Tucked along the Brownstone Trail, The Outbounder and Brownstone Cottage offer a peaceful retreat surrounded by trees with glimpses of Lake Superior through the pines. Once home to Bayfield’s last milkman, this reimagined property now features nine cozy units designed for comfort, connection, and adventure.
Here, you’ll wake up to sunlight filtering through the tall white pines and willows that frame the property. It’s the kind of place that naturally draws you outside—where easy mornings flow into days of hiking, biking, or kayaking, and evenings end around the fire with your favorite people. The Outbounder and Brownstone Cottage is your home base for exploring Bayfield and the Apostle Islands, with the Brownstone Trail just steps from your door.
The Outbounder has transformed from a family-owned home into lodging that feels both modern and warm. With its wooded views, handcrafted details, and open-air spaces, it’s ideal for families, friends, and couples who love to explore by day and unwind together at night.
Wooded views of Lake Superior
Suites that sleep up to six for group getaways
Comfortable twin, full, and queen beds for kids, couples, and families
A cascading lawn with direct access to the Brownstone Trail
Scandinavian-inspired design with Native American murals by local artist Rita VanderVenter
Set along the Brownstone Trail, the Brownstone Cottage blends a classic cottage-by-the-lake feel with the quiet charm of the woods. This cozy standalone home is tucked among the trees with two bedrooms, 1½ baths, and plenty of space to unwind.
A fully equipped kitchen makes cooking simple, while the screened-in porch and daybed invite you to slow down and soak in the stillness—whether you’re curled up with a book or sipping a late-afternoon chardonnay. Outside, a private yard is perfect for playing yard games, evening fires, and catching glimpses of Lake Superior through the trees.
Fully equipped kitchen
Private screened-in porch with daybed
Cozy living area and private deck
Two spacious bedrooms and 1½ bathrooms
Private yard and firepit with Lake Superior views
Yes—The Outbounder and Brownstone Cottage are 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 Outbounder and Brownstone Cottage are only a few steps away from the Brownstone Trail, giving you a scenic 10-minute walk into downtown Bayfield, or a few minutes' drive by car.
You’re also an average of a 10-minute drive away from local orchards, Mt. Ashwabay, and a variety of hiking and biking trails.
Guests can also take advantage of our free Big Top Chautauqua shuttle, with pick-up and drop-off next door at The Motel—making it easy to enjoy a night under the tent.
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 office of The Outbounder, located on the ground level. 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 in the office.
*If you’re filling up a cooler, please purchase it by the bag for $5 and pay at the front desk.
At The Outbounder, you can adjust the temperature in your room for year-round comfort. The second-floor rooms and the Hideaway feature mini-split units operated by remote, while The Residence and The Walk-Out each have individual thermostats you can set to your liking.
At The Brownstone Cottage, temperature is controlled by a wall thermostat for the furnace and a window air conditioner during the summer—both can be easily adjusted to your comfort level.
All Seagull Bay properties, including The Outbounder and Brownstone Cottage, 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 call us right away at (715)779-5558.
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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