Visit Bayfield and the Apostle Islands

Thinking about a trip to Bayfield and the Apostle Islands? We are here to help you plan an unforgettable vacation to our little piece of paradise. We have created a "Local Guide" for our guests, highlighting some of our favorite things to do and places to go in Bayfield and the surrounding area to help you narrow down your "must do's" while visiting Bayfield! Whether you plan to visit in the spring, summer, winter or fall. There is always something to do in Bayfield!

Restaurants and Bars:

• The Bayfield Inn (Dining Room, Lounge and Deck): The Deck at the Bayfield Inn is a roof top bar & restaurant serving lunch and dinner daily and is the hotspot for summer nightlife in Bayfield from mid-May through early October. The Deck is open daily for lunch, dinner, and drinks during the spring and summer months and offers spectacular views of the Bayfield Harbor. During the off-season (or on those cooler summer nights) you can head inside to the Lake Side Dining Room and the Lounge at the Bayfield Inn. The dining room serves Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner in the Winter months and offers guests an amazing view of the Bayfield Harbor while enjoying fresh, local upscale dining. If you are looking for a quick appetizer and some delicious cocktails, the lounge has you covered as well!
• The Pier Plaza Restaurant and Lounge: The Pier Plaza Restaurant & Lounge is a Bayfield staple and a must stop when visiting our little city. The Pier Plaza offers beautiful views of the Bayfield Harbor while enjoying your meal. Sit outside on their patio or belly up to their beautiful bar. We recommend the Pier Plaza for their award-winning Friday night Fish Fry. The Pier Plaza is open from February - October, Tuesday - Sunday and offers lunch and dinner a well as delicious hand-craft cocktails.
• Good Thyme Restaurant: Located about 10 miles south of Bayfield. Just outside of Washburn you will find Good Thyme Restaurant. We highly recommend a stop at the Big Yellow House for dinner or drinks with family and friends. We guarantee you will not regret the short drive out of town to experience this gem. We recommend the Quattro Formaggi Crostini for an appetizer or the Smash Burger for dinner...or really anything else on the menu, you can’t go wrong! Reservations are recommended. Good Thyme is open for dinner year-round, Wednesday - Saturday.
• Hoops Dockside Fish Market: Hoops Dockside Fish Market is located in downtown Bayfield right next to the Coast Guard Station. Hoops serves the freshest fish in Bayfield. Hoops fishing boats go out in the morning and the fish that is caught is directly put on your plate. Hoops dockside also has cold drinks, live music and the best views in town. Stop into the fish shop for fresh smoked fish and fish dip to take home with you! Hoops Dockside is open May - October.

Bars, Breweries and Distilleries:

• Morty's Pub: If you are looking for a vibrant local bar, Morty's is the place to be! Open daily for lunch and dinner year-round, there is always something going on at Morty's. Morty's has a pool table, dart boards, and live music and karaoke is scheduled throughout the summer & winter. With daily specials, homemade soups, and a full menu, you will be shocked that this food is coming out of a bar! They also have a late-night menu available for those late-night cravings. Stop in and enjoy the fun!
• Adventure Club Brewing: Adventure Club Brewing is located right outside of Bayfield next to the Howl Adventure Center. Adventure Club offers year-round outdoor seating, campfires, crowlers and growlers to-go. In the summer you will find outdoor picnic table seating available. In the winter they set up insulated "igloos" for customers to outside to enjoy the chilly winter nights under the stars. Feel free to bring your own food and snacks or stop by the taco truck that serves food outside of the brewery.
• Copper Crow Distillery: Copper Crow Distillery is located in Red Cliff, just North of Bayfield. Copper Crow is the first indigenous distiller in North America to craft 10 different award-winning spirits. Stop by their tasting room to try their award-winning spirits and handcrafted cocktails. Open year-round, Thursday - Sunday. You can also purchase a bottle of your favorite spirit to take a piece of Red Cliff home with you!

