Summer is winding down. Can you feel it?

In Northern Wisconsin, we’re noticing shorter days, and my phone has started to get flooded with back-to-school ads. I’m not sure I’m quite ready for that yet!

Despite the end of our busy season, there are still plenty of fun things to do in Bayfield, Wisconsin, over Labor Day weekend. And carrying into the fall.

Honestly, I think fall is the best time to come and visit. In fact, last year, we wrote a whole blog about it.

But there’s still something nostalgic about Labor Day weekend. The last long weekend of the summer. It’s the weekend before we all get back into the routine of school and work. And before the holidays hit.

For us at Seagull Bay, Labor Day weekend is filled with guests relaxing on the balcony and sitting on the front lawn.

Between taking care of guests, there’s also a push for me and Isaac to try to get the boat out on the water one last time.

Whether you decide to get out on the water or stay inland, we’ll give you a few ideas of fun things to do in Bayfield so you can make the most of your Labor Day weekend.

Things to Do When You First Arrive in Bayfield

If you have extra time to take off from work, try to arrive by check-in time at 3 pm. This allows you to settle into your room and stroll along the Brownstone Trail. You can access the trail directly from Seagull Bay and the Bay West properties.

This historic old railway trail follows the shoreline of Lake Superior. Here you can take a deep breath and relax into your weekend.

You’ll also have time to venture into town, make dinner plans, or even see a show at Big Top Chautauqua.

Sit back and enjoy this evening before embarking on more extraordinary adventures scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.

Day 1: Adventures on Lake Superior

Weather permitting, we hope you’ll take advantage of one of Bayfield’s biggest attractions – Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands. There are multiple things to do when you venture out on the big lake. The hard part will be deciding how to do it all.

Book a Kayaking Tour to the Meyer’s Beach Sea Caves

The Meyer’s Beach Sea Caves are the most popular kayaking destination along the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Here are some of the spectacular sights you’ll see:

• Towering brownstone cliffs
• Naturally sculpted caves and crevasses
• Clear emerald green water
• Breathtaking sunsets

All this and more will be waiting for you when you book a kayaking tour with one of our three recommended kayaking outfitters.

• Trek & Trail
• Lost Creek Adventures
• Whitecap Kayak

Each kayak company offers excellently trained guides approved by the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and the American Canoe Association (ACA).

If getting up close and personal is your jam, a kayaking tour on Lake Superior is just one of the many adventurous and fun things to do in Bayfield.

Schedule a Sailing Charter

If wind power is more your speed, sailing on the waters of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands will be your ticket to getting out on the lake.

Most sailing charters offer both a hands-on adventure and a more relaxed experience. Either way, you’ll be able to take in the sights of Lake Superior from a unique perspective.

In our blog, The 7 Best Sailing Charters in the Apostle Islands, you can read about which charter services we recommend and the tours they offer. The hard part will be deciding whether to visit a lighthouse, swim in Lake Superior, or sail at sunset.

Sailing on Lake Superior and around the Apostle Islands is an experience that’ll make lasting memories.

Climb Aboard an Apostle Islands Cruise

The Apostle Islands Cruise Service has been a staple in our area for decades. Their most popular tour, The Grand Tour, is a 55-mile scenic tour of the Apostle Islands.

Sitting on the cruise ship, you’ll see what makes our area a true destination.

• Pristine sandy beaches
• Towering brownstone cliffs
• Iconic lighthouses
• Old growth forests
• Native wildlife

You’ll want to bring your camera along for the ride and capture the beauty surrounding you. Plus, your captain narrates this tour by sharing the rich history and tall tales that have made this place legendary.

No matter how you plan it, getting out on Lake Superior is definitely one of the fun things to do to get the full Bayfield, Wisconsin experience. To learn more about how to get out on the water, you can read it here.

Day 2: Walk the Streets of Bayfield and Explore Its Orchards

The sea caves, Lake Superior, and the Apostle Islands aren’t the only fun things to do in Bayfield, Wisconsin.

Bayfield’s history is rich and deep. You can shop along its historic streets, hike its beautiful trails, or visit its picturesque orchards and fruit farms.

Bayfield’s main street is lined with historic brownstone buildings leading you right to the water and has a bit of a New England vibe.

Its stores showcase many magnificent artists and their talents. A few of our favorites are:

• Howl Downtown and the Brownstone Centre, where you can find clothes and outdoor gear
• Independent bookstores like Apostle Islands Book Sellers and Honest Dog Books
• Metalsmith and Jewelry maker Lissa Flemming at Silverwaves
• Pottery, paintings, and eclectic home decor at Stone’s Throw

There’s a little something for everybody.

When you visit the orchards, just outside of town, you’ll see many rows of fruit trees and berries. And something yummy to take home with you. Things like:

• Traditional Apple Cider at many of the orchards
• Apfelhaus Hard Cider found at Hauser’s
• Pike’s Creek Blueberry Wine at Highland Valley Farm
• Muriel’s Famous Apple Cider Doughnuts at Erickson’s Orchard

Or listen to live music on the outdoor stage at Blu Ox Cider and Winery in the old Betzold family orchard.

Staying on land in Bayfield will not disappoint or leave you hungry. 😉

Day 3: Take It Slow and Say Farewell

All good things must come to an end. Beautiful summers, long days, and yes, Labor Day weekend. But that doesn’t mean the fun has to end on the final day of your visit.

Enjoy a slow morning, sipping your cup of hot coffee while sitting on the balcony outside your room, watching the sunlight dance on the water.

Walk into town along The Brownstone Trail and get fresh pastry from Wonderstate or hike The Big Ravine Trail before you have to sit in the car on the ride home.

Take your time getting home, stopping at Coco in Washburn for an artisan breakfast celebrating the fruits and vegetables of the season.

However you decide to spend your final morning with us, we hope it’ll leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on Tuesday – thank goodness it’s a short week!

Stay at Seagull Bay and Enjoy All the Things to Do in Bayfield This Labor Day Weekend

We hope this blog excites you for the upcoming holiday weekend and gives you plenty of ideas for fun things to do when you visit us in Bayfield.

And whether you bring the whole family or sneak away for a romantic weekend, we have the perfect room for you.

• Newly remodeled king-size suites
• Rooms with queen beds
• Our lake-side cottage
• Family en-suite

…and more. We have a room that’ll fit in perfectly with your Bayfield adventure. Plus, a lake with a view you won’t forget.

BOOK NOW and start planning your Bayfield vacation. The hard part will be deciding what entertaining and fun things to do during your visit.

Your Memories With a View!

Mollie, Isaac, Axel, Ridge, and Banks

QUICK LINKS:

Big Top Chautauqua

Bayfield Area Trails

Bayfield Winery

Highland Valley Farm

Erickson Orchards

Bayfield Cafe – Wonderstate Coffee

Coco – Washburn