Looking for the best things to do in Bayfield, WI? From the best places to hike near Bayfield, how to kayak the Apostle Islands Sea Caves, to the best family-friendly beaches near Bayfield, I’ve got you covered!

Why me? Hi! my name is Maddy, and I’m a five year Lake Superior paddler, with two + years of guiding in Bayfield and the Apostle Islands! I’ve been to every single island except Eagle, the Twins, and Long, and I’ve done every single activity on this list (except sailing, because I am a broke paddling guide). This article is designed to help you find the best things to do in the Apostle Islands for your skill and comfort level.

Best Things to do in Bayfield, Wisconsin and the Apostle Islands:

Bayfield and the Apostle Islands are on the land of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe. Keep in mind when recreating that many of the areas in the Apostle Islands and throughout the Bayfield Peninsula have cultural and historical significance. For this reason especially, be sure to pack out everything you bring including toilet paper, orange peels, ect. Avoid crushing plant life, “improving” trails or campsites, and stay on the trail when hiking.

It was not until the year 2021 that the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe flag was raised at the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Visitor’s Center.

Climbing the cliffs and caves within the Apostle Islands is prohibited by the National Park. Be aware that conditions on Lake Superior are unpredictable and water temperatures extremely cold. Watch young children closely when swimming. Do not attempt to kayak Lake Superior, to the Sea Caves, and most especially to the islands without a guide or open water coastal kayaking skills.

Note! This post contains affiliate links. This means if you buy something based off my recommendation, I may make a small kickback at no additional cost to you.

What to pack for a Trip to Bayfield, Wisconsin:

Summers on Lake Superior can be chilly, especially as you visit islands on the Lake. For a list of what to pack for kayak camping specifically, visit 15 tips for beginner kayak campers.

• 2 lightweight, long hiking pants. I wear a size 8 and am short, and find the REI trailmade to be super flattering as well as the Kuhl freeflex.
• A pair of shorts, and yoga pants with pockets 
• A fleece. Any fleece will do, but I really love my Patagonia Synchilla
• Wool baselayers. Five years of heavy paddling and my Smartwool baselayers are the only wool baselayers I’ve had that have really stood the test of time. For seven days, pack four baselayer tops. 
• Study hiking boots. I like my Briger Mids. Working in outdoor retail I literally never had anyone try on these shoes and not buy them. Pair with Darn Tough hiking socks and pack at least five pairs. In the alpine areas, trekking poles are also a great choice!
• hiking sandals
• Quick dry shots: I like Patagonia Baggies
• A puffy jacket. It can be cool even in the summer near the lakeshore, especially evenings. My partner Andy (also a wilderness guide) swears by the Patagonia Nano Puff. I like my Helly Hansen Liftloft. 
• If camping, a tent, packable sleeping bag (Nemo Disco) and pad (comfortable sleeping pad): Read my budget tent recommendations here!
• A day hiking pack: I love my Perimeter 35L. I was gifted this pack a few years back and it’s still my go-to day pack; a savvy packer can easily pack for a seven day hiking trip in this bag. 
• A raincoat. I love the Moss Raincoat from Helly Hansen; It’s affordable, cute, and super durable.

Looking for what to pack for your sea kayaking trip? Check out a Beginner’s Guide to Overnight Sea Kayaking!

30) Hike the Meyers Beach Sea Caves Lakeshore Trail

If you can only do one thing while visiting Bayfield, WI hike the Meyers Beach Sea Caves Lakeshore Trail! This trail is an out-and-back with some uphills leading to beautiful overlooks of the Apostle Islands Sea Caves. Be sure to pay the $5 parking fee at the trailhead!

On summer weekends this parking lot fills to capacity! Consider arriving before 10am to snag a parking spot, or later than 4pm. Milage is variable depending on how far you choose to hike, but most people hike between four and five miles to reach all the best sea caves!

