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The Apostle Islands' sea caves were sculpted from sandstone by centuries of wave action, freezing and thawing.

Apostle Islands
 
 

Travel Green: Bayfield Ecotourism Itinerary

Bayfield is the type of small town travelers dream about – picturesque and charming with modern amenities and accommodations. It’s the gateway to the stunning Apostle Islands National Lakeshore; 21 gem-like coastal islands that are home to lighthouses, sea caves, hiking trails and terrific blue-water sailing. And, businesses throughout the Bayfield area have stepped up to become Travel Green Wisconsin certified, making a statement about the destination's commitment to sustainable practices and stewardship of our natural resources.
TravelWisconsin.com - Sailing on Lake Superior near Bayfield
The Madeline Island Ferry crosses the bay on a three-mile trip to Madeline Island, the largest and only inhabited island in this Lake Superior archipelago. Summertime fills the Bayfield and La Pointe harbors with sailboats, sea kayaks and charter fishing boats. Gracious accommodations, good food and friendly folks make Bayfield a top vacation destination.

Here are just some of the activities you can enjoy at different times throughout the year in Bayfield and the surrounding area.

The mainland headquarters of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is the logical place to begin your Bayfield adventure. Here, you can familiarize yourself with the islands and the Gaylord Nelson Wilderness Area. Allow at least an hour to view the introductory video and learn how to best explore this unique environment. Day excursions and limited overnight camping are offered on many of the islands.

Travel Green Wisconsin

Travel Green Wisconsin is a new program that certifies tourism businesses that have made a commitment to reduce their environmental and social impact.

There are currently more than 70 businesses that have received Travel Green Wisconsin certification. To find out more about the program, visit travelgreenwisconsin.com, or, look for the "Travel Green Wisconsin certified" checkbox whenever you're viewing a list of accommodations or activities.

Living Adventure allows you to paddle the Apostles aboard their sea kayaks. They offer rentals, paddling instruction, and guided half-day to multiple day excursions including fully outfitted overnight trips.

Dreamcatcher Sailing Charters offers half-day and overnight sailing adventures among the Apostle Islands aboard a 33-foot Pearson sailboat. Learn about sailing, take the wheel or just relax. View bird life and learn about the Lake Superior ecosystem.

Bayfield’s many fruit orchards offer a wonderful opportunity to purchase fresh blueberries, raspberries and apples. Pick your own, or shop the orchard stores for cider, jams & jellies, syrup, honey and pre-picked fruit & flowers.

Three Bayfield boats offer charter fishing adventures on Lake Superior. Catch your own lake trout and salmon, or purchase fresh and smoked fish from Bodin Fisheries.

Located on Madeline Island, Big Bay Sate Park offers 2,400 acres of fun with picturesque sandstone bluffs and four miles of Lake Superior shoreline including 1.5 miles of sand and a mile-long boardwalk.