Top 5 Can’t Miss
- Explore the sea caves, hiking trails, and lighthouses of the Apostle Islands.
- Stay at the historic boutique hotel, St. James Social, in downtown Bayfield.
- Order the blackened whitefish at Hoop’s Fish.
- Admire island views as you take the ferry to Madeline Island for the day.
- Spend an afternoon learning about Ojibwe culture and local history at the Madeline Island Museum.
- Sip on your drink of choice while listening to a local band at Tom’s Burned Down Cafe.
On the northern edge of Wisconsin’s Bayfield Peninsula, an archipelago of rugged, forested islands forms a barrier between the mainland and the vast, clear waters of Lake Superior. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, which earned its official designation as a national lakeshore in 1970, is one of the Midwest’s most striking natural landscapes. This island chain is a popular weekend and summer destination for travelers who want to paddle through sea caves, lounge on picturesque beaches, and search for centuries-old shipwrecks.
There’s a laid-back charm to the Apostle Islands that keeps people returning year after year. In 1945, Anna Novak’s grandparents bought a farm on Madeline Island—the largest in the archipelago—as a summer retreat from life in Chicago. Eighty years later, Novak and her cousins are still here—some living in the area as full-time residents, others returning for the summer.
“There’s a lot of fishing out of Bayfield. Lots of people who come to kayak, bike, or hike because of all the hiking trails,” says Novak. “It’s no Mackinac Island—we’re not very touristy. Maybe we’re more like Martha’s Vineyard, in that we have a lot of summer residents.”
Thousands of years before the area had guided sea cave tours and ice cream shops, the Ojibwe people lived throughout this region, fishing the deep waters and gathering wild rice around the adjacent Chequamegon Bay. In the 17th century, French fur traders began establishing outposts that evolved into the towns we know today. Bayfield, a charming harbor town filled with art galleries and bed-and-breakfasts, serves as the main jumping-off point to the Apostle Islands. Mainland sea caves are accessible via Meyers Beach, located a short drive north of Bayfield.
Take a 20-minute ferry from the dock in Bayfield to La Pointe, the only town on Madeline Island. Though part of the Apostle Islands archipelago, Madeline is not included in the national lakeshore, making it the only town on the chain. From La Pointe, drive or bike out to hiking trails and beaches with unparalleled sunset views. The Apostle Islands are a place of wild beauty and freshwater adventure that can only be experienced in the Great Lakes region. It’s no wonder, then, it was named one of the best places to travel in 2025 by Travel + Leisure.
Best Hotels & Resorts
Guest room at Wild Rice Retreat.
Corey Gaffer/Wild Rice Retreat
St. James Social
Bayfield’s newest boutique hotel and restaurant is also one of its most historic stays. Originally opened in 1884, the old Italianate property sat empty for a few years before it was reopened by Bayfield locals Annalisa and Cody Bermel in 2023. The couple reimagined the space with a modern social lounge, eight stylish guest rooms, and a spacious rooftop sauna overlooking Lake Superior and downtown Bayfield.
The Bayfield Inn
At The Bayfield Inn, guests get a front-row seat to harbor activity and ferry traffic. Located at the water’s edge of downtown Bayfield, the location for this boutique inn is unbeatable for travelers who plan to spend their time out on the lake. In the summertime, head upstairs for some fish tacos and drinks on the rooftop deck.
Wild Rice Retreat
Just outside Bayfield, Wild Rice Retreat sits on 100 acres of forest along the shores of Lake Superior and is open year-round. Architect David Salmela designed the Scandinavian-style lodging, where wide windows frame views of the Northwoods. Guests can fill their days with yoga, forest walks, wood-fired sauna sessions, and shared meals made from seasonal ingredients.
Old Rittenhouse Inn
Perched on the hill above downtown Bayfield, Old Rittenhouse Inn celebrates 50 years of hosting guests in 2025. The property may be most known for its ruddy red Victorian mansion-turned-B&B, but it also includes a sibling inn called Le Chateau Boutin, formerly owned by lumber baron Frank Boutin Jr., and a nearby two-story cottage. The on-site Landmark Restaurant serves a five-course meal that often includes fresh fish from Lake Superior.
Camp on the Apostle Islands
Eighteen of the 21 Apostle Islands are available for camping experiences, though access and amenities vary by island and individual site. Use National Park Service resources to help safely plan your trip and abide by Leave No Trace principles.
Best Things to Do
The Apostle Island Cruises leaving the harbor.
Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau
Explore the Apostle Islands.
There are many ways to take in the beauty of the national lakeshore, depending on your mobility level and time constraints. Apostle Island Cruises, which takes off from the dock in Bayfield Harbor, is one of the most popular ways to get out into the islands.
“There’s a grand tour that doesn’t involve getting off the boat, so they’ll take you on a trip around the islands to see some beautiful lighthouses and even get all the way out to Devil’s Island,” says Kati Anderson, public relations manager for the Bayfield Chamber & Visitor Bureau. “You can also take a separate trip out to Raspberry, Michigan, and Sand Island on certain days of the week.”
For other island excursion opportunities, contact Wild Pursuits Boat Charters, Willigan’s Adventures, or Adventure Vacations. Be mindful of weather conditions when boating or kayaking.
Visit La Pointe on Madeline Island.
The town of La Pointe on Madeline Island is reachable by a 20-minute ferry from Bayfield. Wander over to Grampa Tony’s for ice cream, explore local art at Woods Hall, and spend an afternoon learning local history at the Madeline Island Museum. End your day by grabbing a drink and taking in the colorful tongue-in-cheek signage at Tom’s Burned Down Cafe.
Catch a concert at Big Top Chautauqua.