29) Take a Guided Sea Kayak Tour of the Meyers Beach Sea Caves

Wondering how to visit the Bayfield, WI sea caves? Some of the biggest and easiest to reach sea caves near Bayfield can be accessed from Meyers Beach. In order to do this paddle safely, book a guided tour. 

Why should I book a guided tour of the Apostle Islands Sea Caves?

Listen, I get it. Tours are expensive and you bought a Wilderness Systems Pungo, why would you book a tour? You’re an experienced kayaker! You kayak every weekend on Lake Minnetonka!

Meyers Beach is in a bay. It’s about a one-mile paddle to the first cliffs, and farther than that to the first sea caves. Around the time you reach Keyhole Arch, you’re more exposed to the northeast and southwest, directions which the wind rises most afternoons. It doesn’t take very much wind to kick up 1-2 foot waves, which hit the cliffs, bounce off, and double up.

It only takes one mistake to capsize your Pungo or Sundolphin, or god forbid, inflatable kayak. Once you’re in the water outside of your open cockpit kayak, it will fill with water and sink. In 50 degree water, which on Lake Superior is expected even in summer months, you have 10 minutes until hypothermia makes self rescue impossible and about an hour until you become fully unresponsive. 

It’s a mile+ swim just to reach the beach away from the cliffs. It’s really important to note if you did not book a guided tour, the guides out there have to take care of the safety of their group before they help you. While there are enough people at Meyers that someone will likely contact NPS for you, and there’s a good chance you’ll be rescued in time, that is not a promise and it’s likely you will loose your boat.

Just book a guided tour. I recommend Lost Creek Adventures, Trek & Trail, or Whitecap Kayak. Trek & Trail also offers safety courses; if sea kayaking is a skill you want to learn, take a safety course with them!

Why shouldn’t I bring my kids sea kayaking to the Apostle Islands Sea Caves?

Most safe outfitters will not take children under 14 sea kayaking on Lake Superior in tandem kayaks. If an outfitter is willing to do this, this is a red flag! Children under 14 are usually put in triple kayaks as it takes two people capable of responding to instructions and paddling in an emergency to safely kayak on Lake Superior. No safe outfitter will take out children under five in any circumstances.

28) Go to Applefest, the iconic Fall Festival in Bayfield, Wisconsin

Every fall, apple-lovers descend on Bayfield looking to eat apple fry bread, hear live music, and drink spiked cider! While most people visit Bayfield in the summer, check out Applefest for fall colors and one of the most lively events way Up North.

27) Day Trip to Madeline Island, the easiest island to get to from Bayfield

A Madeline Island day trip is one of the best things to do when visiting Bayfield! Grab drinks at Tom’s Burned Down Cafe, head out to Big Bay State Park to swim and hike, or bike the island!

While there is lots to do on Madeline Island for adults, the island is not particularly kid friendly. Families with kids will have better luck sticking to Bayfield. 

Based in Duluth, Minnesota? Check out the Best Hiking Trails near Duluth!

26) Check out the Copper Crow Distillery

Tucked away in the woods near Bayfield, Wisconsin, Copper Crow is the first Native-owned distillery in the United States, and it alone is a bucket list worthy trip! From the picturesque woodland setting, to the unique and delicious drinks, Copper Crow Distillery is the best place to unwind after a long hard day on the water. 

One of my favorite things to do in Bayfield is to grab a hammock and head to the Copper Crow to spend an afternoon relaxing in the pines with a drink.

25) Visit Balancing Rock on Stockton Island

Looking for what is easily one of the seven natural wonders of Lake Superior? Head out to Stockton Island to check out Balancing Rock, a unique Lake Superior sea stack.

Stockton Island can only be reached by water. Right now, the only way to see this sea stack is to sail or motor out, or to take an overnight sea kayaking trip out this way.

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24) Visit Cornucopia Beach

Looking for the best family-friendly beach near Bayfield? Pack a picnic blanket and head to Corny Beach in Cornucopia for shallow, warmer water swimming on Lake Superior in the adorable fishing town of Cornucopia. This beach is not far from Meyers Beach, but just as nice and likely to be much less crowded. 

