Looking for the best things to do in Bayfield, Wisconsin in the winter? For winter adventures like hiking, skiing, saunas, igloo dining and more, read on!

why this article?! 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! This article is designed to help you find the best things to do in the Bayfield!

Best Things to do in Bayfield, WI in the Winter:

Bayfield is best known for the kayaking in the Apostle Islands sea kayaking, but did you know that it has incredible winter activities as well!? In the winter, the sea caves freeze and become ice caves!

Note: this article contains affiliate links! That means if you choose to make a purchase based on my recommendation, I make a small kickback at no additional cost to you.

Can I get to the Apostle Islands Ice Caves in the Winter?

The last time the fabled Apostle Islands Ice Caves were accessible from Lake Superior was 2015. You can check here to see if the ice caves are open. The ice caves refer to the caves on the mainland accessible from Meyers Beach. In order to reach and walk through these incredible caves, the surface of Lake Superior must be frozen and stable. While you cannot walk through the caves, the trail above the sea caves is open year round and also offers beautiful views!

What to pack to visit Bayfield, Wisconsin in the Winter:

Winter on the Bayfield Peninsula can be very cold! Come ready for adventure. Here is what to pack and how to layer:

• Good wool baselayers! I recommend Smartwool baselayers; after five years of sea kayak guiding and expedition paddling, these last much longer than any other baselayer I’ve owned. 
• Fleece midlayers: the key to happy winter adventure is layers! After my wool baselayers, I add a layer of fleece. I only add fleece pants when the temperature is below zero; otherwise I’ll sweat too much. 
• Wool sweaters! I usually get my wool sweaters from antique stores or knit them myself, but you can also find cute wool sweaters from Fjallraven. 
• A down jacket! Depending on temperature, I’ll either bring my super warm, subzero ready parka, or a thinner down layer if it’s above freezing. 
• Fjallraven Keb Trousers: Fjallraven pants for winter hiking, snowshoeing, and skiing are such a great investment as an outer layer! 10/10 recommend. 
• Granite Gear Perimeter 35 as a winter hiking pack, snowshoes, XC skis, winter hiking boots,microspikes, emergency bivvy, Garmin InReach, First Aid Kit, and a shovel to keep in your car for when you inevitably get stuck
• The Midwest Adventure eBook Bundle for all of the best hiking trails, paddling routes, hidden campsites, beaches, all-season itineraries, and so much more!

1) Rent Snowshoes at Howl Adventure Center

The first thing to do in Bayfield, WI in the winter is to rent your snowshoes or cross country skis at Howl Adventure Center! This will set you up for success exploring the wonderful winter trails around the Bayfield Peninsula.

2) Snowshoe or Hike Meyers Beach Sea Caves Lakeshore Trail

The best thing to do in the winter is hike the Meyers Beach Sea Caves Trail, sometimes just referred to as the Lakeshore Trail. This trail is accessible year round and 4-5 miles out and back depending how far you hike. The Meyers Beach lakeshore trail takes you above the mainland sea caves of the Apostle Islands, some of the most impressive sea caves in the Apostle Islands!

This is a great trail to hike and usually takes 3-5 hours. This activity my not be suitable for young children. Trail conditions depend on recent snowfall; in the first 1-2 days after a major snowfall, snowshoes are recommended. Beyond that, the trail will generally be packed snow or ice. Consider wearing ice spikes for additional traction.

3) Ski Mount Ashwabay

Tucked away just south of Bayfield, Mt. Ashwabay is the perfect ski hill for both downhill skiing and snowboarding and nordic skiing. Trails here are groomed regularly, and a ski pass is required.

4) Stay at St. James Social

Looking for the perfect place to base camp on your winter adventures in Bayfield? Head to St. James Social, a luxury hotel meets hostel in downtown Bayfield. St. James Social consists of eight private boutique hotel rooms, a communal coffee bar and sauna, rooftop lounge, and a lounge, bar, and restaurant downstairs.

St. James Social is easily one of the best places to stay in Bayfield for winter adventures, with a central location, great food, and sauna to hang out in after a day on the trail. The social nature of the hotel lends easily to making friends with other travelers, reminiscent of a classic European hostel!

5) Visit Cornucopia Beach

For a Bayfield beach day in the winter, head over to Cornucopia, Wisconsin! Check out Wisconsin’s northernmost post office and spend an afternoon walking the beach and enjoying the ice formations. Take care that no ice is safe ice, and the shelf ice that forms on the west side of the Bayfield Peninsula can be extremely unstable.

6) Hike Lost Creek Falls

Looking for another beautiful winter hike near Bayfield? Check out Lost Creek Falls, a 2-mile round trip out and back to a beautiful waterfall. This trail is accessible in the winter, but not necessarily popular. If it’s been a big snowfall year, bring snowshoes!

7) Grab a drink at Adventure Club Brewing

One of the best things to do in Bayfield, WI in the winter is grab a drink at Adventure Club Brewing! Set up camp with a group of friends in one of their igloos, or enjoy great company from inside the bar.

8) Get Manypenny Bistro Pizza

After a long day on the trail, be sure to head to Manypenny Bistro for pizza! This is one of the best places to eat in Bayfield, and one of the only place consistently open in the winter. Manypenny boasts a robust and kid-friendly menu.

9) Hike Houghton Falls State Natural Area

If you’re looking for an incredible winter hike near Bayfield, WI head to Houghton Falls just north of Washburn, WI! This path will take you past snowy trees and unique rock formations and eventually out to icy Lake Superior!

10) Grab Breakfast at Cafe Coco

One of the best places to grab breakfast near Bayfield is Cafe Coco, open year round and making fresh bread, coffee, breakfast, and lunch!

11) Visit Amnicon Falls State Park

Looking for a quick roadside stop on your way to or from Bayfield? Amnicon Falls State Park is the perfect place to stop for a quick winter walk and to enjoy the beautiful sights and covered bridge.

Love exploring the Northern Midwest? Check out the Midwest Adventure eBook bundle for all of the best hikes, snowshoes, and paddling routes in the Midwest!

Not done exploring Wisconsin yet? Check out these related destinations:

• Check out the 30 Best Things to do in the Apostle Islands
• Learn about all of the adventures on Minnesota’s North Shore
• Check out the nearby Keweenaw Peninsula in the winter!

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