American Escapes – Bayfield, Wisconsin

Bayfield, Wisconsin

Bayfield, Wisconsin, population not quite 500, is the gateway to the Apostle Islands and Madeline Island. This city lies approximately 7.5 hours from Chicago and 2 hours from Duluth Minnesota. The Apostle Islands are a group of 22 islands in Lake Superior which are part of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. While Madeline Island is the largest of these islands it is not part of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. As such, it is the only Apostle Island open to private ownership and commercial development.

Bayfield itself is a quaint harbor town with picturesque homes overlooking a bay with boats and ferries leaving for the islands throughout the day. The largest of these homes were built over one hundred years ago by local lumber barons and today are wonderfully restored as bed and breakfasts and wedding venues. The Old Rittenhouse, and its sister property Le Chateau Boutin, is one of the most prominent examples today of restored Queen Anne-style.

There are a handful of local restaurants serving the local delicacy; namely, whitefish. Check out the Bayfield Inn and Morty’s Pub. Legend has it that “Morty” Baldwin was one of the first to swim the distance from Bayfield to Madeline island. This was the age before wetsuits so he swam covered with axle grease to stay warm in the 50 degrees water. Amidst these local establishments are an assortment of gift and book shops.

Bayfield is a city of festivals. Apple Fest in the autumn typically draws a crowd of 40,000 people such that you cannot see across the Main Street. Unfortunately, Apple Fest has been canceled for 2020. One of the next events is the Apostle Island Sled Dog Race to be held in February 2021.