Corny Beach is also one of the best places to view the Northern Lights in Bayfield! Bring a picnic blanket and watch the northern horizon!

23) Camp on Oak Island

Looking for one of the best campsites in the Great Lakes Region? The north beach campsite on Oak Island (permits required, most accessible to sea kayakers) is the most beautiful place to camp in the Apostle Islands.

This beachside campsite has direct swimming access, Lake Superior views, nearby hidden caves to kayak, and expansive views of the outer ring of the Apostle Islands to the north. Guided overnight kayak tours are the best way to reach this beautiful campsite! While camping here, hike up to the Oak Island Apostles Overlook at sunset to watch the light fade over the islands from above!

Bucket list Stay in Bayfield: St. James Social historic hotel

If you’re looking for a unique place to stay in downtown Bayfield, check out the St. James Social! This romantic boutique hotel meets luxury hostel is a historic renovation of the original hotel, with a sauna and cold plunge, rooftop lounge with lake views and restaurant and bar downstairs.

St. James Social is located right in the heart of downtown Bayfield, easy walking distance to food, shopping, bars, and the Madeline Island Ferry.

22) Take a Hardcore Kayak Day Trip to Sand Island

Most visitors head to the Meyers Beach sea caves! The Meyers Beach Caves are some of the largest and most impressive sea caves, but tend to be crowded. Did you know that most of the 21 Apostle Islands have sea caves on them?

Sand Island is home to some of the deepest and darkest sea caves, offering passage deep into the island. Book a long day trip out to Sand Island with Lost Creek Adventures. On this trip, you’ll kayak nine miles in potentially difficult conditions, check out beautiful sea caves, and even hike to the Sand Island historic lighthouse. 

A day trip to Sand Island is one of the best things to do in the Apostle Islands for adventure enthusiasts looking for a wild story!

21) Visit Howl Adventure Center for Live Music

Howl Adventure Center is the coolest new thing in Bayfield, WI for outdoor lovers! Here you can both shop for and demo gear, and in the evening you can snack on local food truck tacos, have a beer and listen to live music by a campfire.

20) Paddle to Honeymoon Rock

Looking for a unique place to kayak in the Apostle Islands? Book a full day Basswood Island trip with Trek & Trail to check out the unique Honeymoon Bluff sea stack, paddle over the Fedora shipwreck and sample some of best paddling on Lake Superior!

Paddling to Honeymoon Rock is one of the best things to do in Bayfield and the Apostle Islands for outdoorsy people looking to head off the beaten path.

19) Take a Cruise with Apostle Islands Cruises: Best thing to do in Bayfield Wisconsin (without kayaking!)

One of the best things to do in the Apostle Islands that isn’t kayaking is to take a cruise of the Apostle Islands. Cruises will take you out into the islands to sightsee. A cruise is the best way to see the beautiful and remote Devil’s Island sea caves without paddling out to them.

The cruise line sometimes offers backpacker shuttles to Stockton and Oak Island but has not been offering these options in recent years. As of 2023, there are no commercial backpacker shuttles out into the Apostle Islands. If you hear otherwise please let me know so I can update this!

THE 2024 UPDATE YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR: Hop on that shuttle baby, you can now backpack Stockton and Oak again! Thanks Elizabeth from Trek and Trail for the update!

A few tips for Cruising the Apostle Islands from Bayfield, Wisconsin:

Bring extra layers! As you head out to the Outer Ring of Islands, you will experience as much as a 20 degree temperature change. 

This trip might be boring for small children. A cruise of the Apostles is a three hour sit and sightsee and listen. 

18) Plan the ultimate Midwest Adventure and sea kayak to Devil’s Island

Devil’s Island is arguably the most beautiful of the Apostle Islands, and it’s also the hardest island to reach. Exposed to almost every wind direction, Devil’s Island is often blasted by waves. Once on one of the tours I guided a participants got mad when he realized we weren’t going to Devil’s Island (there are no day trips that go to Devils).

