Bayfield

Beautiful and picturesque Bayfield is a small year-round community with a large summer population. The gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Bayfield boasts marinas and many hospitality businesses, as well as artisan shops, restaurants, and parks downtown. Many retirees live in and around Bayfield, while there is also a K-12 school system, a grocery store, post office, and all things necessary to raise kids and enjoy life in a safe and clean environment. For recreation other than the lake, Bayfield has an 18-hole golf course, Mt. Ashwabay for wintertime ski-fun, Big Top Chautauqua for musical entertainment, and a rec center for indoor fitness. The hills and other areas outside the city limits are known for the many fruit, berry, cheese, and meat producing farms, many of which are organic. Bustling in the summers, serene and still in the winters, Bayfield is a great place for your forever tiny home or lakefront estate, and anything in between.

Homes for sale in Bayfield, WI

Aspiring home buyers either look to move to big cities to enjoy all the urban conveniences and opportunities such locations offer, or opt to move to small towns for a bit of quiet and the warmth of community. The tiny city of Bayfield, WI is something special because it blends the best of both worlds and offers quite a lot of surprises, too.

Read on to learn more about why Bayfield – the smallest city in all of Wisconsin – is considered among the Best Coastal Small Towns in the country and one of the Best Midwestern Small Towns, and why living here should be something to seriously consider.

OVERVIEW OF BAYFIELD, WI

Bayfield is located in Bayfield County in the northern section of Wisconsin and sits along the shores of Lake Superior. Its location has earned Bayfield the nickname, “Gateway to the Apostle Islands,” the Apostle Islands being a group of 22 islands on the lake. Its natural beauty, attractions, and various annual events draw tens of thousands every year, making Bayfield an interesting and lively community. This could be particularly surprising when you remember how small Bayfield truly is. It covers an area of only 0.87 square miles and is home to less than 600 people, as of the 2020 Census.

Brief history

The city was named after Henry Wolsey Bayfield, a British admiral and surveyor who explored Lake Superior during the winter of 1823-1824 and was first mapped by Henry Rice in 1856. It’s an interesting coincidence given that Chequamegon Bay, an inlet of Lake Superior, is located near what would become Bayfield. It was founded on March 24, 1856, and formed after the 1854 Treaty of LaPointe between the United States and the Ojibwe (Chippewa) Native American peoples. Bayfield was the seat of Bayfield County from 1866 to 1892, at which point it was replaced by Washburn.

Bayfield, WI today

Bayfield’s economy grew with its reputation as a shipping port and center for the lumber and fishing industries. Its quarries also supplied the Midwest and New York with brownstone, the material used for the latter’s iconic buildings. As time passed and demand shifted, the industries that powered Bayfield’s growth dwindled. In the face of this momentary setback, the city shifted gears and today, Bayfield primarily relies on tourism to fuel its economy.

Bayfield’s rich past is reflected in its various attractions and recreational activities. Moreover, the city’s respect for its history has helped to ensure that it will continue to develop in the future. What’s even more exciting is that Bayfield has become a hub for culture and the arts, as well as a beloved destination for lovers of nature and the outdoors; thus, increasing its appeal among those who are looking for homes for sale in Bayfield, WI.

HOMES FOR SALE IN BAYFIELD, WI

Property types and amenities

Homes for sale in Bayfield, WI come in a variety of styles, including rustic modern houses, cozy ranch-style homes, charming cottages, townhouses, and waterfront condos. Many of what you’re bound to encounter in the Bayfield, WI real estate market are older, well-maintained homes that give you a sense of peace and welcome.

It helps that a good number of these homes for sale in the area are suitable as investment properties. You can expect to reap the benefits of your investment rather quickly as thousands of visitors pour into Bayfield every year to enjoy the various events and activities in the city.

There are country-style homes sitting on a wide swath of land that could be used for agricultural pursuits. Newer custom-made homes are also available in Bayfield, WI. Some of these residences were built in the late 2010s and feature high-quality modern furnishings and acres of outdoor space where one could enjoy relative seclusion amid a lovely natural setting.

