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Summertime in Wisconsin
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
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Read on to see why summer in Wisconsin is the most wonderful time of the year.
Wisconsin is so much more than enthusiastic Packer fans, tasty bratwurst, and world-championship cheese curds. It’s the natural beauty of lakes Superior and Michigan, the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers, wind-swept prairie land, friendly towns, wonderful state parks, tree-lined slopes, old-fashioned ice cream parlors and candy stores, and historic attractions. It’s colorful community festivals and quiet evenings camping under the stars, the perfect blend of wilderness and civilization.
No place is that blend more evident than in Bayfield, a charming mainland town three and a half hours from the Twin Cities metro.
“You can get away from it all and experience the incredible beauty of the area, yet still have access to creature comforts like an island view from a Jacuzzi suite, fabulous shopping, art galleries, excellent dining, and entertainment such as the Big Top Chautauqua, home of the ‘Tent Show Radio,’” says Mary Motiff, marketing manager for the Bayfield Chamber of Commerce.
Celebrate the glory of spring (and the vibrancy of 14,000 daffodils) during “Bayfield in Bloom” from May 18 - June 17. Events include elaborate city and country garden tours, the 26th Annual Apple Blossom Run (May 19), Chequamegon Bay Birding and Nature Festival events, plant sales, garden tours, golf events, and more.
Golf enthusiasts would be remiss not to schedule a tee time at Apostle Highlands Golf Course, located one mile south of Bayfield. Situated 500 feet above Lake Superior, the site offers a variety of visual delights amid 265 wooded acres of wildlife, peace, and serenity.
While visiting the area, stay at Brickyard Creek Cottages on Lake Superior, two miles north of the city. Part of a 70-acre development that includes a 42-slip marina and nine lakeshore homes, the cottages are connected to the lake and roads by nature trails. Choose from seven different designs, ranging from simple large units to three-bedroom, three-bathroom cottages.
Photo courtesy of RJ & Linda Miller/
Travelwisconsin.com
After exploring the mainland, vacationers often head over to the Apostle Islands.
“Bayfield is a unique travel destination because it is the gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, referred to by National Geographic Traveler as the most pristine wilderness area in the United States,” Motiff explains.
There are 22 islands accessible by ferry, kayak, or sailboat. The Madeline Island Ferry Line provides passenger, bicycle, and car transportation between LaPointe and Bayfield.
“You can take a narrated cruise of the islands, tour the lighthouses, hike the trails, or just stroll along the sandy beaches,” Motiff says. Adventure-seekers can go sea kayaking or scuba diving.
Those who enjoy learning about the past will love the Madeline Island Historical Museum, a replica log fort currently hosting an exhibit of rare, handcrafted American Indian dolls representing every tribe in North America.
“The Madeline Island Museum lets visitors see how previous generations of vacationers experienced the region’s treasures,” explains Steve Lightbourn, marketing specialist with the Wisconsin Historical Society. “Modern tourism on and around Madeline Island traces its origins to the heyday of lumbering and mining in the area.”
Spurred by railroad promoters and word-of-mouth from early visitors, the area began to attract summer visitors, among them Mrs. Abraham Lincoln and her son Robert Todd Lincoln. Nearly 60 years later, President Calvin Coolidge visited the island.
It’s easy to understand why this area has intrigued people for hundreds of years. There is something almost magical about Bayfield.
“When you come here, you have to make the switch to ‘Bayfield time,’’ Motiff says. “We’re a little cultural hub in the middle of the Northwoods. It really is a special place.”
Photo courtesy of McCormick House Inn
Widely known as home base for the world-famous Birkebeiner cross-country ski race in February, the charming Northwoods town of Hayward transitions nicely into a summertime destination when the snow melts.
From the 858, 400-acre Chequamegon National Forest and historic Hayward Lakes Area fishing waters, to Al Capone’s 1920s retreat and museum, the Lumberjack World Championships, Musky Festival, and Honor the Earth Pow Wow, Hayward buzzes with action in the summer. A great place to experience Hayward is at the McCormick House Inn, a unique bed and breakfast featuring a beautiful one-acre formal English garden.
“Our guests can idle the day away in a hammock, enjoy a lazy read in one of our garden cabanas, or play a game of croquet on the lawn,” says Dean Cooper, owner of the inn.
English afternoon tea is served to all guests during the warm months when sandals are a more common sight than ski boots, and the summer sun is burning bright and strong. To combat the heat, the McCormick House Inn offers six kinds of home-made premium ice cream free of charge to guests. Another fun perk of staying at the inn is “Night at the Movies,” with movies shown in the garden on a 12-by-8 foot screen. Adults can unwind with a glass of wine and kids can enjoy popcorn and candy while watching the show from a lounge chair, daybed, hammock, or blanket.
In the morning, breakfast is made-to-order and served outdoors, overlooking the garden under linen parasols. The inn is about a three hour drive from the Twin Cities metro.