I laughed. 

In my two years of guiding in the Apostle’s, I never made it out to Devil’s Island. In order to sea kayak Devil’s Island, you pretty much need at least three days and perfect wind conditions. You can’t just decide you want to kayak to Devil’s Island on a certain day. That’s not how Lake Superior works. 

I finally made it to Devil’s Island in the summer of 2021 as an expedition member on this National Geographic Trip. I got to spend three whole days camping on and helping photograph the island, and it was incredible. (The campsite is closed but we had park permission to camp on the Island). The caves themselves were incredible, but even more incredible was the ecosystem. There were massive birds and huge snowshoe hares, mushrooms and species of plants only seen in the arctic, leftover from the last ice ages that have survived on the chilly shore of Lake Superior, literally frozen in time. For more on local lore & natural history, check out the end result article here!

Here’s the best way to visit Devil’s Island in the Apostle Islands:

The best way to get out to Devil’s Island in the Apostle Islands is to literally make it a lifelong goal. Start by booking a 1-2 night overnight trip to gain kayaking experience. Take a safety course. Book an outer ring overnight kayaking trip. If you don’t make it out the first time, book another trip for the next year. Eventually you’ll make it to Devil’s. 

And I promise you, there is nothing sweeter than experiencing the natural cathedral that Devil’s Island is than being denied entry a few times, and then finally, by the power of your own kayak, making it out to that incredible place. It’s totally worth it. Plus now that you’ve got all that experience you can sign up for some of the other hardcore adventure kayak trips in the Great Lakes. The Pukaskwa is calling.

Learn how to sea kayak camp in 15 Kayak Camping Hacks for Beginners

17) Have a drink on top of the Bayfield Inn

Looking for a place to grab a drink with a view? Head to the Bayfield Inn for drinks, great food and a view to write home about

16) Hike to Lost Creek Falls

Lost Creek Falls near Cornucopia, WI is one of the best places for day hiking in Bayfield! This hike is an easy two miles to a waterfall in the woods. 

Check out all the best waterfalls in Northern Wisconsin!

15) Camp at Little Sand Bay

Looking for the best place to camp in Bayfield? Head out to Little Sand Bay for beach camping with water, showers, and RV camping available. 

Little Sand Bay is also one of the best places in Bayfield to view the Northern Lights. 

Looking for more Lake Superior adventures? Download the Midwest Adventure eBook Bundle!

14) Visit Manypenny Bistro

Manypenny Bistro is one of the best places to eat in Bayfield, WI! Manypenny has delicious breakfasts, as well as fun pizzas. This fun stop is the best place in Bayfield to eat with kids, and there is truly something on the menu for everyone!

13) Take a sea kayak safety course in downtown Bayfield

Love sea kayaking and want to dive into the wonderful world of Lake Superior paddling? Head to downtown Bayfield and take a sea kayak safety course with Trek & Trail. This is the perfect way to learn more about Lake Superior and Coastal kayaking. 

Upon successful completion of a safety course, you can rent kayaks and explore areas of the Apostle Islands on your own.

12) Visit Honest Dog Books: Bayfields Indie Bookstore

Wondering what to do in downtown Bayfield? Honest Dog Books is a Bayfield must-visit. Owned by Paddling to Winter author Julie Buckles, this independent bookstore I the perfect place to spend a whole afternoon browsing the shelves. 

11) Get Smoked Fish

No trip to Bayfield is complete without sampling local smoked whitefish from one of the many, many fisheries in the area. Pick up some brown sugar smoked salmon and crackers and head down to the beach to nibble in the sun. 

10) Eat at the Fat Radish in Washburn

Check out the Fat Radish in Washburn for one of the best places to eat near Bayfield! The Fat Radish has delicious farm to table healthy food. This is a popular restaurant so reservations are recommended. 