The property mix in the Bayfield, WI real estate market also includes vacant land located near the town. Once developed, these lots will allow for easy access to all the amenities of the city center, as well as the chance to build a home that perfectly suits your needs. The prices for such lots generally start around $15,000, increasing depending on size, infrastructure, the community where they’re located, and their proximity to the downtown area. Going toward the outer reaches of Bayfield, several hundred acres of land are ready for use as a farm or a private haven, with stunning views of Lake Superior, woodlands, fields, and trails.

Neighborhoods

Bayfield has a handful of neighborhoods where you can find the perfect property.

• APOSTLE HIGHLANDS. Aside from offering a great golfing experience thanks to the 18-hole golf course within its confines, this neighborhood is also home to a tight-knit community that welcomes golfers and non-golfers alike. Many homes are available for rent, and vacant lots are also available for sale.
• BRICKYARD CREEK. This neighborhood focuses on keeping a perfect balance between homeowners and their forest surroundings. Properties here consist of rustic cottages that may be developed under strict regulations so that the area’s ecosystem remains intact.
• DOWNTOWN BAYFIELD. This is the location of choice if you want to be close to all the action. It is also an ideal place to find the right investment property as prospective guests and tenants will definitely appreciate being close to the amenities and attractions of the city.

LIVING IN BAYFIELD, WI

Bayfield’s reputation as one of the best little towns in the country stretches back decades since 1997. And it’s a well-earned reputation: Its facilities, establishments, and attractions contribute heavily to the community’s appeal.

Things to do

For such a small city, Bayfield is brimming with so many things to do, a good number of which involve its majestic natural setting.

The Brownstone Trail is a 3-mile-long path that follows an old railway and takes you past the brownstone cliffs along Lake Superior’s shoreline. A hike on this trail also gives you great views of the lake and you could even do some birdwatching.

The Big Ravine Trail takes up to two hours to traverse and is also good for beginner hikers.

The most popular outdoor destination in the Bayfield area is the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, which is well-known for its sea caves, islands, and more than 50 miles of trails that take you to beaches, campgrounds, and lighthouses. A good way to see this is to go on a guided tour of the islands. Even if you’re not a hardcore adventurer, you can still enjoy other activities like biking, swimming, kayaking, and fishing.

Bayfield may be the Gateway to the Apostle Islands but you’ll find plenty of reasons to stay in the city itself and explore for a while.

• Go on an art crawl. It’s said that the natural beauty of Bayfield and the surrounding area provides wonderful inspiration for artists, which is why Bayfield has a thriving art scene. Start your art crawl here with a visit to the Bayfield Artists’ Guild where you can purchase a variety of merchandise, including paintings, photographs, soaps, and jewelry – all of which were created with the beauty of Lake Superior as inspiration. Then, head for Austin Miller Studio and Gallery, meet Francie Austin Miller – the artist herself – and marvel at her original work, learn about her process and inspiration, and enjoy the views. Check out Eckels Pottery and Fine Craft Gallery, as well. This gallery has been in the area for almost six decades and offers handcrafted ceramics. Aside from the work of the owners, the studio also showcases the creations of 40 local, regional, and national artists. Stone’s Throw, a gallery featuring handmade pottery, sculptures, jewelry, and more.
• Practice your stroke. The Apostle Highlands Golf Course is the place to be for golfers in Bayfield. This par 72, 18-hole public golf course sits 500 feet above the city and offers golfers amazing views of Lake Superior and the Porcupine Mountains of Northern Michigan.
• Discover Bayfield’s history. Get to know Bayfield better by visiting the Bayfield Heritage Association. This free museum takes you on a deep dive into the history of Bayfield and presents the key personalities who helped shape the city. You can also check out the Bayfield Maritime Museum to learn more about the city’s nautical history.
• Go berry picking. Bayfield is also known as the Berry Capital of Wisconsin – a well-deserved nickname because the city is home to 14 berry farms and orchards, making up what is locally known as the “Fruit Loop.” Strawberries, cherries, blueberries, and raspberries are available during the summer; and for the rest of the year, you may find blackberries, currants, and gooseberries.
• Take a breather. There’s so much to see and do in Bayfield but don’t forget to take a break, too. You can go on a wellness retreat at Old Rittenhouse Inn, an iconic bed-and-breakfast overlooking Lake Superior and one of the recognized historical sites in Wisconsin, having been built in 1890. Another option is Wild Rice Retreat on the shores of Lake Superior, which features Scandinavian-inspired rooms and offers activities such as yoga, sound bath healing, meditation, and more.
• Enjoy the local dining scene. Bayfield is known for its interesting selection of local restaurants. A favorite here is Manypenny Bistro, which serves “American fare with a Turkish flair” and offers some of the best breakfast meals in the city. Another option is The Landmark Restaurant at the Old Rittenhouse Inn, which showcases fresh, local ingredients in its dishes. The Copper Trout, meanwhile, specializes in Italian-American cuisine and the freshest fish from Lake Superior. Copper Crow Distillery is a must-visit for lovers of craft beer and spirits. They’re the first Indigenous-owned brewery in the country and their products have earned various awards and distinctions.

