Share your Bayfield story

Here is your chance to win a free getaway package to Bayfield by sharing one of the highlights of your recent trip by submiting your story using the link at the left.

Perhaps you discovered a sandy warm beach, or had a fabulous meal at one of the Bayfield area restaurants. You may have delighted in picking berries at one of the orchards surrounding Bayfield, or happened to see a bald eagle flying over the lake; taken in a spectacular sunset or kayaked to the Lake Superior sea caves along the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and enjoyed the breathtaking beauty.

Whatever the highlight of your trip, we want you to share it with others who may be planning a trip to Bayfield.

  • Michele C. - Anna Maria, FL
  • "For several years my boyfriend has been trying to get me to Bayfield in the winter. I have spent several summers camping and kayaking in Bayfield, but the winter, in my view, was unfit for humans. Last February however, he took me to Bayfield for a "romantic" winter weekend - certainly exceeding my expectations. The beauty of Bayfield's glacial blues was entrancing. It was truly magical and I can't wait to come back. We went to the ice caves, hiked out to Sand Island, drove the ice road to Madeline Island, had breakfast at Lotta's, dinner at Maggie's. What a great experience! It was so romantic that I also finally said "Yes!" when he proposed."
  • Linda A. - St. James, MO
  • "When we arrived and saw the charming community of Bayfied, the sailboats, Lake Superior, we instantly decided, "We're staying longer!" Our accomodations we with the Bayfield Inn, staying at the lovely Garden Guest House. Ethel's at 250 served delicious pizza, homemade lasagna and warm apple pie. The ferry took us to Madeline Island where we explored Big Bay State Park, its rugged shoreline and quiet beaches. Hauser's Superior View Farm offered samples of their apple wine and fresh apples. We browsed through unique shops and galleries, and drove along the coast of Lake Superior, simply enjoying the beautiful fall colors. Everyone we met was very friendly and helpful. Our first trip to Bayfield, Wisconsin was so delightful and relaxing. We cannot wait to return!"
  • Steve L. - Rochester, MN
  • "We had a great time! Picked blueberries at Blue Vista Farm. Stayed at the Old Rittenhouse Inn and had a superior meal and visited with the owners at breakfast. A great Chamber of Commerce office with convenient restrooms. We partook of some excellent brown sugar cured smoked whitefish at Bodin's Fisheries. We walked the entire city to see the wonderful historic homes. Keep up the good work!"
  • Barb B. - Marshfield, WI
  • "What appealed to me the most about Bayfield was the combination of its expansive natural beauty, plentiful ways to be engaged and still it maintains an intimate setting."
  • Martha J. - Minneapolis, MN
  • "The best part of our weekend in Bayfield was dinner at Wild Rice. It's a fabulous restaurant and a credit to the whole Bayfield community to have a restaurant of that caliber here. Thanks for a great weekend!"
  • Kelly V. - St. Paul, MN
  • "The Thimbleberry Inn is such a wonderful place. This was my first visit to Bayfield, but would love to come back again. We enjoyed the Ghost Walk - Virginia was a great tour guide and I learned a lot of the history of Bayfield."
  • Craig P. - Roseville, MN
  • "Staying at a B&B right on Lake Superior was incredibly relaxing. We enjoyed the local restaurants and shops as well as taking the ferry to Madeline Island. Bayfield is beautiful and we hope to come back in the future to explore more of what Bayfield has to offer."
  • Jean A. - Roseville, MN
  • "We had a fabulous stay in Bayfield, enjoying the opportunity to bike Madeline Island, eat a local restaurants and enjoy the friendliness of the residents in this beautiful part of the state."
  • Barb B. - Marshfield, WI
  • "What appealed to me the most was the combination of its expansive natural setting, plentiful ways to be engaged and still it maintains an intimate setting."
  • Steve L. - Rochester, MN
  • "We had a great time! Picked blueberries at Blue Vista Farm (when I suggested to a young boy that they might be checking tongues for blueberry stains, he decided to put more in the box than his mouth!). Stayed at The Old Rittenhouse Inn and had a superior meal and visited with the owners at breakfast. Great Chamber of Commerce office with convenient restrooms. We partook of some excellent brown sugar cured smoked whitefish. Finally, we walked the entire city to see the wonderful historic homes - keep up the good work!"
  • Old Rittenhouse Inn
  • Bernice N. - Bayfield, WI
  • My granddaughter, on a trip to Bayfield from Minnesota, took one of the sailing classes offered by North Coast Community Sailing. It's a wonderful program!









