange a fishing charter on the big lake or fish any of the many lakes and streams.

  • Sample the Food

    Eat at one of our fun local restaurants. Don’t judge the food by the edifice. Yum!

  • Listen to some music

    Musicians abound at indoor and outdoor venues including Big Top Chautauqua.

  • Try a Brewery or Distillery

    You’ll find some excellent local sips and brews to savor — indoors and out.

  • Learn About Local History

    Museums display a rich cultural and maritime history — Native American, French, English….

  • Attend a Festival

    We love a parade or a party! The local chambers have all the information about our many festivals.

  • Visit an Art Gallery

    We have so many wonderful local artists! Visit a gallery or attend an art festival.

  • Compete in an Event

    Try out your swimming, inline skating, biking or other skill in a local competition.

  • Experience a Pow Wow

    There are Pow Wows and other cultural events throughout the season.

  • Learn Something New

    Attend a class or take a guided hike or tour —art, yoga, writing, nature studies…

Our Local Chambers are a great resource

  • Bayfield Chamber

    Everything to do in the Bayfield area.

    Sign up for their weekly email newsletter before your visit so you will know what’s happening that week.

    Bayfield Chamber Website

  • Island Chamber

    Everything to do on Madeline Island.

    Sign up for their weekly email newsletter before your visit so you will know what’s happening that week.

    Madeline Island Chamber

  • Washburn Chamber

    Everything to do in the Washburn area.

    Sign up for their weekly email newsletter before your visit so you will know what’s happening that week.

    Washburn Chamber Website

  • Ashland Chamber

    Everything to do in the Ashland area.

    Sign up for their weekly email newsletter before your visit so you will know what’s happening that week.

    Ashland Chamber Website

  • Cornucopia Area Business Association

    Everything to do in the Cornucopia area.

    Cornucopia Website

Helpful Links

 

Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
https://www.nglvc.org

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore of the National Park Service
https://www.nps.gov/apis/index.htm

Apostle Islands Cruises
https://www.apostleisland.com

Map of the Apostle Islands and Bayfield Peninsula
https://www.nps.gov/apis/planyourvisit/maps.htm

​Bayfield County Visitors Information
https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/35/Visitors

Bayfield Area Trails
https://www.bayfieldareatrails.com

Bayfield Maritime Museum
https://www.bayfieldmaritimemuseum.org

Local Apple Orchards & Berry Farms
https://bayfield.org/what-to-do/orchards-berry-farms

Sea Caves & Meyers Beach
https://www.nps.gov/places/meyers-beach.htm

Madeline Island Ferry Line
https://madferry.com

Madeline Island Museum
https://madelineislandmuseum.wisconsinhistory.org

Madeline Island Wilderness Preserve
https://www.miwp.org

Festival of Arts and Gallery Tour (September)
https://bayfield.org/festivals-events/festival-arts-gallery-tour

Concerts by the Lake (June-Sept)
https://bayfield.org/festivals-events/concerts-by-the-lake

AppleFest (October)
https://www.bayfield.org/bayfield-apple-festival/

Big Top Chautauqua
https://www.bigtop.org

Apostle Highlands Golf Course
http://golfbayfield.com

Mt Ashwabay Ski Hill and Summer Trails
https://www.mtashwabay.org/

 

Helpful Mobile Phone Apps

  • The free Avenza Maps mobile GPS app — no cell reception needed — is a great resource. Download the Bayfield County Road Network map, Snowmobile Trails map, ATV/UTV Trails map, Bayfield County Forestry and Chequamegon Nicolet National Forest maps — once the maps are on your device, you can locate yourself out on the trails and forest roads! https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/35/Visitors

  • Hikers will want to try the AllTrails mobile app — no cell reception needed! Find trails in the area, or record new ones you hike and “suggest a new trail” for the AllTrails collection.