Part base for Lake Superior sailboaters, part artist colony, part escape from big-city intensity, Bayfield, Wis., is a special place. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, accessible by boat from Bayfield, offers lighthouses, recreational opportunities and, for the adventurous, a true wilderness experience.
Population: 610
Location: Northern Wisconsin, about 465 miles northwest of the Loop
Recommended for: Music fans, winter sports enthusiasts, hikers, boaters, arts-and-crafts buffs, families
When to go: Year-round
5 reasons to go
1. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Cruise past, paddle out, make a landing. Do them your way. Be grateful. nps.gov/apis
2. Winter
The place for skiing, mushing and exploring ice caves. Also, the ferry ride to Madeline Island becomes an ice-road ride.
3. Big Top Chautauqua
Tent music shows in the down-home Garrison Keillor mode — sometimes with Keillor. bigtop.org
4. Galleries and crafts
Eckels Pottery alone would be reason enough to come here, but there’s so much more.
5. Bayfield Apple Festival
One of the good ones. Held earlier in October, this was its 47th year. bayfield.org/visitor/applefestival.asp
