There are 966 inland lakes in Bayfield County, 398 of which are publicly accessible. The county also has a Lake Superior shoreline where sandstone cliffs rise above the water. Waves, ice, and wind have shaped these rocks over thousands of years. The county’s many inland lakes and its geologically distinctive coastline thus stand side by side as different waterscapes.
Waterfalls, Gorges, and Island Views
At Houghton Falls, the area protects a Precambrian sandstone gorge on the shore of Lake Superior. A stream plunges more than 60 feet there into a sandy bay. The cliffs offer views of the Apostle Islands. Frog Bay Tribal National Park also brings together several distinctive coastal features: the grounds include a sandy beach, a boardwalk, and three-quarters of a mile of Lake Superior shoreline. From there, visitors can see five of the Apostle Islands.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore has extensive sea caves in the sandstone of the Devils Island Formation. Meyers Beach, east of Cornucopia, is the access point for the mainland sea caves. Because access depends on ice conditions, call 715-779-3397 before your visit to ask about current conditions. This experience is not simply interchangeable with visiting the coast in different weather: whether access is possible depends on the ice conditions at the time.
Trails and Seasonal Outdoor Experiences
Those who would rather explore trails than spend time by the water will find a range of options in the county. The ATV and UTV trail network covers more than 168 miles; follow posted signs, as trail networks can change. At Iron River National Fish Hatchery, several miles of trails are maintained for public use. They are used for birdwatching, hiking, hunting, snowshoeing, and skiing.
Winter sports offerings also vary in their details. Mt. Valhalla Recreation Area has snowmobile trails, ski and snowshoe trails, a sledding hill, and a heated shelter. Mt. Ashwabay offers more than 40 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails, 13 downhill runs, and 317 feet of vertical drop. Its trails and lifts operate seasonally. In summer, Mt. Ashwabay offers hiking, mountain biking, and community events; its grounds also include 29 miles of singletrack trails maintained in partnership with CAMBA. Winter facilities, trail conditions, and seasonal offerings can change, so it is a good idea to check current conditions before making plans.
Island Trails, History, and Local Produce
On the islands of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, more than 50 miles of maintained hiking trails lead to lighthouses, abandoned quarries, former farmsteads, historic logging camps, beaches, campgrounds, and viewpoints. The lighthouses are more than individual trail destinations: the National Lakeshore is home to the largest and most significant collection of lighthouses in the United States. In Bayfield County, 22 sites are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places; the number of listings can change.
The 70-mile Wisconsin Lake Superior Scenic Byway provides a way to explore the peninsula. It runs along and around the Bayfield Peninsula on State Highway 13. Information kiosks in each community along the route provide maps, travel guides, and other information. If you are looking for a particular map or travel guide, check the kiosk to see what information is currently available.
Around Bayfield, nearly a dozen orchards along the Scenic Byway and County J make up what is locally known as the “Fruit Loop.” In addition, more than 20 farms throughout Bayfield County offer local foods such as meat, poultry, fruit, and vegetables. A seasonal highlight is the Bayfield Apple Festival, held annually on the first weekend in October. During the three-day festival, visitors can pick their own apples at one of Bayfield’s seven orchards or buy apples that have already been picked. Dates, programming, and orchard participation can change; check current details if you plan to include the festival in your trip.
Discover more destinations: Bayfield, Drummond, Grant County, Dodge County, Fond Du Lac County, Outagamie, Wood County, Racine County
For the main travel overview: Wisconsin.
