Good Morning, Bayfield

Location Coordinates:
46°48'41"N
90°49'13"W
Bayfield, Wisconsin

Crowning the northern portion of the state of Wisconsin lies a triangular piece of land known as the Bayfield Peninsula. Jutting its way into the southern waters of Lake Superior, the peninsula consists of broad forests of deciduous trees such as maples, oaks, and birch along with coniferous stands of jack pine, spruce, and balsam fir. Here and there between the forests are open areas where well-maintained farms grace either side of Highway 13, the primary route which serves as a connector for the peninsula's small communities. It was here that I began my long anticipated Lake Superior Circle Tour when I turned north onto Highway 13 shortly after leaving the port cities of Duluth-Superior. The route was enhanced by the fact it appeared my timing was catching the fall color in this area at its peak. The reds and golds and oranges mixed in with the pines deep greens as I headed first in a northeasterly direction, and then in a southerly direction from the town of Red Cliff towards my first destination at Bayfield.

Years ago, long before I lived in proximity to this region, I had briefly passed through Bayfield and thought then the quaint community would be worth a return visit. I had remembered Bayfield as looking like a New England coastal community. But arriving on this trip, my thought was the town did not resemble New England, but instead was definitely reflective of the Great Lakes, just minus the ore boats. I checked into The Bayfield Inn , located right on the marina and lake shore, and set out to have a look around.

Promenade along the marina waterfront

After having strolled by some of the shops and a quick dinner at a local inn, I rounded out the day exploring the marina and taking in the view of nearby Madeline Island. By now the sun had set, and I soon found that on a weeknight in October, Bayfield is quiet. Really, really quiet. So quiet, in fact, that I felt my footsteps on the pavement were easily being heard and monitored by the townsfolk that had clearly settled snugly indoors for the night. Always wanting to fit in with the locals, I decided I'd better head back to my room. It was 7:00 pm. So much for Bayfield nightlife.

Sunrise over Madeline Island

The next morning I was up before the sun and grabbed the camera for a little sunrise photography. As the sun came over the horizon of Madeline Island lying to Bayfield's east I was treated to a beautiful unveiling of the picturesque community decked out in autumn splendor. Positioning myself in various spots along the marina I snapped away in the crisp morning air, and I felt invigorated by all the changing colors and moods as the sun made it's slow rise. I watched the first morning arrival of the Madeline Island Ferry from the island community of La Pointe, which is located about 2.5 miles across the lake from Bayfield. What a great way to start the day!

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Visitor Center

It was then time to move on to the next segment of the circle tour. But before leaving Bayfield I stopped at the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore visitor center. I had not built in enough time on this trip to make the excursion to the Apostle Islands. That is a trip in and of itself. But the friendly staff at the visitor center gave me great information so that I could plan a return trip to focus just on the islands. And next spring I plan to do just that.