9) Kayak the Fedora Shipwreck 

Looking for a beginner sea kayak trip on Lake Superior? Kayak to the Fedora Shipwreck launching from the Red Cliff Casino. While this route still sometimes sees big waves, this route is more likely to be calm than many of the other kayaking routes on Lake Superior, and great for people with L2+ coastal kayaking experience looking to experience Lake Superior.

This is an alternate tour site for many of the Meyers Beach sea caves tours, and some outfitters offer this route as a longer paddle as a half day trip. 

While this trip is more beginner-friendly, I still do not recommend kayaking on Lake Superior without a sea kayak and ACA L2-3 experience OR an experienced guide! This is a beginner trip for sea kayakers, but could still quickly become a dangerous trip for beginner kayakers, particularly when strong south winds, east winds, or northeast winds are involved.

Don’t believe me about big waves on Lake Superior? Keep scrolling!

8) Watch a Gale from the Meyers Beach Lakeshore Trail

One of the best things to do in Bayfield if your kayak tour get cancelled is to hike the Meyers Beach Lakeshore Trail. This is especially true if your kayak tour was cancelled well in advance! That means that there are probably very big waves at the sea caves, and you can watch them roll in from above! 

That’s about a 30ft cliff there! On the left hand side of the photo, there’s a five ft tall sea arch that is completely covered by the wave itself. Sea spray from the wave reaches the top of the cliff.

7) Canoe Bark Bay Slough 

Bark Bay Slough is a unique Lake Superior coastal slough filled with floating islands, and the perfect place for protected paddling. Bark Bay is the best spot in Bayfield to kayak without a guide. 

6) Mountain Bike Mount Ashwabay

Mountain Biking Mount Ashwabay is one of the best adventurous things to do near Bayfield, Wisconsin. Here you’ll find plenty of single track loops of varying difficulty levels. From the top of Mount Ashwabay check out sweeping views of Bayfield and the Apostle Islands.

5) Hike to the Oak Island Apostle Islands Overlook

Looking for one of the coolest hikes in the Apostle Islands? On Oak Island you can hike out to high bluffs over Lake Superior for beautiful views of the Apostle Islands! This hike is only accessible by boat, so you’ll either have to find a boat to take you out or book an overnight sea kayaking tour. 

4) Drive the Fruit Loop

Bayfield, Wisconsin is a haven for fruit trees! Here you can find apples, strawberries, cherries, blueberries and more all grown on the Bayfield Peninsula. Drive the Fruit Loop to check out local fruit stands and maybe even find a pie!

3) Book a Sailing Charter

Looking for one of the most incredible ways to see the Apostle Islands? Book a sailing charter with Dreamcatcher Sailing to visit some of the more remote hidden gems of the Apostle Islands without having to paddle yourself out.

2) Visit Coco’s Bakery in Washburn

Looking for the most delicious cookies and best breakfast in Bayfield? Head down to Washburn, Wisconsin to enjoy the wonderful CoCo’s Bakery.

1) Overnight Sea Kayak the Outer Ring of the Apostle Islands

The absolute best way to see the Apostle Islands is to book an overnight sea kayaking trip into the islands! I recommend Lost Creek Adventures, Trek & Trail, or Whitecap Kayak for overnight tours. 

Outer Ring Trips are generally best suited for people with sea kayak camping experience, but they really are the experience of a lifetime. Camp on remote island beaches, cook over a fire, swim in the moonlight, and paddle some of the secret sea caves on the outer Apostle Islands.

To experience the best views in the the Apostle Islands, book a 4-7 day overnight sea kayaking trip!

FAQs About Visiting Bayfield, Wisconsin and the Apostle Islands Sea Caves:

I’ve been asked lots of questions on how to visit the Apostle Islands and how to visit Bayfield! Hopefully the list above answered what the best things are to do in Bayfield and the Apostle Islands! Here are a few more frequently asked questions about visiting Bayfield:

Where can I rent kayaks in Bayfield, WI?

