February in Bayfield is the best place to be in winter. Ok, a tropical island might be a nice place to be in winter. But at Seagull Bay, we think Bayfield, Wisconsin is fantastic in February.

The days are longer and you can actually feel the warm sunshine on your face. With plenty of things to do and people eager to shake off their cabin fever, you can feel the high energy brought to each of these events.

On the shores of Lake Superior, Groundhog’s Day means nothing – there are always six more weeks of winter. But for the local residents and visitors of Bayfield, Wisconsin, it’s an ideal place to enjoy some of the season’s best winter activities.

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast and enjoy activities like:

• Skiing
• Snowshoeing
• Fat biking
• Snow shelters
• Dancing

We’re confident you’ll find an event in Bayfield perfect for you.

Ski and Fat Bike Races Near Bayfield

Some of the most popular outdoor winter activities in Bayfield are downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking. If you’ve got a competitive itch or want to take part in a friendly community event, there are many races to choose from in or near Bayfield, Wisconsin.

1. Mount Ashwabay Summit Ski Race in Bayfield, Wisconsin

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Mount Ashwabay Ski and Recreation Area. Mount Ashwabay has been a staple in our community, providing winter activities including:

• Downhill skiing
• Cross-country skiing
• Snowshoeing
• Fat biking

Its breezy alpine runs are the perfect environment for families who want to get out and enjoy a day on the slopes. It has been the “thing to do” for many area residents each weekend.

And with 40 km of nordic ski trails winding their way through the hardwood and pine forests of Bayfield County, Mount Ashwabay is a cross-country skier’s paradise.

One event we look forward to each year is the Mount Ashwabay Summit Ski Race on Saturday, February 4th, 2023. There are many race categories for skiers with a variety of skill levels and ages. They hold races for middle schoolers, high schoolers, college athletes, and even a community race category.

The course is groomed for both skate skiers and cross-country skiers with courses ranging from 3.5 km and up to 30 km for skate skiers.

Not only will you ski through beautiful snow-covered forests, glide up the hills towards the summit, and coast down its banks, each participant is awarded a delicious homemade pie or giant cookie for their efforts. The best way to finish off any race!

This fun winter event is one of the best things to do in Bayfield in February.

2. Book Across the Bay in Ashland, Wisconsin

The Book Across the Bay is a ski and snowshoe race on the frozen waters of Lake Superior. Over 4,000 participants are drawn to this winter event in Ashland, Wisconsin.

This year’s Book Across the Bay will be held on Saturday, February 18th, 2023.

Starting on the shores of Lake Superior at Kreher Park, the course is groomed for:

• Skate skiers
• Classic skiers
• Snowshoers
• Hikers

The 11 km course is lined with ice luminaries and Christmas trees to guide your way under the night sky. The course leads you across the bay to “Dragon Island” where participants will skirt around a fire-breathing dragon, marking the midway point.

The finish line is back in Kreher Park where hot chili, cold beer, live music, and fireworks are ready to help you celebrate this beloved winter event near Bayfield.

Not only is the Book Across the Bay a fun-filled event, but its proceeds benefit the health and well-being of children in the Chequamegon Bay Area. There couldn’t be a better or more unique event to get you moving outside and helping others.

3. Bike Across the Bay in Washburn, Wisconsin

Bike Across the Bay is held on Sunday, February 19th, 2023 and is hosted by the North Coast Cycling Association. Although it shares a similar course, biking towards Dragon Island, it’s not associated with Book Across the Bay and has its own launching point in Washburn, Wisconsin.

Bike Across the Bay is a fat bike/fat tire event where 3.5-inch tires or wider are required. With 10 km and 20 km events over a groomed course, this Sunday morning event is a great way to soak up some February sunshine.

This event is held at the Harbor View Event Center in Washburn, Wisconsin providing amenities including:

• Bathrooms
• Hot chocolate and coffee
• Food
• Wine, beer, and spirits
• Vendors
• Area bike shops

Come bike on the frozen waters of Lake Superior and make some new friends.

The proceeds from the Bike Across the Bay will be donated to the National Intercollegiate Cycling Association (NICA) Chequamegon Bay chapter.

