Sometimes the best vacations are the ones you don’t have to plan around airports or rental cars. 

For Jenna and her husband—a busy couple with two boys who travel often for work—a Bayfield, Wisconsin vacation just made sense.

• Less stress
• More time to unwind
• A Lake Superior view that never gets old

Today, we’re stepping away from our usual format and sharing a conversation one of our team members had with Jenna. 

Last year, Isaac and I (Mollie) shared the story of longtime guests Bill and Genevieve, who told us what they love most about Seagull Bay—and why they keep coming back.

Now, we’re excited to share Jenna’s experience, hoping it sparks a few ideas as you plan your next trip to Bayfield, Wisconsin.

A Room That Feels Like a True Bayfield, Wisconsin Vacation

Quiet. Spacious. Comfortable. And did we mention the view?

Jenna and her husband booked a one-night staycation to celebrate their 13th wedding anniversary. 

Yep—you read that right. Jenna’s Bayfield, Wisconsin vacation was a staycation. She and her husband live 30 minutes away in Ashland.

“We travel a lot,” Jenna told us. “So the idea of staying close to home, in a place that felt easy and relaxing, was just what we needed.”

When they travel for work, they usually stay at the conference hotel or stick with brands they know and trust, especially after a few disappointing Airbnb experiences.

At Seagull Bay, they stayed in Room Six on the lawn level—one of three vacation properties we own—and instantly felt at ease.

“It’s super cute,” Jenna said. “It matched the photos exactly. No surprises. That’s rare these days.”

This winter, Isaac and I teamed up with our staff and local contractors to remodel Rooms Three through Ten. 

We swapped out the 1990s décor for a fresh mid-century modern design and added new appliances, bringing them in line with the style and comfort of our other Seagull Bay rooms.

These rooms also have a charm of their own, thanks to the:

• Soft sea glass blue that adorns the trim, doors, and wainscoting
• Warm wood accents and custom-made bathroom vanities
• Marbled-top tables with gold pedestals and rattan and boucle upholstered chairs
  

Each room was intentionally designed to showcase Seagull Bay’s best feature—stunning Lake Superior views.

“It’s the cleanest place I’ve ever stayed,” Jenna told us. “Having a microwave and mini-fridge was such a nice bonus—those little things you don’t always get anymore. And you can’t beat the view!”

For Jenna and her husband, this wasn’t their first Bayfield staycation.

“We’ve stayed at other places in town that didn’t feel as updated or didn’t offer streaming on the TV,” she said. “This was such a pleasant and relaxing getaway.”

The Seagull Bay Atmosphere: Slow Mornings and Sunset Sips

Beyond the room, Jenna loved the overall atmosphere of the property.

She told us it’s the kind of place where it’s okay to sleep in, slowly sip your morning coffee, and not feel rushed to move on to the next thing.

“The private decks and balconies give it a peaceful, grown-up vibe. Perfect for sharing a glass of wine at the end of the day.”

And of course, part of the excitement came from seeing the transformation of the rooms.

“I was so excited to stay at Seagull Bay after seeing all the before-and-after photos of Mollie and Isaac’s renovations over the years. Plus, having a room where you didn’t have to drive all over the place made our stay more relaxing.”

No Rush, No Stress—Just an Easy Bayfield, Wisconsin Vacation

One thing guests consistently love about all three of our Seagull Bay properties is the location—tucked right on the edge of town.

Jenna told us, “The location on the edge of town was perfect—we could easily walk to dinner but still feel away from the busyness of town.”

One of the best parts? Every room is just steps from The Brownstone Trail.

“We literally walked 20 feet out our door and were on the trail into town,” Jenna said.

That first night, they walked the trail into downtown Bayfield for dinner at St. James Social—close enough to enjoy the heart of town, but with the peaceful retreat of Seagull Bay waiting when they returned.

The next day brought a round of golf at Apostle Highlands Golf Course, about a 5 minute drive from Seagull Bay, and sunbathing at Bayview Beach—a 10-minute drive. 

“That’s what we loved about Seagull Bay’s location—it was peaceful and nothing felt out of reach.”

Relax, Unwind, and Stay a While at Seagull Bay Motel

Jenna said, “Our stay at Seagull Bay and in Bayfield was so pleasant and relaxing that we’ll definitely do it again.”

We’re so glad she and her husband found the rest they were looking for—and even more excited to know they’ll be back.

Conversations like ours with Jenna—just like our chats with Bill, Genevieve, and so many others—remind us what makes this place special. 

Seagull Bay is more than a place to stay. It’s a peaceful escape, no matter how far you travel to get here.

Ready for your own Bayfield, Wisconsin vacation?

Take a peek at any of our rooms—just steps from the Brownstone Trail and Lake Superior. Book your favorite before it fills up.

Your Memories with a View!

Mollie, Isaac, Axel, Ridge, and Banks