Perched at the very top of Wisconsin, Bayfield holds a special place in many travelers’ hearts.
Known as Wisconsin’s smallest city — with a year-round population of fewer than five hundred — as well as the gateway to the Apostle Islands — the chain of twenty-two islands stretching into Lake Superior — the charming coastal town of Bayfield is both a starting point and a place to explore deeply.
The destination had sat on my family’s travel wish list for years, and we were all excited when we could finally make the trip happen. But as a group of ten, spanning three generations and including four young kids, we knew we’d have to be selective in what we could fit in an overnight trip.
If you’re like us and prioritize low-key beach time as much as checking out the sights, follow our itinerary for an easy, fun and boat-filled introduction to the Bayfield area!
DAY 1
Morning: Jump Right In
Drive up through the Bayfield Peninsula, but instead of heading straight into Bayfield proper, cut across the peninsula and start your adventure at Cornucopia Beach.
Tucked into the Siskiwit Bay of Lake Superior, it’s a ruggedly beautiful, windswept beach. Our kids ran from the car and wasted no time wading into the chilly waves. And we all enjoyed walking up and down the sandy shoreline.
A perk of this beach is the large covered shelter perfect for a picnic. You can spread out and enjoy a slow lunch, and if your kids need to work out some wiggles before getting back in the car, let them swing at the small playground just steps away.
Afternoon: Get Cruising
Now, it’s time for Bayfield! Drive over to the town and notice the historic homes peeking out through the tree-lined streets. Park your car and head to the dock, where you’ll board your boat for a tour of the Apostle Islands.
Our family opted for the three-hour Sea Caves and Lighthouse Tour offered by Apostle Islands Cruises. (We’d also been interested in sail boat and kayak tours, but the size of our group and age of our kids made a catamaran excursion the best fit for us this time.)
The boat takes you out into the Great Lake, past two lighthouses and right up alongside the sea caves — dramatic red sandstone rock formations that rise from brilliant turquoise water.
The boat tour was a great maiden voyage into the Apostle Islands, and our family enjoyed the views from both the open-air top deck and the lower level, where we were shielded from the sun and wind but large windows ensured we didn’t miss any of the scenery.
Evening: Toast the Town
After a big boat tour, you’re sure to be hungry, and fortunately Bayfield boasts many great dinners spots just steps from the dock.
The Pier Plaza, the Deck at the Bayfield Inn and Morty’s Pub are all family-friendly with outdoor dining options, but we tucked into back patio of Greunke’s, where we ordered up pizzas and drinks and chatted with fellow diners enjoying the festive atmosphere.
After dinner, stroll through the downtown, letting shops draw you in or live music lead you to your next stop. And whenever your kids — or you — are totally tuckered out, head to your hotel for the night.
DAY 2
Morning: Rise and Shine
Whether you prefer a full breakfast or a smaller café meal, Bayfield offers plenty of places to fuel up for the day ahead.
Because we waited a bit too long to book our hotel, our family ended up staying at a hotel in Ashland, a city located a half hour south of Bayfield on the edge of the Chequamegon Bay. But this gave us the chance to walk through the Saturday morning farmers’ market, view the downtown murals and pop into the Black Cat Coffeehouse for coffees and breakfast sandwiches before heading back up to Bayfield.
Then it’s back to the docks to catch the ferry to Madeline Island!
Afternoon: Island Time
A scenic, twenty-minute boat ride drops you (and your car) off in La Pointe on the largest of the Apostle Islands. If you’re in the mood to shop, explore the town’s cluster of boutiques, and if you’re hungry, nab a table at the Beach Club, Grandpa Tony’s or another restaurant offering lunch and water views.
Or if you’ve packed a lunch, head east seven miles to Big Bay State Park, a beautiful park with four miles of shoreline, hiking trails and more.
Grab your spot on the sand and settle in. We spent hours here swimming, splashing, building sand castles, finding rocks, picnicking and simply relaxing. This portion of Lake Superior is calm, clear and shallow, making it an ideal spot for kids to play.
Before you leave the park, be sure to stroll along the one-mile boardwalk, which takes you past a blog under tall, shady trees.
Then it’s a simple drive back to the ferry, which will return you to Bayfield and, sadly, reality as your trip comes to a close. Fortunately, there’s lots more to explore in this northernmost part of the state, so a return trip is a must!
– Katie Vaughn
Katie Vaughn is the editor and co-founder of Northerly. She is a University of Wisconsin-Madison and Stanford University-trained journalist with experience as a writer, reporter, editor, blogger and author. She lives in Madison with her husband, daughter and son, and is always up for an adventure.