$445,345Average Value$357Average Price per Sq Ft16Homes For Sale
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.”
Lake Superior dominates the view from Bayfield neighborhoods.
Locals often stroll the scenic streets in Bayfield.
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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.
Craftsman-style homes often feature wide porches and big windows.
Homes near the lake maximize views with large windows.
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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.
Bayfield Elementary, Middle, and High are nestled in the bluffs overlooking Lake Superior.
Bayfield High School shares a campus with the elementary and middle school.
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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.
Visitor center for Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Bayfield.
Bayfield Rec Center includes a pool and sailing programs.
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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.
Shops line Wisconsin Lake Superior Scenic Byway downtown.
Morty's Pub is a lively, local scene in Bayfield.
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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.
Written By
Ellen Daly
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Video By
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Bayfield, WI sell after 107 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Bayfield, WI over the last 12 months is $425,000, up 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This 40 acre parcel offers a blend of privacy, natural beauty, and ready to use infrastructure. Surveyed, and featuring raspberry bushes and apple trees on site, it's just minutes from Lake Superior. A newly installed gravel driveway, holding tank, private well, and power provide easy access for recreational use. Park a camper and start enjoying it right away, or lay the groundwork for a country
Location meets opportunity! This undeveloped double lot offers an expansive footprint for a single, premium residential building site right within the City of Bayfield. Tucked away yet incredibly close to everything, you are minutes from downtown boutiques, the harbor, trails, and local eateries. With city utilities nearby, this vacant canvas is ready for your vision. Whether you're planning a
Experience the ultimate Lake Superior lifestyle with this exceptional 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence, perfectly situated on 9.5 private acres just outside the historic City of Bayfield. Combining unrivaled natural beauty with endless potential, this property is a rare Northwoods sanctuary. Anchored by a cozy wood-burning fireplace, the open living area is the perfect place to unwind after a day
Nestled within the City of Bayfield limits, this enchanting 2-acre wooded retreat offers a rare opportunity to create your dream home. Imagine waking up surrounded by towering trees and the sounds of nature, all while enjoying the convenience of downtown shopping, dining, and lake walks only minutes away. This expansive property features 20 lush lots, each brimming with potential for unique
The property is located within minutes of Cornucopia and Bayfield, near the Lake Superior South shore and the Apostle Islands. The lot has been recently surveyed and all the lines are in. Power is nearby and access to the property is excellent via McCutcheon Rd. Direct access to Bayfield County Forest lands is 1/8 Mile from the NE corner. A perfect location for an up North retreat with great
A cozy new cottage located within minutes of the Lake Superior South Shore and the quaint fishing Village of Cornucopia. Features of the property include electricity, a new shed, and great access off of Mc Cutcheon Rd. This is a very nicely timbered tract with mature Maple and Aspen prevailing with a mix of Conifer, including Pine and Balsam Fir. This is a quiet, peaceful location, and it is also
The Villages of Wild Rice. Set along the shores of Lake Superior and surrounded by Boreal forest, this peaceful Northwoods setting replaces the noise of daily life with expansive natural beauty. Designed by HGA Architects, with the land guiding placement, scale, and flow, buyers may select from three residence designs: The Farmhouse, The Field Pair, or The Woodland. Curated interiors and
Step back in time while enjoying the comfort and character of this beautifully preserved pre-1870 home, ideally located near Downtown Bayfield. Rich in history and timeless appeal, this one-of-a-kind property showcases the craftsmanship of a bygone era with original architectural details, warm wood accents, and inviting living spaces that have been lovingly maintained. The welcoming kitchen is
Gorgeous views of the marina and the Apostle Islands that will take your breath away! Absolutely stunning Lake Superior property. Set on just over an acre and a half+/- with 169' of Lake Superior frontage, this property offers a cleared space and access road/driveway. This is the perfect place to embrace the Northern Lights, sunrises, and exquisite sunsets. There's a meandering path along the
Anthony JenningsAnthony Jennings & Crew Real Estate LLC
A truly one-of-a-kind Bayfield estate, tucked between the gardens on first street and near to everything downtown Bayfield offers. The Isaac Wing lets one have their own space to stay in Bayfield, while offering the ability to rent the other five suites to guests for a nice return on investment. Upon arriving, you'll notice an attention to detail, an elegant entry hall complete with custom
Stunning 277 acres of fields and forest with over 3500 feet of river frontage on the Sand River. The south and east side of the property feature 120+- acres of income producing farm field. The entire property is surrounded by wire fence. It's zoned AG. The west side and north 40 are mainly mature timber, with plenty of maple, oak and pine. This portion has a nice trail network in place and offers
Absolutely stunning Lake Superior property! Gorgeous views of the marina and the Apostle Islands that will take your breath away. Set on just under an acre and a half+/- with 175' of Lake Superior frontage, this property offers a cleared space and access road/driveway. This is the perfect place to embrace the Northern Lights, sunrises, and exquisite sunsets. There's a meandering path along the
Anthony JenningsAnthony Jennings & Crew Real Estate LLC
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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