Things to do:

• Madeline Island Ferry: Take a trip over to Madeline Island via the Madeline Island Ferry for a day of adventures. There is plenty to see and do on the Island. Stop at Tom’s Burnt Down Cafe for a drink or to listen to some live music. Grab lunch at the Beach Club and dinner at the Pub Restaurant and Wine Bar. Rent bikes, scooters, paddleboards kayaks and more! Relax and enjoy the beauty of Island life. The Madeline Island Ferry line schedule is weather dependent. Visitors can expect to be able to visit Madeline Island via the ferry May - October. The ferry schedule is impacted by weather from November - April and typically in the winter when the lake freezes over Madeline Island becomes accessible only via the ice road. Be sure to talk with the Bayfield Chamber or other local guides before traveling to Madeline Island during the winter.
• Big Bay State Park: On the eastern side of Madeline Island you will find Big Bay State Park. Big Bay State Park features picturesque sandstone bluffs along 4 miles of Lake Superior Shoreline. The park also has a 1-mile boardwalk, sandy swimming beach and hiking trails. Big Bay State Park is about 6 miles from the Madeline Island Ferry landing in La Pointe and some form of transportation is recommended to travel from the town of La Pointe to Big Bay State Park. Access to Big Bay State Park is weather dependent and dependent on the Madeline Island Ferry.
• Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Obviously, we have to recommend a trip to the Apostle Islands. There are many ways to explore. Book a tour with Apostle Islands Cruises or plan a kayaking trip or sailing adventure. However you manage to get there, this is an absolute must see when visiting Bayfield and the Apostle Islands. Accessing the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore via boating or kayaking is weather dependent and only available from May - October.
• Meyers Beach: Meyers beach is located 17 miles west of Bayfield off Highway 13. During the summer you can launch a sea kayak and paddle out to the sea caves or hike the 2.5 miles on the Lakeshore trail to see the sea caves from above. In the winter, if the ice conditions are safe (always check ahead of time with local guides) you can access the ice caves by walking on frozen Lake Superior.
• Little Sand Bay: Little Sand Bay is located on the mainland thirteen miles west of Bayfield. There is a seasonal visitor center on site and exhibits on the grounds which tells the story of Little Sand Bay and the challenges and joys of living in the Northwoods. Little Sand Bay is a popular kayak launch site for paddlers heading out to Sand and York Islands. Accessing the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore via boating or kayaking is weather dependent and only available from May - October.
• Big Top Chautauqua (Summer) Mt. Ashwabay (Winter): Big Top Chautauqua is located at the base of Mt. Ashwabay, just south of Bayfield. Big Top presents over 60 concerts, shows, and events June through September in an intimate 900 seat all canvas tent. Big Top has hosted many well-known artists over the years including Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Brandi Carlile and more! Take a look at their schedule to see who is playing while you are in town. In the winter months (December - March), Mt. Ashwabay is a winter sports playground with downhill skiing/snowboarding and cross-country ski trails. Take your family to Mt. Ashwabay for a day of winter fun. They have ski and snowboard rentals available for the whole family and a chalet to warm up with some snacks and hot chocolate!
• Hauser's Superior View Farm: Hauser's Superior View Farm is a five-generation family-owned greenhouse, nursery, orchard, and cidery located in the "Fruit Loop" just outside of Bayfield. The Hauser's have been in the farming business for over 100 years. Stop by Hauser's and check out their gift shop where you can find fresh fruits, jams, jelly, apple butter, and more. Hauser's also has an on-site cidery and tasting area where you can try the best locally made cider in the area. They also have plenty of activities to keep the kids busy! Open May - October, 7 days a week.
• Sail with Superior Charters: Situated among the 22 islands of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Superior Charters offers a unique sailboat cruising experience by offering almost 30 sailboats to choose from to make your charter exactly how you imagined. Whether you are new to sailing or an experienced cruiser, the crew at Superior Charters will help you create an enjoyable and carefree sailing and boating experience! Open May - September, 7 days a week.