From your front-row seat overlooking Lake Superior, you’ll quickly notice that life at Seagull Bay moves a little slower. The 23-unit motel, lakeside cottage, and guesthouse are places where it feels good to sleep in, linger over your morning coffee, and forget about rushing to the next thing.
Whether it’s watching the sunrise over Madeline Island or sharing a glass of wine as the day winds down. And when you’re ready to stretch your legs, the Brownstone Trail is just steps away, leading you into downtown Bayfield.
The Guesthouse offers a bright, open space with wide-open views of Lake Superior from the highest point on the property. With cozy seating, warm light, and a private deck made for sunrise coffee or an evening gin and tonic, it’s easy to feel right at home. For families or friends traveling together, the full building can be rented by adding the two king rooms next door—one with a lake view and one without. Together, these rooms create a gathering space ideal for relaxing together.
Spacious king bed for two
Convertible living area for extra sleeping space
Breakfast bar with dazzling lake view
Option to rent the full building with adjoining king rooms for larger groups
The Cottage keeps its old-school charm while adding modern updates and handcrafted details. With cozy corners, a large deck, and a stunning Lake Superior view, it’s the perfect spot for you and your family to relax and recharge.
Fully equipped kitchen
Upstairs loft with two full-size beds—made for the kids
First-floor private bedroom with full-size bed
Expansive deck overlooking Lake Superior and The Brownstone Trail
Yes—Seagull Bay Motel is dog-friendly! We welcome you and your canine companion to stay with us, pending approval. Please contact the front desk before your arrival to ensure availability.
There is a daily charge of $75 per dog.
Failure to check in your pet(s) will result in a $250 fee.
By bringing a dog, you agree to follow our full dog-friendly policy:
Dogs may not be left unattended or kenneled in guest rooms—they must accompany you at all times.
Guests are responsible for cleaning up after their dog immediately and disposing of waste properly in the designated outdoor dumpster.
Guests are responsible for any repair or cleaning needs caused by their dog. The minimum damage repair fee is $250.
If your dog disturbs other guests, you will need to make other arrangements for them. Dogs that cause disturbances cannot remain at Seagull Bay, and guests will be held responsible for any compensation provided to others due to noise or disruptions.
The Motel property sits right on the edge of Bayfield’s city limits, giving you easy access to everything the area has to offer. It’s about a 10-minute walk into downtown along the Brownstone Trail, or just a few minutes by car.
We’re also a 5–10 minute drive from local orchards, Mt. Ashwabay, and many of the area’s biking and hiking trails. Plus, guests can take advantage of our free Big Top Chautauqua shuttle, making it easy to enjoy a night under the tent without worrying about parking or driving.
Each guest room includes one free off-street parking space.
Please note additional off-street parking is very limited. We kindly ask you to respect neighboring homes and businesses and avoid using their parking spaces, as unauthorized vehicles may be towed.
*Seagull Bay Motel is not responsible for damage to vehicles or for damage or loss of property in parked vehicles, regardless of location.*
We don’t keep irons or ironing boards in the rooms, but they’re available at the office for your use during your stay.
Just let us know at check-in or call (715-779-5558), and we’ll be happy to bring them to your room.
Ice is available in the small building with the deck across the parking lot at Seagull Bay. Ice is free for use in your room.
*If you’re filling up a cooler, please purchase it by the bag for $5 and pay at the front desk.
The heat or A/C may take a little time to balance throughout the motel, and we’re only able to run one system at a time.
If your room feels too warm or too cool, give us a call at (715-779-5558)—we’re happy to bring you a fan or space heater to make your stay more comfortable.
To help us conserve energy, please remember to close your windows in the morning so the warmth gathered overnight stays with you during the day.
Seagull Bay Motel is a proud member of Travel Green Wisconsin, doing our part to keep Bayfield—and the lake we love—a little greener.
The Motel and ALL of our Seagull Bay Properties are smoke-free.
We’re committed to providing a clean, fresh experience for every guest—both during your stay and for those who stay after you. Renting a room means accepting our smoke-free policy.
We do not permit smoking or the use of tobacco, marijuana, illegal drugs, e-cigarettes, vape pens, hookahs, incense, or cigars. Burning candles or diffusing strong-smelling oils (such as patchouli or other plant-based essential oils) is also prohibited.
Our smoke-free policy applies to ALL Seagull Bay properties—there is no designated smoking area. Any smoking or vaping will result in a $250 cleaning fee to ensure the next guests enjoy the same fresh, smoke-free stay.
*If you notice the smell of smoke during your stay, please notify the front desk right away.
Bayfield is brimming with outdoor adventures, local events, and renowned festivals.
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We’re the Carriers – Isaac and Mollie. We’re the ones behind the desk, answering the phone, changing the laundry, and pushing the cleaning cart – alongside our amazing staff.
In 2016, after our son Axel was born, Isaac got the idea to move back to his hometown of Bayfield, Wisconsin. The crazy part is he wanted to buy a motel.
In 2017, with an 11-month-old (and another on the way), we took the leap and purchased Seagull Bay Motel.
Since then, we’ve been raising our three boys and restoring our lakeside motel and adjoining properties to create a welcoming and peaceful atmosphere just for you.
There are many reasons to pack your bags and stay at Seagull Bay, but don’t take our word for it!
“I’ve been coming to Seagull Bay for over 30 years and always feared it would someday be replaced by a new, modern, but cookie-cutter, hotel. But you Carriers have done an OUTSTANDING job of keeping what so many of us longtime customers LOVED about the place Mike and Jeannie created. But enhancing it in the most wonderful ways (I LOVE the new bedding…) I used to come to Bayfield and Seagull Bay to escape the demands of a rigorous job and just BREATH for a while. Now that I’m retired, I still anticipate and enjoy what it has always been – a lovely, calm, and peaceful place to be. Well done, Carriers.”
~ Nancy
“Such a great, old-fashioned ‘Mom & Pop’ vibe! Having the walking trail just down the stairs is such a nice way to walk to the shops and restaurants in town. We attended our first Big Top Chautauqua show, and the free shuttle stopping there was such a huge bonus.”
~ Sue Ann
“Quaint hotel with sweeping views of the bay. We had a second-floor room that included a shared balcony which was a lovely spot for morning coffee. The coffee maker in the room made a surprisingly good cup. Nothing fancy about this classic upgraded motel but very clean and charming place to spend a night.”
~ Paul T
“A clean, charming motel with attention to detail. You could tell the owners care about their property and their customers. Wonderful lake views sitting on the deck or just looking out your window. Access to the walking trail makes for an easy walk into town.”
~ Deb K
