“As great as Bayfield is in the summer, this is a place like no other in the winter,“ said Julie Buckles, owner of Honest Dog Books.
From world-class cross-country skiing to cozy retreats and a growing nightlife. Bayfield has everything you need to begin a new snowy tradition that will keep you coming back year after year.
“Visitors are just awestruck, and it’s been really fun to see winter through their eyes.” The bookstore is open year-round with a healthy selection of new and used books. On cold winter nights, warm up with friends in the Outback, an events venue with music, movies, and live theater performances.
“Winter is our favorite season, and I love being open for other winter enthusiasts,” said Buckles.
For those who want to get outside in the winter months, the rewards are great.
The shoreline of Lake Superior sparkles as the water splashes against rocks and shoreline brush, encasing it in ice and creating natural frozen sculptures. Take a peaceful walk along the beach or at the Lakeshore Trail at Meyer’s Beach to see the famous ice caves from above. The sound of water colliding with ice fragments will be your background music.
Swoosh down the slopes at Mt. Ashwabay Ski and Recreation Area. This community ski hill gets its name from the surrounding towns Ash (Ashland) Wa (Washburn) Bay (Bayfield). The area boasts 40 km of classic and skate skiing trails that are groomed and tracked regularly. The stunning winter beauty of the mature forest ensures these trails are some of the best you’ll find in Wisconsin.
For those who like a thrill, try dog sledding, downhill skiing, or snowmobiling. Wolfsong Adventures in Mushing will give you a ride of a lifetime. Once you feed and harness the dogs, hold on tight to the sled as they give you a ride through snow-covered Bayfield County forests.
Bayfield is also ready for snowmobilers! The trail goes right through the city with ample parking and proximity to food, lodging, and entertainment.
Big Top Chautauqua’s Backstage on Highway 13 features live music year-round. Open mic night on Wednesdays and world-class weekend music acts will keep you in Bayfield longer.
Let the snow inspire your next tradition in Bayfield, Wisconsin.
Your Winter Weekend Itinerary:
Jumpstart your snow day with a hot breakfast at Legendary Waters Resort & Casino and a coffee from Wonderstate.
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, hit the trails with a dog sled team! Wolfsong Adventures in Mushing will take you on an unforgettable ride through mature forests.
Enjoy lunch at Morty’s Pub in Bayfield, where you’ll find American classics, or grab a panini or soup at Howl Adventure Center and Café – a one-stop shop to gear up and fuel your outdoor adventure.
For a bird' s-eye view of the ice caves, strap on your snowshoes or ice cleats and hike the Meyer’s Beach Lakeshore Trail, part of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. This trail becomes a magical winter adventure with a snow-covered canopy and views of glistening ice caves from above, a safe vantage point when ice conditions are not favorable for viewing from the ice.
Relax and have a fine dinner at Good Thyme Restaurant, Harbor Table, or the Fat Radish in Washburn, or come back to Bayfield and enjoy an entrée at Pier Plaza or the Bayfield Inn Lakeside Dining Room and Lounge.
Cozy up in your hotel, motel, bed and breakfast or vacation rental property and rest easy knowing you started a new tradition in Bayfield!
