Bayfield Winter Adventures to Fit Your Travel Style
Bayfield is often associated with summer activities like kayaking around Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, and hiking and beachgoing on Madeline Island. However, as perfectly pleasant as these warm-weather activities are, Bayfield is also bursting with cold-weather fun. From skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling to digging into cocktails and comfort food in front of a roaring fire, Bayfield is calling you this winter, and we highly encourage you and your circle to answer.
Getting Out
Whoever said there isn’t good skiing in the Midwest clearly has never been to Mt. Ashwabay Ski and Recreation Area. Here, Northwoods powder is on full display with groomed trails for beginners and experienced skiers alike; they also have snowboarding, snowshoeing and fat tire biking. For an especially unique (and thrilling) way to get to know Bayfield, head out on a dog sledding adventure where you can drive your own team of Siberian huskies or simply sit back and enjoy the ride.
The famous Apostle Island Ice Caves resemble a frozen fairytale wonderland in winter, and when the conditions are right, you can even walk across Lake Superior to reach them. Even if you can’t reach these caves on foot, you could still reach the nearby Red Cliff Ice Caves, a dazzling alternative that’s also kid-friendly.
Staying In
Sometimes, the best part of vacation is when you don’t do anything at all. For a secluded stay in Bayfield, head to Hauser’s Bayfield Cabin, where you’re steps from Lake Superior and surrounded by pine, maple and birch forests. Though the cabin has a geothermal heating system, you can cozy up the vibes even more by also firing up the wood-burning stove. Cuddle up with loved ones, including those with four legs, as this is a pet-friendly cabin. Should you want to get outdoors but not go too far, make use of the free snowshoes that the cabin provides.
Digging In
When winter weather cools things down, you can count on some of Bayfield’s best restaurants to warm things back up again. Even if you’re not staying at the boutique hotel Saint James Social, pop in for some artisan sourdough pizza and their rotating chef’s menu (Thursdays – Sundays). Wash it all down with house-made signature mocktails and cocktails featuring local and seasonal ingredients, like local maple syrup and lavender grown at their small family farm. The nation’s first Native American-owned distillery, Copper Crow, welcomes you into their intimate tasting room year-round, but come winter, you may also want to take your handcrafted drink out to their massive outdoor firepit (note that they are closed in November).
Just a quick 15-minute drive from Bayfield, you’ll find fabulous food and a solid cocktail and mocktail list at Good Thyme Restaurant in Washburn. While especially known for their all-you-can-eat Friday Fish Fry, Good Thyme is a great time anytime, though they’re only open Thursday-Saturday evenings in the winter. Come for the pan-fried halibut and vegan vermicelli, and stay for the warm vibes and roaring fireplace in this 125-year-old restored home.
However you choose to spend your time, we’re certain you’ll have a magnificent winter adventure in and around Bayfield and the Apostle Islands.