4. The American Birkebeiner in Hayward, Wisconsin

The world-famous American Birkebeiner is an internationally renowned cross-country ski event held in Hayward, Wisconsin.

The American Birkebeiner is North America’s largest cross-country ski event and welcomes 40,000 skiers from around the world. This fun-filled weekend starts on February 22nd, 2023, and extends through February 26th, 2023.

This prestigious event starts in Cable, Wisconsin as classic and skate skiers race their way along the famed BirkieTrail and finish on the snow-covered Main Street of Hayward, Wisconsin.

Birkie weekend is jam-packed with things to do for the whole family – from kid events to the main event itself. The American Birkebeiner is worth the drive from Bayfield to experience the excitement and energy of this Olympic-sized event.

5. The New Blue Moon Community Prom in Bayfield, Wisconsin

Come and join the Bayfield community for a unique fundraising event to benefit Core Community Resources and the Bayfield Carnegie Library.

The New Blue Moon Community Prom hosts a contest for:

• Finest formal attire
• Northwood’s best
• Most creative ensemble

Enjoy a night of dancing, food and beverages, and silent auctions for the most fun you’ll ever have.

The Chequamegon Bay People’s Orchestra will anchor this event and provide music that’ll surely get you moving.

Beer and wine will be served along with popcorn and cotton candy. This winter event in Bayfield is perfect for people of all ages.

Sift through your closets, buy a fancy new outfit, or get creative and DIY your own and put the New Blue Moon Community Prom on your calendar for Saturday, February 4th, 2023.

Winter Activities at Howl Adventure Center in Bayfield, Wisconsin

Howl Adventure Center in Bayfield, Wisconsin has been our community’s base camp for all our outdoor gear including:

• Clothing
• Camping supplies
• Bikes
• Snowshoes
• Skis

And with the hashtag #goplayoutside, they’re serious about providing family-fun events and seasonal challenges to get people outdoors. And this February is no different.

6. Build Your Own Snow Shelter

Back by popular demand, Howl Adventure Center is sponsoring a truly unique winter event in Bayfield Wisconsin. Starting February 10th-12th, you’re invited to come and learn how to build a snow shelter.

Prizes will be awarded for the best structure and the most creative. So put your creative hats on and join us for this popular event. You’ll even get a chance to win some outdoor gear from Howl Adventure Center.

7. February Outdoor Challenge

Howl Adventure Center also offers fun challenges to encourage you to play outside this winter near Bayfield, Wisconsin.

January is wrapping up a winter snowshoe event as part of their 2023 Epic Challenge. For a chance to win a $500 Atomic Ski package, participants need to snowshoe to Lost Creek Falls, Meyers Beach Trail, and The Big Ravine Trail.

You can click on Howl’s link below to find out what February’s event is. Challenge yourself, have some fun, and get outside, and you’ll get a chance to win new skis.

Need gear? Howl has rentals and a great selection of equipment for sale.

Join in the Winter Activities in Bayfield While Staying at Seagull Bay Lakeside Motel

Has a winter event in February caught your eye?

Or is there something to do in Bayfield that has you looking at your calendar? We certainly hope so.

At Seagull Bay, we’re excited to be a part of such an active community. With so many things to do in Bayfield during winter, choosing one event is hard. Luckily you don’t have to.

At Seagull Bay, we’re open year-round and have a room ready to serve as your base camp for all your winter activities.

We offer a variety of room sizes and lodging arrangements within our Lakeside Motel properties. We have rooms for the adventurous couple, the active family, and your closest friends.

Our rooms come with full-size kitchens and kitchenettes for cooking enthusiasts. We also have more traditional-style motel rooms perfect for the wandering twosome who want to check out the area’s restaurants.

And we also have pet-friendly accommodations perfect for skiers who enjoy skijoring with their pups.

With plenty of things to do in Bayfield, Wisconsin this February BOOK NOW and start planning your next adventure.

The Carrier Family,

Mollie, Isaac, Axel, Ridge, and Banks

QUICKLINKS:

Mt. Ashwabay Summit Ski Race

Book Across The Bay

North Coast Cycling Association

American Birkebeiner

New Blue Moon Community Prom

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