Bayfield County: Scenic Views, Lake Superior, and Nature Experiences
Accommodation in Bayfield County
Bayfield County combines an exceptional lake landscape with the shores of Lake Superior, distinctive sandstone formations, and diverse trails through nature. The county has 966 inland lakes, 398 of which are publicly accessible. This means the range extends from quiet inland waters to the expansive landscape along Lake Superior. If you are planning a trip with varied interests, you can choose your vacation rental based on whether waterscapes, forest trails, winter sports, or excursions to historic sites should be the focus.
Between Inland Lakes and Sandstone Cliffs
Along the shoreline of Lake Superior, waves, ice, and wind have shaped sandstone cliffs over thousands of years. Houghton Falls is particularly impressive: there, an area protects a Precambrian sandstone gorge on the lake shore and opens up views of the Apostle Islands. At Houghton Falls, a stream plunges more than 60 feet into a sandy cove on Lake Superior. Frog Bay Tribal National Park also combines nature observation with views of the water. The park includes a sandy beach and a boardwalk; it also encompasses 3/4 mile of Lake Superior shoreline and offers views of five of the Apostle Islands.
Active Days in Every Season
For extended outings, Bayfield County offers more than 168 miles of ATV and UTV trails. The Mt. Valhalla Recreation Area has snowmobile trails, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails, a sledding hill, and a heated shelter. Mt. Ashwabay adds more than 40 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails, 13 downhill runs, and an elevation difference of 317 feet. In summer, hiking, mountain biking, and community events are also offered there. This allows you to combine active and more relaxed days when planning your trip, without having to organize every activity in the same way.
Island Trails, Lighthouses, and Sea Caves
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore has more than 50 miles of maintained hiking trails on the islands. The trails lead to lighthouses, abandoned quarries, former farm sites, historic logging camps, beaches, campgrounds, and overlooks. The protected area is also home to the largest and most significant contiguous collection of lighthouses in the United States. In Bayfield County, 22 sites are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Those who prefer to explore the landscape on a short outing can find two park areas at Siskiwit Falls; the southernmost falls are accessible via a short trail on the south side of Siskiwit Falls Road.
The distinctive landscape also includes extensive sea caves in the sandstone of the Devils-Island Formation. The mainland sea caves in Bayfield County are accessible via Meyers Beach east of Cornucopia. With appropriate planning, you can inquire about current ice conditions by phone at 715-779-3397.
Scenic Byway, Orchards, and Local Products
The Wisconsin Lake Superior Scenic Byway is a 70-mile section of State Highway 13 that runs across and around the Bayfield Peninsula. Information kiosks in each community provide maps, travel guides, and additional information. There are also more than 20 farms throughout the county offering local foods such as meat, poultry, fruit, and vegetables. Nearly a dozen orchards around Bayfield form what is locally known as the Fruit Loop along the Scenic Byway and County J.
Another reason to visit is the Bayfield Apple Festival, held annually on the first weekend of October and lasting three days. Visitors can pick apples themselves at one of the seven orchards in Bayfield or buy apples that have already been picked. When choosing where to stay, it is therefore worthwhile to first determine which landscapes and excursions you would like to visit and then look for suitable accommodation in Bayfield County. The destination pages for Bayfield and Drummond provide additional guidance.
For the overarching travel overview: Wisconsin.
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