Festivals and events

Bayfield also hosts various events throughout the year, all celebrating the community’s culture and the beauty of nature.

• The city celebrates the arrival of spring with Bayfield in Bloom, which takes place from May to June. During this time, more than 54,000 daffodils bloom in the city, along with apple blossoms and roadside lupine. People not only get to admire the floral display but may also take part in garden tours. The Blessing of the Fleet also takes place during this time. At the event, sailboats, commercial fishing boats, rowboats, and other vessels parade through the City Harbor.
• Concerts by the Lake signal the start of summer. Every Tuesday and Thursday from June to August, head out to Memorial Park with your family and your dog (just keep them on a leash!) and enjoy live music for free from 7 to 9 P.M.
• The Festival of the Arts is a two-day event that occurs in September at Memorial Park in Downtown Bayfield. It includes a market with works sold by fine art creators and a fine arts show. Another event associated with the festival is Art Escape, which includes classes and demonstrations by local artists.
• The Bayfield Apple Festival takes place every October. Considered one of Wisconsin’s “best festivals,” as declared by Wisconsin Trails Magazine, this event has been running for more than six decades and is a celebration of the fall harvest. Guests get to enjoy live music and apple orchard tours, shop at the farmer’s markets, and even take part in the Apple Pie and Dessert Contest or the Apple Peeling Contest. Among its highlights are the Grand Parade, the Spectrum Carnival, and the crowning of the Apple Festival Queen and/or King.
• The Christmas season is exceptionally festive in Bayfield. A tree lighting event takes place every year, and in the middle of December, people get to welcome Santa Claus when he arrives on the Madeline Island Ferry. You can also do your Christmas shopping in the small local shops found here.

Mini community events are also held in Bayfield, such as art, cooking, and baking classes; writing workshops and yoga classes at Wild Rice Retreat; open mic nights; knitting sessions; and performances by local theater groups. You can also catch performances by major artists and local musicians like the Blue Canvas Orchestra at Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua, widely regarded as a premier music venue located at the foot of Mt. Ashwabay.

Economic profile

Aside from being a desirable destination for tourists, Bayfield is home to growing families, retirees, and everyone in between. The cost of living in Bayfield is lower than the US average, according to BestPlaces.net, but the quality of life here is exceptional. There are many opportunities for employment in the tourism industry and affiliated sectors like food services, entertainment, and recreation. Apart from tourism, most residents in the area are in education services and the arts.

Schools

Growing families would also be pleased to know that Bayfield has its own schools: Bayfield High School, Bayfield Middle School, and Bayfield Elementary which are part of the Bayfield School District, serving almost 400 students. The Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, a band of Ojibwe Native Americans, also has an Early Childhood Center which, aside from focusing on education for young children, also provides them with an understanding of the Ojibwe culture and language.

Community vibe

It’s the community that truly makes Bayfield shine. The people of Bayfield are passionate about the city’s history, heritage, and natural environment and also make it a point to support local businesses. There are also numerous chances to be part of community undertakings through volunteer opportunities, hobbies, and gatherings.

FIND THE PERFECT HOUSES FOR SALE IN BAYFIELD, WI

For support and guidance in your home-buying endeavor in this petite but gorgeous community, you’ll do well to take on the services of expert Bayfield, WI Realtors who are either natives or long-time residents of the area. We at Broad Street Brokers LLC are just the team to help you out.

Contact us at 715.779.3220 or send an email here so we can get started on helping you find the perfect property in one of the best small towns in the state.