No safe outfitter will rent kayaks for Lake Superior without proof of an ACA Coastal Kayaking safety course. This is true throughout the whole of Lake Superior. Outfitters renting kayaks for Lake Superior without safety courses are not operating within the recommendations of the American Canoe Association or Coast Guard– because these outfitters have already shown disregard for safety guidelines on Lake Superior, I personally would be suspicious of the safety of the equipment rented. 

See point 13 for how to take a safety course in order to rent kayaks for the Apostle Islands sea caves. 

he easiest way to check if an outfitter operates safe kayaking tours is to read the reviews! If they have negative reviews detailing shady behavior (ie, taking money and not calling back, unclear directions on where to meet, multiple stories of irresponsible guides) you might want to skip. In addition, you can call in advance and ask if guides are certified or trained with with the American Canoe Association. Often, ACA certification requirements are clearly indicated on the outfitters website.

For example, on Trek & Trail’s website it clearly states in the bottom right footer it clearly states “each spring (and weekly training meetings) our guides and mentors work through ACA Level 1-3 and WFA certification”.

How likely is my Apostle Islands Sea Caves Tour to be cancelled?

That’s really hard to say. Waves are more likely to pick up in the afternoon than in the morning, and cancelling a tour is generally at the discretion of your guide. Check the marine forecast to gauge potential waves in the area. Generally, a forecast of waves 2 ft or less means your tour is a go! A forecast of 1-3 feet means your tour will be choppy and you won’t be able to enter smaller caves. 

Your tour might be cancelled. A three foot wave is tall enough that if there is a wave between you and your guide, they will not be able to see you.

No beginner kayak tours should head out intentionally in waves larger than three feet. On overnight tours, you may encounter larger waves at the discretion of the guides.

Nervous about your Apostle Islands kayak trip? Talk to your guide! Your guide will not take you anywhere unsafe! In two years of commercial guiding on Lake Superior I’ve only had three boats capsize– one on an overnight, and two on day trips in relatively calm water (looking over the edge of the boat!). I’ve never had anyone capsize on a private tour (I’m currently not doing custom tours anymore!).

When is the best time of year to kayak the Apostle Islands Sea Caves?

Late July and Early August see warmer water temperatures and more calm days than the rest of the year. My favorite time to visit is September when the crowds die down, but you are more likely to experiences waves in this time. Objectively, late summer is the best time of year to kayak the Apostle Islands Sea Caves.

How much should I tip my kayak guide in the Apostle Islands?

For a half day trip in the Apostle Islands, tip your kayak guide at least ten dollars per person in your group. On a full day trip, tip around fifteen dollars per person in your group. For an overnight sea kayaking trip, tip your guide at least twenty dollars per person, per day or more. On overnight tours keep in mind that your guide is cooking and cleaning for you as well as keeping you safe on the water. 

Is Bayfield, Wisconsin a good place to visit with kids?

While there are things to do with kids in Bayfield and the Apostle Islands, Bayfield is not a super kid-friendly destination. Most safe outfitters will not book young kids on kayak tours, and most of the things to do in the area are either very active or involve drinking. 

The North Shore of Lake Superior might be a more kid friendly destination with easier hikes and lots to do with children. 

Where can I find more information on Exploring the Midwest?

Check out the Midwest Adventure eBook Bundle for over 300+ pages of detailed adventure planning including hidden waterfalls, the best campsites, off-the-beaten-path adventures, and more covering Sleeping Bear to the end of the Gunflint Trail and everything in-between!

Love reading about what to do in Bayfield, Wisconsin? Check out these other Midwest Destinations!

• Check out the 30 Best Things to do in the Pictured Rocks
• Lake Superior is home to some of the best hiking trails in the Midwest! Read about 18 incredible hiking trails on Lake Superior!
• Looking for a kid-friendly alternative to the Apostle Islands? Check out the ultimate outdoorsy guide to Grand Marais!
• Check out a full archive of my free trail guides sorted by region!

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