There are so many things to do in Bayfield Wisconsin!
Bayfield, is one of the least populated cities in the world. Because of its small population, solo travelers who are introverted adore this beautiful city and continue to go back every time.
There are countless things to do in Bayfield Wisconsin, so you’ll never get bored no matter how many times you visit the city.
About Bayfield Wisconsin
Located in Bayfield County in Wisconsin, Bayfield is one of the smallest cities in the United States.
Bayfield Area: 223 ha
Bayfield Timezone: Central Standard Time [GMT-6]
Bayfield Population: 588 (2021)
Bayfield Area Code: 715
The good news is that there are plenty of things to do in Bayfield, and just like Montgomery, the city is straightforward for solo travelers to navigate.
Even if it is your first time traveling solo, Bayfield is not that big to tackle.
As of 2020, Bayfield has a population of just 588 people, which means almost everybody knows each other, it’s more like a village where everybody looks after each other.
Taking a solo trip to Bayfield is a choice you won’t regret.
If planning to or if you have already decided to travel to Bayfield or if you’re already in Bayfield, here is my list of 15 best things to do in Bayfield Wisconsin.
1. Visit The Apostles Island
Source: TripAdvisor
Apostles Island is one of the most impressive attractions in Bayfield and I think visiting this place should be on your list of things to do in Bayfield.
About The Apostles Island
The Apostle Islands is a group of 21 islands located in the northern part of Wisconsin and In 2014 the location was converted into a conservation area by the authorities.
The water that surrounds Apostle Island is also home to many aquatic animals like whitefish, lake trout, and herring.
Phone: +1 715-779-3925
Founded:1971
If you don’t want to tour Apostle Island using a boat cruise, you can either hike, camp, fish, or swim around.
2. Hike The Big Ravine
One of the best things to do in Bayfield if you’re the type of person that enjoys adventure and outdoor activities is to hike the Big Ravine.
Hiking the big ravine through the west rim trail is a fun activity because there are many spots where you can stop to admire the beauty of nature.
Address: Sweeny Ave, Bayfield, WI 54814, United States
The western trail which most people use to hike the big ravine is 8 miles long, with the trailhead located at South Rim Visitor Center.
3. Visit Bayfield Farmer’s Market
Shopping at the Bayfield farmer’s market is one of the most underrated things to do in Bayfield.
Address: Bayfield, WI 54814, United States
It is held in the parking lot of the Bayfield Chamber of Commerce and features local vendors selling farm products like tomatoes, potatoes, eggs, honey, etc.
4. Attend The Bayfield Apple Festival
Attending the Bayfield Apple Festival is one of the most interesting things to do in Bayfield Wisconsin.
If you have any interest in nature, art, flowers, or crafts, this should be a must-do for anyone in Wisconsin.
Address: 42 S Broad St, Bayfield, WI 54814, United
Estimated Attendance: 2500 – 5000 people
Exhibition: 100+
During this event, there will be about 100+ exhibitions that take place, parades, live music, and other fun activities for both adults and children.
5. Visit the Bayfield Heritage Days
Just like the Bayfield Apple Festival, Heritage Days is an annual event that takes place every September.
The goal of the event is to celebrate the natural resources, culture, and history of the town.
The event features different activities like a parade, a street fair, and a number of historical reenactments.
To see when the next event is coming up, click here
6. Check out the Big Top Chautauqua
One of the best things to do in Bayfield is to check out the Big Top Chautauqua!
Address: 32525 Ski Hill Rd, Bayfield, WI 54814, United States
Phone: +1 715-373-5552
If you want to have a fun and unique experience while visiting Bayfield, then check out the Big Top Chautauqua
The Big Top Chautauqua is a 900-seater venue that features different varieties of entertainment like music, drama, and comedy.
There is also a museum beside the Big Top center where you can learn more about the chronicles and history of Big Top.
One of the best times to visit Big Top Chautauqua is during the summer months.
One of the things to do in Bayfield Wisconsin if you’re looking for a fun, unique, and party-like experience is to visit the Big Top Chautauqua!
7. Rent A Bike and Tour The City By Yourself
Touring a city by yourself is one of the best ways to have a memorable, sure you can get lost, but that’s still part of the experience.
However, if you don’t want to do it alone, you can explore part of the city with a local tour guide, and it doesn’t cost you anything more than a tip of maybe $300
You can choose from various local guides based on what you want to see and what time works best for you.
No matter what, I highly recommend taking a bike tour near the start of your trip.
8. Take A Day Trip
Bayfield is just a small part of Wisconsin and has little to offer compared to the whole of Wisconsin.
If you’re traveling alone, it’s super tempting to stay in Bayfield and explore everything it has to offer, but you should consider taking a day trip.
There are many cities you can visit on a day trip from Bayfield, which only takes a few hours to get to by using an uber
My top picks are Drummond, Delta and Saxon
All three cities give you a taste of a different side of what Wisconsin has to offer, and you get to experience different cultures too.
If you can only choose one, I highly recommend Saxon. I love it so much!
Taking a day trip outside Bayfield may seem intimidating when you’re traveling alone in Wisconsin, but it’s actually super easy.
You just need to hire an Uber, get off, wander around the city, and book another Uber that will take you home when it is time to leave.
Not only is taking a day trip one of the best things to do in Bayfield, but it also helps you develop your solo travel skills and become a more confident traveler!
9. Hike Mt. Ashwabay
Mt. Ashwabay is another hidden gem in Bayfield Wisconsin, and hiking this mountain is one of the best things to do in Bayfield.
Mt. Ashwabay is also a non-profit ski hill and outdoor recreation area in Bayfield, Wisconsin, overlooking Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
Address: 32525 Ski Hill Rd Bayfield, WI 54814
Phone: (715)779-3227
10. Visit The Bayfield Maritime Museum
One of the best things to do in Bayfield Wisconsin if you’re interested in art and history is to check out the Bayfield Maritime Museum.
Address: 131 S 1st St, Bayfield, WI 54814, United States
This museum features a variety of exhibits and displays, as well as a library, research center, educational programs, and events.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many things to do in Bayfield.
For me, my top three things to do in Bayfield are to visit the maritime museum, take a day trip and tour the city by myself using a bike.
With that said, if you need a rejuvenating vacation, plan a trip to Bayfield that you can enjoy even on a tight budget.
You can embark on many activities, and there’s always something for anyone visiting the city.
Save this list of things to do in Bayfield, Wisconsin, for your next budget-friendly adventure!