  • Kathleen T. - Rice Lake, WI
  • "I planned my trip on short notice to celebrate the August birthdays of my two grandsons (8 & 11). We chose mid-week and were delighted with our experience! From the beautiful accomodations at Harbor View with the spectacular view to the ease in walking everywhere in town. Our sailboat trip on the "Dreamcatcher" was fabulous - the captain really catered to the little boys on board. Seeing the full moon rise over the lake was the cherry on top of a great trip."
  • Preston H. - Rochester, MN
  • "The gorgeous and relaxing view sitting at Blue Vista Farm. Enjoying a ginger beer and knowing my lakeview "home" of Seagull Bay Motel is waiting for me year after year."
  • Peg L. - Mequon, WI
  • "Bayfield is breathtaking... beautiful sunsets, inn, shops, boutiques, restaurants, boat rides, art studios, gardens and orchards. What more can one wish for? Plus the best strawberries we've ever tasted. Take in the Big Top Chautauqua musicals and dine in Bayfield - you will love it!"
  • Old Rittenhouse Inn
  • Michele M. - Erie, MI
  • "The Old Rittenhouse Inn is amazing. From my perch on the porch swing, I can view the lovely shops in town and watch the ferry troll back and forth to Madeline Island."



  • Jane B. - Hoyt Lakes, MN
  • "My friend and I loaded our kayaks on her van and headed to Bayfield for a weekend of paddling and a Big Top Chautauqua show. The drive was beautiful but the increasing clouds and wind advisory kept us out of our kayaks. Our weekend "adventure" changed, but in a great way! We took the ferry to Madeline Island, shopped and "putzed" our way around the penninsula. The Big Top show was fantastic and our weekend adventure without husbands was great!"
  • Julian Bay
  • Mary W. - Cottage Grove, MN
  • "There's nothing better than sailing in the Apostle Islands, anchoring off in Julian Bay and swimming in Lake Superior on a hot summer day. Also, an ice cream cone from the Candy Shoppe is a treat!"



  • Sea Kayaking
  • Karmin D. - Minneapolis, MN
  • "We had a wonderful time at Greunke's First Street Inn in Bayfield on June 8th and 9th...More importantly (at least to me),...it was THE place to have a good fish dinner."



  • Tom L. - McFarland, WI
  • "My wife and I spent a wonderful 25th wedding anniversary in Bayfield. Everyone we encountered - from our hotel to the boat tours to restaurants - was warm and friendly. We'll be back!"
  • Sue F. - River Falls, WI
  • "We loved the Artesian House just south of Bayfield; quiet seclusion, great view, in-room jacuzzi, fabulous breakfast, and owner Al Chechik's travel advice. Try Maggie's restaurant."
  • Bill Z. - Milwaukee, WI
  • "We love the beauty, the peacefulness and the fact that Bayfield is an undiscovered jewel in Wisconsin's north. We love that it is a sustainable community with amenities that match the finest in the Midwest. It is our favorite Wisconsin destination."
  • Sea Kayaking
  • Karmin D. - Minneapolis, MN
  • "What a little surprise that such beauty awaits only a 5 hour drive from home! We went sea kayaking through the sand caves. It was so amazing & breathtaking...& we were early enough to still see ice."



  • Dream Catcher Saling
  • Jeanette B. - Topeka, KS
  • "We read about the Apostle Islands in a SAIL magazine 15 years ago, we decided to take the 24 hour roadtrip. The sail on the Egret with John [with Dreamcatcher Sailing] and my husband, Mike, at the helm was GREAT!"



  • Old Rittenhouse Inn
  • Jackie L. - Little Canada, MN
  • "I finally got a chance to stay at the Old Rittenhouse Inn. I enjoyed a view of the lake and had the most amazing wild rice pancakes ever. Thank you for the wonderful hospitality, Bayfield!"