Touring about the little town on the big lake
Travels led north, intent on exploration of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. As the main gateway to this National Park, a little bit of time wandering the streets of Bayfield, Wisconsin fit neatly in the schedule. Accommodations at a nice little roadside motel overlooking Pikes Bay, only 5.5 km from town facilitated the situation nicely. Tucked back away from the road just a little, it boasted fantastic view of the bay, while far enough away from everything to enjoy quiet evenings. |
Founded in 1856, the town stood primarily as a lumbering and commercial fishing village, nestled along the east side of the northern-most peninsula of Wisconsin, on Chequamegon Bay of Lake Superior. It is named after the explorer Henry Bayfield, a British Royal Topographic Engineer that surveyed Lake Superior, and is the primary launch pad for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
An annual regatta, Bayfield Race Week was full sail on arrival, and sailboats lurked everywhere. Watching the race from the shoreline can leave something to be desired though. It is difficult to ascertain the status of things, and too many white sails confuse the matter.
The town offered a few hours of amusement, Between glimpses of the race. The only way to escape the antique shops, and assorted eateries is to go wandering by car though.
The Bayfield Maritime Museum captivated attention for a half hour or so; then, the small museum dedicated to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (about half as much time there). Walking back through the mostly quiet streets, all entertainment exhausted in an afternoon led to cocktails at the Pier Plaza Restaurant. A before and after a sunset cruise through the Apostle Islands led back to dusk, and finally finally darkness, on the marina of the sleepy little town.
The spot fit the need for escape, with easy access to a few activities, and only a short drive to the other side of the peninsula for other distractions. The weather stood as the most perfect; indeed, according to many of the locals, more acceptable than normal. The mosquito, infamous in that part of the country was nowhere to be found; thankfully.
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Further Reading
