How to Spend a Weekend in Bayfield, Wisconsin

I recently had the opportunity to travel to Bayfield, Wisconsin to create content for Windseeker Rentals and was able to explore the Bayfield area for the 4th time.

I’ve been lucky enough to visit both in the summer and winter (still craving a fall trip!) This charming town on Lake Superior is located about an hour and a half from Duluth, Minnesota and is a great drivable getaway from Minnesota’s Twin Cities. I would recommend at least three days-a week to truly take advantage of the area. Bayfield is most know for it as a summer and fall destination, as many shops limit their hours or close in the winter. If you plan to go in the winter you’ll be treated to a quiet winter wonderland but just note the offerings will be more limited than what is described in this post.

Salted Caramel Latte from Wonderstate Coffee

Get coffee from Wonderstate Coffee Roasters:

Located right on the main drag of Bayfield, this little blue building is a must for starting your day of adventures. Offering pastries, light fare, coffees and teas. Note: this is one of the only true coffee shops in town and does get quite busy. Be prepared for a wait during peak times, or plan on taking your coffee back to your accommodations as seating can be limited.

While you’re in town, be sure to walk across the street to the book store, and through the other little shops in town. You never know what goodies you’ll find to bring home. We always get Adayla an “unrippable” book from the book store and they make such good road trip entertainment for our toddler!

Hike the U.S.’s first Native American National Park:

Frog Bay Tribal National Park (FBTNP) is the first tribal national park in the United States. Red Cliff puts special emphasis on the sustainable management of natural resources both on the Reservation and in the Chippewa ceded territories, and for the overall protection of Lake Superior. With a rare boreal forest ecotype, coastal wetlands and undeveloped sand beach is an unequaled wilderness experience on the Bayfield Peninsula. In total, this park protects 300 acres, consisting of: a large tract of at-risk boreal forest, over a mile of riparian corridor, nearly 120 acres of wetlands and freshwater estuary habitat, and almost 4,000 feet of undeveloped Lake Superior shoreline. We didn’t have a lot of time to explore, but be sure to take advantage of all the signage sharing words about the land in native language.

Take the ferry over to Madeline Island

This is one of the most popular things to do when staying in Bayfield, but note, it does come with a cost. To take the ferry you have to pay not only for your party, but also any vehicles you take over to the island. This includes bikes. It’s $18 round-trip for those over 12, $31 for a car (+ the individual fee), and $8 for a bike (+ the individual fee). I’ve done it two times now, the first time we just ferried over my husband and I and rented a tandem bike on the Island. My sister and I also ferried our bikes over to the island. We liked having our bikes because we were able to bike to Big Bay State Park, which is free for those who enter via bike! Before you head back to Bayfield be sure to stop by Tom’s Burned Down for a sip and to take in this quirky spot.

Drive the Fruit Loop:

Did you know Bayfield is home to 13 apple orchards (and other fruit orchards) they even have apple fest in October (The 4th, 5th, and 6th!)! Bayfield’s unique disposition to the lake creates a unique microclimate which allows fruits and berries to flourish. Surrounded by berry farms and orchards of the Fruit Loop, Bayfield is known as the Berry Capital of Wisconsin. We started our weekend with a cider flight from Apfelhaus Ciders and of course had to grab a few apple donuts from Erickson Farms, Jenna from Winderseeker recommended them, her family calls them “Crack donuts” and I can see why! You also can’t miss this cutie blueberry stand from Rocky Acres.

Note: If you’re going to the blueberry stand they only take cash or check, no Venmo or card so come prepared!

Have dinner at Hoops Dockside:

You may know Hoops Fish Market located as your heading out of Bayfield toward Washburn, but they’ve expanded to a dockside location that includes an outdoor dock restaurant that offers fresh caught fish fries, drinks and you can often find live music on certain days of the week! Before you go be sure to head into the fish market and find some fish to take home. We grabbed some salmon for our charcuterie board back at our cabin!

Pro-Tip: if you have littles there’s a park just a block away this is a great way to run out some energy before dinner and then go enjoy the sun setting and some fish and chips!

Grab a brew from Adventure Brewing Club:

I’ve now been here twice once when they brewed their own beers and currently they are offering a selection of local brews that are not their own as they undergo an expansion but are planning on bringing back their own offerings soon. Located just outside of Bayfield at Howl Adventure Club. The inside has a gear shop, coffee shop, gelato and also houses the brewing club. While the space inside is small, they have an oversized grass patio with hammocks, chairs and you can often find a food truck there for snacks or a meal!

Stay at a Cabin with A Private Beach w/ Windseeker Rentals:

Windseeker Rentals offers over 16 different accommodation options under their umbrella, from a solo staycation to a 8 person family getaway they have options for each group size, both inside Bayfield to slightly outside but no matter where you’re at your near at least some amazing amenities! The one that’s my favorite so far is Lake Shore Retreat on Lake Superior which is located just out of town, but walkable via a hiking path and has it’s own private beach on Lake Superior. With a large yard, deck, four bedrooms this is the perfect spot for a family with kids who want to spend their time on the water during their vacation.

Note: the beach is located via a staircase down to the water and may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.

Hike or Paddle to the Sea Caves:

A major draw to the Bayfield area is to see the sea caves which you’re able to do via paddling or see them from above via the Mayers Sea Cave hike. This just over 4.5 mile hike takes you along the shore of Lake Superior and allows you a Birds Eye vide of the caves. If you want to paddle them, you can rent seat kayaks, take a guided tour or bring your own gear. The trailhead is located at the Meyers Beach parking lot, on Meyers Road, which is 4 miles east of Cornucopia on State Highway 13. Parking for vehicles with trailers is available. There is a $5 per day parking fee, or $8 per day for vehicles more than 20', payable on site.

NOTE: Lake Superior can be unforgiving and the weather can change quickly. The paddle is a few miles so if you’re not comfortable with sea kayaking I highly suggest taking a tour with a guide and always wear a life jacket.

This blog post is sponsored by Windseeker Rentals, but as always all options are my own. Want to see more from my trip to Bayfield, and the Island Overlook Cabin where we stayed? You can find both Instagram reels linked here. Looking for more amazing Wisconsin desinations and cabins? Check out the Wisconsin tab on my site!