The Big Top Chautauqua during sunset.
Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau
Sync your visit to the Apostle Islands with a performance by one of your favorite artists at Big Top Chautauqua. At the base of Mt. Ashwabay, this 900-seat tent theater with striking blue-and-white stripes has welcomed legends like Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Joan Baez, and The Beach Boys alongside regional acts since the 1980s.
Explore the Bayfield Fruit Loop.
Rows of apple trees at the Sunset Valley Orchard in Bayfield.
Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau
From May through October, explore Bayfield’s Fruit Loop on the mainland, where local farms offer pick-your-own and pre-picked berries, apples, and more. Many of these orchards have been family-run for generations, but there’s always something new. This year, that includes a new spot to enjoy Bayfield’s local cider.
“It’s called Apfelhaus Cidery, and it’s connected to Hauser’s Superior View Farm. The owner just opened this gorgeous taproom, and it’s very modern and has a view of the lake,” says Anderson.
Other Fruit Loop stops include Blue Vista Farm, Bayfield Winery and Blue Ox Cider, and Erickson Orchards & Country Store.
Best Restaurants
A full dinner plate from St. James Social.
Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau
Greunke’s First Street Inn & Dining
Greunke’s feels like stepping into a time capsule. The vintage decor and collection of local memorabilia add to its old-school charm. Classic breakfast food, fresh fish, and homemade soups fill you up for whatever adventures are in store.
Hoop’s Fish
Hoop’s is part fish market, part seasonal eatery. Fresh-caught Lake Superior whitefish is the star here, served fried or blackened with a side of coleslaw. Dine outdoors under the pavilion and enjoy views of the lake.
St. James Social
Don’t miss Tuesday pizza night at St. James Social. Pies are served Neapolitan-style with sourdough crust and toppings that are often highlight the best produce from Wisconsin. Thursday through Sunday, executive chef Leonard Colton Burton’s expanded menu includes a rotating lineup of small plates, entrees, and decadent deserts.
Grampa Tony’s
Right in the center of La Pointe, Grampa Tony’s is celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2025. Kids line up here for scoops and floats, while parents enjoy the shade at outdoor picnic tables or on the roof overlooking the water. It’s a must-stop for a treat after a beach day or before the ferry ride home.
The Pub Restaurant & Wine Bar
Steps from the shore, the restaurant at The Inn on Madeline Island offers views as memorable as the food. Guests gather for breakfast or dinner in a wood-beamed dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lake. Expect hearty Midwestern classics, friendly service, and sunsets that inspire.
Best Time to Visit
Visit in early October to experience the Bayfield Apple Festival.
Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau
The refreshing waters of Lake Superior are most friendly to swimmers and kayakers in late summer, from July through August. And in early October, visit Bayfield to celebrate the Bayfield Apple Festival, the annual art fair and food market centered around celebrating local farmers.
How to Get There
A sail boat traveling around Bayfield Harbor.
Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau
To reach the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, drive to the town of Bayfield in northern Wisconsin, about 90 minutes east of Duluth. From there, ferries, sailing charters, and private boats provide access to the islands. Madeline Island is the only one with regular ferry service; the others are reachable by kayak or tour boat.
How to Get Around the Apostle Islands
The Madeline Island ferry.
Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau
Ride the ferry to Madeline Island on foot or with your car. From there, you can drive around the island, explore La Pointe, or rent scooters or bikes for the day to head out to Big Bay State Park or Big Bay Town Park. In Bayfield, navigate by car, by foot, or by taking advantage of the Bay Area Rural Transit (a.k.a. the BART Bus.)
To access the Apostle Islands themselves, contact one of the many local boating or sailing charter companies operating out of Bayfield, Red Cliff, Cornucopia, or Ashland. Experienced kayakers with proper equipment can take to the water via Meyers Beach.
Islands to Visit
Kayaking around Devil’s Island.
Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau
Devil’s Island
Devil’s Island is on the outer rim of the Apostle Islands, but it’s well worth the rocky boat ride to see one of the most dramatic stops in the archipelago. Travelers come from all over the world to kayak around its sculpted sea caves and towering sandstone cliffs. A hiking trail leads to an 1890s-era lighthouse perched above Lake Superior.
Stockton Island
Visible from the north end of Madeline Island, the exterior shoreline of Stockton Island has perfect sand beaches, sea caves, and climbable sea stacks that are great for cliff jumping. It also has a unique natural feature that’s rare among beaches.
“I always go to Stockton Island for the singing sands on Julian Bay,” says Novak. “There are only a few beaches in the world where, when you swirl your hands in the dry sand, it makes a sound like a singing bowl.”
Michigan Island
Scenic view of the coast along Michigan Island.
Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau
Disclaimer: There are a lot of stairs involved in a trip to Michigan Island. Dock at the southern edge of the island and climb the stairs to see the orchards and gardens planted by former lighthouse keepers that are still tended to by the National Park Service today. For those not scared of heights, climb even higher up into the Michigan Island Light Station for panoramic views of the Apostle Islands.
Manitou Island
Manitou Island offers a glimpse into the past with its preserved commercial fishing camp, maintained by the National Park Service. Accessible only by boat, the island features quiet trails, pebble beaches, and one campsite on the north end. It’s an off-the-grid destination for history buffs and campers alike.
Raspberry Island
The iconic Raspberry Island lighthouse.
Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau
Raspberry Island is best known for its beautifully restored lighthouse and family-friendly trails. A short loop weaves through hardwood forest and opens to sweeping views of Lake Superior. Park rangers offer tours in the summer, making this one of the more accessible islands to explore. See the original Raspberry Island lighthouse lens in the Madeline Island Museum.