We’re in the thick of holiday preparations here in Bayfield. We’re trimming our trees, making cookies, listening to Christmas music, and making plans with family and friends.

But there’s something else we’re looking forward to, especially our boys — Christmas break.

As you can imagine, running Seagull Bay Lakeside Motel with my husband Isaac, we no longer get to enjoy the Christmas vacations of our youth. But I still feel the excitement of the holidays and enjoy a different pace of life.

With the boys home from school, our day-to-day routine (or lack of one), opens up our schedules to enjoy some of our favorite things to do here in Bayfield.

Yes, we’ll be busy with some traditional holiday celebrations, but we’ll also be enjoying:

• Freshly fallen snow
• A little self-care
• Some shopping

But we don’t want to keep all these fun things to ourselves. We would like to invite you and your family to join us at Seagull Bay and take part in all Bayfield has to offer during this holiday season.

With Bayfield dressed in its finest garland and twinkling lights, there really isn’t a more beautiful place to celebrate some well-deserved time off.

Fun Things to Do Outside in the Snow in Bayfield

Last week Bayfield experienced a small storm leaving us with 6-8 inches of snow blanketing the ground. The fresh white background adds to the coziness of this Christmas season and our little town.

With fresh snow on the ground, we’re itching to get out and enjoy at least one of the many winter activities here in Bayfield.

1. Skiing in Bayfield

Last week we shared the 75th birthday of our beloved ski and recreation area, Mt. Ashwabay. This “little hill on the big lake” offers downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking opportunities.

Local residents have been anxious to enjoy the snow and have already ventured out on their cross-country skis and snowshoes.

The snow guns, Mt. Ashwabay’s snow-making machines, are in full force, helping make snow and prepare for this ski season. Mt. Ashwabay is scheduled to open on Saturday, December 17th, 2022. We can’t wait!

You can get all the details about Mt. Ashwabay from last week’s blog, including its:

• Alpine runs
• Nordic ski trails
• Snowshoe trails
• Fat biking trails

1. Snowshoeing or Winter Hiking in Bayfield

Mount Ashwabay is one of many places you can play in the snow. Bayfield is surrounded by beautiful hiking trails perfect for snowshoeing in the winter and is an ideal winter activity in Bayfield.

At Seagull Bay, we’re lucky our motel properties sit directly above The Brownstone Trail.

The Brownstone Trail follows an old railroad grade along Lake Superior, offering a scenic walk into town or further south towards the Pike’s Bay Marina. Its flat and easy terrain make it an ideal trail for people of all ages and ability levels to hike during the summer and winter months.

In recent years Bayfield’s Big Ravine Trail has been rehabilitated and expanded to be one of our favorite trails in all of Bayfield County. With one of its trailheads located just under Bayfield’s historic Iron Bridge, the Big Ravine Trail includes:

• Three creek crossings
• A waterfall
• Towering switchbacks

The Big Ravine Trail leads you to the top of the Ravine and towards Bayfield’s orchard country.

Despite its beauty, towering pine, and cottonwood trees, this trail is best suited for hikers of a modest fitness level with crampons worn on boots or snowshoes. Trekking poles may also be helpful as this trail is often slippery with snow.

Other trails just outside of Bayfield worth visiting include:

• Houghton Falls
• Lost Creek Falls
• Myers Beach
• Frog Bay Tribal National Park

And don’t worry if you left your gear at home, you can rent or buy equipment for your next winter adventure at the Howl Adventure Center. The center is 1 mile south of Bayfield.

1. Dog Sledding With Wolfsong Adventures in Mushing

If you’re looking for a unique thing to do when visiting Bayfield, one of our favorite and most adventurous recommendations to our guests is dog sledding with Wolfsong Adventures.

Here you’ll get a hands-on experience with dog sledding that includes everything from:

• Getting to know the dogs
• Harnessing the dogs
• Driving the sled while shouting “mush”

Wolfsong offers multiple tours lasting up to 4 hours in length.You and your family are sure to have an unforgettable experience during your Christmas vacation.

Relaxing Things to Do while visiting Bayfield

1. Visit Superior Body Massage and Spa

I can’t think of a better way to help knock off the chill of playing outside in the snow than enjoying a spa treatment at Superior Body Massage and Spa.

Just imagine how decadent it would feel to get a hot stone massage melting away muscle tension after a day of playing in the snow. Or enjoy relaxing in the infrared sauna after spending an afternoon gliding on the area’s ski trails.

And even if you’re not the adventurous type to spend the day out in the snow, some self-care, a hot cup of tea, and beautiful nails will brighten anyone’s day. And remember, you don’t really need a reason or special occasion to treat yourself.

Don’t Forget to Shop in Bayfield

1. Enjoy Sales After the Holidays in Bayfield’s Shops

In Bayfield, you won’t find Target, Pier 1, or any of your favorite department stores advertising after-Christmas sales. But that’s also part of the charm of Bayfield.

Bayfield Boasts one-of-a-kind shops lining its historic streets in historic buildings. Its business owners have curated a downtown unique shopping experience for all.

Many of Bayfield’s stores and galleries showcase artists living in the Chequamegon Bay Area. From Potters to painters and jewelry makers, you’re sure to find something truly special reminding you of your visit to Bayfield.

And if you’re wondering what our favorite shops are, you can read all about them here.

Enjoy All the Things to Do This Winter While Staying at Seagull Bay

There are many things to do when visiting Bayfield during your Christmas vacation or later this winter. And in all reality, we only touched on a few of them.

From skiing and dog sledding to spa treatments and shopping, we want you to experience the beauty that winter brings to Bayfield, Wisconsin.

And when you’re visiting, we invite you to stay with us at Seagull Bay Lakeside Motel. Here you’ll enjoy our 1940s traditional-style motel with wide-open views of Madeline Island, Long Island, and Chequamegon Bay.

Our simple accommodations are filled with old-school charm and modern touches. It gives you the freedom to venture outside and enjoy all the things to do this winter in Bayfield, Wisconsin.

Perfect for couples, families, and friends, Seagull Bay offers a variety of lodging accommodations to make this Christmas Vacation a special one. Book now and start planning what things you’re going to do.

We look forward to hearing about your upcoming adventures!

The Carrier family,

Mollie, Isaac, Axel, Ridge, and Banks

Quick Links:

Mt. Ashwabay

The 6 Best Summer Hiking Trails in Bayfield, WI.

Wolfsong Adventures in Mushing

Superior Body Massage & Spa

Holiday Shopping in Bayfield

Howl Adventure Center