Wisconsin has a lot of unique places, but one of the most beautiful is in the far north, a place that’s home to apple orchards and sea caves, bluegrass music, and lighthouses. Sound magical? It is – welcome to Bayfield, one of the prettiest towns in Wisconsin.

Bayfield, pop. 588, is located in far northern Wisconsin – it’s way up north, on the Lake Superior shoreline, about six hours from Milwaukee.
Bayfield and the Apostle Islands / Facebook
It’s worth the drive. This tiny little city – the smallest in Wisconsin – is a northern gem.
Bayfield and the Apostle Islands / Facebook
It’s a former lumber and commercial fishing town, and it has a postcard-sized downtown packed with some charming shops and restaurants.
Bayfield is the launch point for adventures in the nearby Apostle Islands, and the town calls itself the "Gateway to the Apostle Islands."
Bayfield and the Apostle Islands / Facebook

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The climate is ideal for apple growing, and in the fall, orchards near the town grow some of the greatest fruit you’ve ever tasted.
Bayfield and the Apostle Islands / Facebook
During the first week of October, about 60,000 people flock here for a massive apple festival.
There are incredible natural sights just outside of town, including rocky beaches, dramatic sea caves, and offshore lighthouses.
Bayfield and the Apostle Islands / Facebook
Bayfield is also a destination for those who love the arts.
Bayfield and the Apostle Islands / Facebook
Many artists are based in this scenic area, and you’ll find galleries right in town. When you see the waterfront, you may be tempted to create some art of your own!

Let's head to the Bayfield, Wisconsin Apple Fest in this video from Harm's Honey:

Bayfield, Wisconsin is one of the prettiest towns in Wisconsin. There’s something to do in every season – in the winter, Bayfield gets a ton of beautiful snow, and in the summer, you can hear some great live music in a canvas theater called Big Top Chautauqua. It has hosted renowned entertainers like Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash.

Learn more about things to do in the city on the Bayfield Chamber of Commerce website. While you’re up north, think about taking this epic waterfall road trip to see some of the state’s most beautiful waterfalls. Grab an RV from RVShare and hit the open road.

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More to Explore

More Small Towns In Wisconsin

Chris Muras | November 20, 2023

What are the most charming towns in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin is filled with fun and fantastic little towns that we think you'll love. Here are some of the most charming towns in Wisconsin to add to your travel list:

  • Viroqua, WI: This delightful farm town is where the Organic Valley headquarters are located (the largest cooperative of family farmers in the world), so you know you are in the heart of farm country. Along with fertile farms comes the unique opportunity for an abundance of farm-to-table restaurants. It is quite rare for such a small town to have so many James Beard-nominated restaurants and world-class chefs. If you are a foodie, this town should be on your radar.
  • Cambridge, WI: This historic town founded in 1847 on beautiful Lake Ripley has plenty of notable accolades. Not only was it the birthplace of Harley-Davidson co-founder Arthur Davidson, but it is a quaint artist community well-known for its pottery, boutique shops, and fantastic cafes and coffee shops.
  • Lake Geneva, WI: This beautiful town on a scenic lake by the same name has that wonderful small-town vibe with a walkable Main Street. As a resort town, you'll find plenty of wonderful places to stay like an old Victorian bed and breakfast or a beachside cabin. It is a picturesque town all year long, but there is something magical about the fall with changing leaves and an East Coast seaside town feel.

There are numerous other charming small towns in Wisconsin like Hayward, Hudson, and Green Lake. Read more about some of our favorite scenic towns in our featured article about Wisconsin towns that will steal your heart.

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Bayfield, WI, USA