Bayfield WI
Great-Lakes-Sailing.com
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Bayfield, WI Lat: 46° 48.575 Long: 090° 48.668 |
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DESCRIPTION The Bayfield WI area has long been the traditional home of the Ainishinaabe or Ojibwe/Chippeawa First Nation. About 3 mi/5 km north of Bayfield is the Red Cliff Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa. Bayfield WI is the gateway to the Apostle Islands, a significant US national park and one of the great cruising grounds of the Great Lakes. By the later part of the 19th century, there were thriving lumbering, fishing and quarrying industries. Tourism has also played a significant role in the local economy. Bayfield is a very good harbor. It is also a perfect port to serve as a base from which to explore the outstanding Apostle Islands. |
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APPROACHES Bayfield WI lies on the eastern side of the Bayfield Peninsula, across from Madeline Island. It can be approached from the north, coming down either side of Basswood Island using either the West Channel or North Channel. It can also be approached from the south via the South Channel, between Madeline Island and Long Island. From either direction, the approaches are clear. There are 2 harbors in downtown Bayfield WI. The main harbor for visiting sailors is the southern basin. Its entrance is marked with a Fl RED light and a Fl GREEN light with a horn, both visible about 6 nm offshore. The fog horn can be activated by switching to VHF 79 and keying your microphone 5 times in rapid succession. The northern basin entrance is marked with a F RED light and an ISO GREEN light, both visible about 6 nm offshore. The ferry for Madeline Island docks in this harbor so if you use it, you need to keep an eye out for her. |
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MARINAS, YACHT CLUBS, MOORINGS, ANCHORAGES Apostle Islands Marina (715) 779-5661 VHF 16 Apostle Islands Marina is the main marina in Bayfield WI. There are about 140 slips with a number set aside for transient sailors. There is a fuel dock (diesel and gasoline) and a pumpout station. There is water and power available at slips. This is a full-service marina capable of carrying out a wide range of engine, mechanical, electrical and rigging repairs. Restrooms and showers are available. There is a well-stocked ship's store and internet access. Bayfield City Dock (715) 779-5712 The City Dock is a "T"-shaped pier separating the north basin from the south basin. There is transient docking on the north side. There are 30 slips. There are water and power hookups and public washrooms. Apostle Island Yacht Club AIYC is a private club, located about .5 mi/1 km southwest of the Bayfield harbor. They have 31 slips and there may be some available for transient sailors. The entrance is marked with a Q RED light visible about 4 nm offshore. There is no fuel dock or pumpout station. There are hookups for water and power. Restrooms and showers are available in the clubhouse. There are picnic areas on the grounds. Blackhawk Marina (715) 209-4990 Blackhawk Marina is located immediately east of Apostle Islands Yacht Club. It is a private facility. They have 60 slips and may have some slips for transient boats. There is no fuel dock but there is a pumpout station. Water and power are available as well as restrooms and showers. Pike's Bay Marina (715) 779-3900 VHF 16 Pike's Bay Marina is located about 2.25 nm southwest of Bayfield harbor. There are 208 slips with several set aside for transient sailors. There is a fuel dock (diesel and gasoline) and pumpout station. Water and power are available at slips. This is a full-service marina. Their qualified technicians can carry out a wide range of engine, mechanical, electrical and fibreglass/hull repairs and maintenance. There are telephone and cable TV hookups at each slip. There is a beautiful clubhouse with restrooms, showers and laundry facilities. There is also a kitchen and comfortable lounge with outdoor deck. Wireless internet is available. Port Superior Marina (715) 779-5360 VHF 16 Port Superior Marina is located in the same harbor as Pike's Bay Marina, immediately to the southwest. It has 200 slips with some set aside for transient sailors. There is a fuel dock (diesel and gasoline) and pumpout station. Water and power are available at slips. This is a full-service marina. They can carry out a full range of engine, mechanical, electrical, rigging and fibreglass/hull repairs and maintenance. There are restrooms, showers and laundry facilities available. There is a lovely clubhouse with a restaurant and lounge. Other amenities include a heated swimming pool, tennis courts and internet access. |
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REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE, PROVISIONING, BANKS/ATM's Apostle Islands Marina (See above) Pike's Bay Marina (See above) Port Superior Marina (See above) UK-Halsey Sailmakers Superior Loft is a full-service sail loft located about 2 mi/3.2 km from Bayfield harbor. Part of UK Sailmakers world-wide group of sail lofts, they can provide a full range of design and maufacturing expertise and service. They also carry out repairs and recuts. Tim's Sail Loft is located in the village. IGA Foodliner is located about 4 blocks from the harbor. It can handle all re-provisioning needs. Bremer Bank is about 3 blocks from the harbor. It has counter service and ATMs. |
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MEDICAL SERVICES The closest medical clinic is Red Cliff Community Health Center (715) 779-3707, located about 3 mi/5 km north of Bayfield WI in the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa community. It provides medical services to Band members and to the wider community of Bayfield. It is open during business hours. The nearest hospital is Memorial Medical Center (715) 685-5500 located in Ashland, WI, about 20 mi/32 km away. The nearest pharmacy is Red Cliff Community Health Center (715) 779-3151, located about 3 mi/5 km north of Bayfield in the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa community. It provides pharmacy services to Band members and to the wider community of Bayfield. It is open during business hours. |
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PLACES TO EAT Bayfield WI is a very popular tourist destination and has a good variety of restaurants and pubs to enjoy within a 3-6 block distance of the harbor. Maggie's Restaurant is very popular with a varied menu and a casual feel to it. The Egg Toss is a popular place for breakfast. Another good place for breakfast is Greunke's - it was more than I could eat!!! For a delightful cafe experience, drop in to the Bigwater Coffee Roasters. Wild Rice offers an excellent dining experience. Located about 1 mi/1.6 km south of Bayfield, it is considered one of the top restaurants in Wisconsin. Its worth the effort to get there. Another more upscale restaurant is the very well-regarded Old Rittenhouse Inn. For more casual drinks and food, try The Rum Line or Morty's Pub - both local favorites. |
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THINGS TO DO/SEE/VISIT Bayfield WI is a summer mecca. It is the gateway to the Apostle Islands. These 21 islands and the associated coastline truely live up to their name "The Jewels of Lake Superior". The National Park Service Headquarters in Bayfield can provide a great deal of information on the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore park and how you can best enjoy it. There are cruises of varying lengths through the Apostle Islands. There are terrific walking and hiking trails around Bayfield as well. Big Top Chatauqua is a 900 seat, state-of-the-art tent theatre and a major performing arts venue. Throughout the summer, they present over 50 concerts, plays and performances. This is an outstanding arts venue attracting top national and regional musicians and performing artists. If you come to Bayfield WI, it is not to bbe missed. It is located about 3 mi/5 km from the harbor. Bayfield Maritime Museum is an excellent place to visit and learn about Bayfield's maritime history. Located by the USCG station, its maritime displays bring to life this history including the great commercial fishing industry, shipwrecks, marine equipment and boat building traditions. Bayfield Historical Museum is a few minutes walk from the harbor and well worth the visit as well. The Bayfield WI tourism site will give you many ideas on getting the most of your visit. Return from Bayfield WI to Lake Superior Return to Home Page |
