Wondering what to do during this year’s MEA weekend? The kids are out of school for 4 whole days and you’re ready for one last adventure before the holidays settle in.

Bayfield is an amazing place to visit during the summer – when hiking, biking, and kayaking are abundant.

There is berry picking and Big Top Chautauqua shows. Dipping your toes in the refreshing Lake Superior water and licking ice cream cones.

But what about when the weather gets chilly? Looking for things to do in Bayfield with kids when all the fun activities of summer aren’t available? And how do you make these 3 or 4 days memorable for years to come?

At Seagull Bay we got you. But truthfully, fall is an ideal time to visit Bayfield. With nature’s backdrop of colored leaves on display – it’s one of the most picturesque times to enjoy Bayfield with your family.

Boating, Hiking, and Apple Picking Are Fun Things to Do in Bayfield With Your Kids

There’s plenty to explore during MEA weekend with your family.

• Sightseeing in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
• Hiking to waterfalls and walking along pristine beaches.
• Apple picking in one of the sprawling orchards.

Here are 3 things to do in Bayfield with kids to give you and your family an authentic experience.

1. The Grand Tour with Apostle Islands Cruises

It’s not too late to venture out into the Apostle Islands and Lake Superior with your family. The Grand Tour is a sure crowd-pleaser and honestly who doesn’t love a boat ride? This non-stop cruise is a 3-hour 55-mile excursion in the Apostle Islands where you will see:

• Waves splashing against towering sea caves
• Historic lighthouses
• A lonely bear walking along the shore

This narrated tour shares the rich history of the Apostles Islands and even a pirate tale or two. Do make sure to dress warm and bring rain gear. Because you’ll want to sit on the upper deck and capture the panoramic views of the Apostle Islands.

Wondering if a 3-hour boat ride is way too long for your little ones?

Then board the ferry and ride the waves of Lake Superior to Madeline Island. There you’ll find the Madeline Island Museum. It’s family-friendly and a fantastic way to get a hands-on experience of life in the Apostles.

1. Hiking on the Bayfield Peninsula

We’re incredibly lucky here in Bayfield and the surrounding area to have so many hiking trails. Waterfalls, sprawling beaches, ravines, and landscapes featuring boreal forests and Geocaches. What could be more fun than taking your kids on a treasure hunt while exploring our beautiful landscape? All you need is a sturdy pair of shoes, small treasures to exchange in the Geocache, and a camera to capture smiles.

Here are our favorite hiking and kid-friendly hiking trails.

The Big Ravine Trail

Your kids will love walking under the historic iron bridge. They’ll enjoy running on boardwalks and crossing the small creek that flows along the bottom of Bayfield’s big ravine.

You’ll walk alongside a small waterfall flowing over sandstone cliffs. And benches are scattered throughout this trail system to offer little legs a short rest.

Whether you want to hike more miles or walk a short loop – this trail is perfect for all hikers and ages.

Located in the heart of Bayfield, you can easily find one of its trailheads at the corner of North Broad Street and Washington avenue.

GEOCACHE: GC5ZP7J —N 46° 49.063, W 090° 49.422

Houghton Falls

Located just outside of Washburn this 1.5-mile trail offers seasonal waterfalls and sandstone cliffs perfect for climbing. This out-and-back trail offers the perfect end point before turning around. A stunning view of Lake Superior and Chequamegon Bay.

The Trailhead is located on Houghton Falls road in a gated area that closes precisely at 6 pm. Unfortunately, there’s no treasure found on this trail in the way of a Geocache, but the pictures and memories from this hike will make up for it.

Lost Creek Falls

Lost Creek Falls is a local and tourist favorite. This gravel and dirt-packed trail winds its way back to a tranquil waterfall over sandstone cliffs. Boardwalks and bridges guide your way back to the Lost Creek and waterfall with a picnic area nearby. Spend some time walking along the creek bottom. Or resting on one of the flat rocks while your children splash in the cool water.

GEOCACHE: GCNMJF —N 46° 50.091′ W 091° 07.238′

Frog Bay Tribal National Park

Frog Bay Tribal National Park features 1.5 miles of trail and a sprawling beach. From the beach, you can look out to 5 of the 22 Apostle Islands.

Along the trail, native trees and plants are marked using their Anishinaabe names.

This park is owned and maintained by the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and is the first tribal national park in the United States.

GEOCACHE: GC5ZP9Y —N 46° 54.598, W 090° 47.161

3. Apple Picking, Doughnut Eating, and Cider Sipping in One of the Bayfield Apple Orchards

By the time MEA weekend rolls around, Bayfield is nearing the end of its apple season. But don’t worry, there are plenty of apples to pick and goodies to eat when you visit one of the apple orchards in Bayfield.

Some of the orchards we like best are ones that have been farmed by the same family for generations. We love:

• Muriel’s famous apple cider doughnuts at Erickson’s Orchards
• Apple-raspberry or apple-cherry cider found at the Bayfield Apple Company
• Caramel Apples at Apple Hill Orchards
• Apfelhaus Cidery is a perfect treat for moms and dads at Hauser’s Superior View Farm

You’ll find something for everyone when visiting one of the apple orchards in Bayfield.

Other Free Things to Do in Bayfield With Your Kids

Let’s be honest traveling with kids can be expensive. And more often than not when we’re traveling with our boys the thing they want to do most is find a playground.

In Bayfield, we have 2 city-owned playgrounds. The Cooper Hill Park and the East Dock Park.

These parks have been loved and climbed on over the last 20-30 years. They continue to be a kid magnet and are a great place to burn off some energy.

Another one-of-a-kind experience your kids will love is visiting the wolf at Howl Adventure Center. You can’t miss it as you come into town as the wolf towers high above most buildings. This native species to northern Wisconsin is interactive. Stop to take a picture, make it howl at the moon, or ride the bike underneath it and watch what happens inside the wolf.

While you’re there try one of Howl’s adult or child-size demo bikes on its single track before checking into Seagull Bay.

Seagull Bay Is Your Family-Friendly Place to Stay During MEA Weekend

Each year we look forward to MEA weekend. Our town is once again filled with the laughter and excitement of children and their families.

There are plenty of things to do in Bayfield with kids this fall. You can see why spending your 4 day weekend with us will be one you won’t forget.

Seagull Bay is the ideal place to stay with your family. We offer a variety of lodging arrangements for families of all sizes. From traditional-style hotel rooms, cozy cottages, family ensuites, and a 3 bedroom house. There’s room for everyone to be comfortable after experiencing all Bayfield has to offer.

BOOK NOW MEA is around the corner.

We can’t wait to greet you!

Mollie, Isaac, Axel, Ridge, and Banks

QUICK LINKS:

Apostle Islands Cruises

Madeline Island Museum

The 6 Best Summer Hiking Trails in Bayfield, WI.

Farms & Orchards – Bayfield

Donate to the City of Bayfield Playground Fund

Howl Adventure Center