Bayfield turned from a quaint fishing town to a vacation destination
The community of Bayfield attracts tourists with picturesque summers on Lake Superior and full-time residents with small-town charm and winter sports. With less than 600 residents, it’s the state’s smallest city, but its population grows in the summer due to seasonal residents and tourism. “It has almost always been a summer town, starting usually after Memorial Day when kids start getting out of school,” says Alderperson Diane Fizell.
According to the alderperson, after school is back in session, the population only spikes during big events, like the Apple Festival or when the leaves start changing. Since moving to Bayfield in 1976, Fizell has watched the community transform from a quaint fishing village to a vacation destination, with some tourists choosing to move here full-time. “A lot of people are from Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan,” she says. “You see lots of different license plates around here.”
Bungalows, historic traditional and ranch-style homes
Bayfield has bungalows, historic traditional and ranch-style homes. Sidewalks and curbs are inconsistent here. Most single-family homes cost between $200,000 and $450,000. Fizell says the town has always had a mix of full-time and seasonal residents but has seen an increase in tourism and short-term rentals in recent years. “A lot of the places that are for sale here are bought by nonresidents who turn the places into VRBO,” she says. “There are three of them in the two-block area that I live in.” Bayfield scores a 2 out of 10 CAP Index Crime Score, below the national average of 4.
Career prep in the School District of Bayfield
The School District of Bayfield gets a C-plus from Niche. La Pointe Elementary receives a B-minus, Bayfield Elementary and Bayfield Middle both earn a C and Bayfield High School gets a B. The school district offers middle school students the opportunity to study engineering and technology and high schoolers a variety of career exploration offerings such as welding fabrication, introduction to telecommunication and home entertainment systems. Students can also earn college credits and certifications through Northwood Technical College.
The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and winter sports
The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, in Bayfield, serves as the gateway to 21 islands, 19 of which allow camping. Residents and visitors can kayak through sea caves, go scuba diving and explore underwater ecosystems and historic shipwrecks. Collectively, the islands have more than 50 miles of hiking trails. From the mainland, residents can fish, swim and launch boats. Bayfield has a visitor center for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and a rec center with sailing and scuba programs. Hiking trails and campgrounds surround the community. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing are popular winter activities. The National Weather Service office for Bayfield has reported several events of significant winter weather in the past 20 years, including blizzards, heavy snowfall and winter storms.
Local restaurants and markets
Locally owned Manypenny Bistro serves American fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Morty’s Pub serves burgers, beer and fresh Whitefish caught from Lake Superior. Pier Plaza Restaurant has a deck overlooking the lake, where customers enjoy seafood dishes and regional beers. For groceries, residents can shop at Andy’s IGA Supermarket or Field Day Market, a zero-waste wellness and bulk refill shop. Hoop’s Fish Market is a fresh and smoked seafood store.
The annual Bayfield Apple Festival
An over 60-year tradition, Bayfield’s annual Apple Festival is held the first weekend of each October. “It started as a way to sell the apples that are grown around here,” Fizell says. “This is a really big fruit area, starting with strawberries at the end of June, blueberries, blackberries and cherry trees.” Visitors can check out apple orchards in the area for events and tours and then head downtown for a carnival, live music, food and vendors.
Proximity to Duluth, a hospital and an airport
Bayfield is located on the shore of Lake Superior, 83 miles east of Duluth. Tamarack Health Ashland Medical Center is less than 25 miles away. Less than 70 miles away, the Gogebic-Iron County Airport offers direct flights to Chicago O’Hare and Minneapolis.
