One of the most rewarding aspects of visiting Bayfield, WI, is its proximity to many Wisconsin state parks and recreation areas. With its iconic beaches and sprawling woodlands, the south shore of Lake Superior offers a scenic escape route for those seeking a retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Located in Bayfield, Old Rittenhouse Inn provides luxurious lodging options that offer stunning lake views, elegant dining, and top-rated amenities. To help acquaint you with some state parks in the area, we’ve put together a quick guide to the region’s most treasured recreational assets.
A Northern Wisconsin Vacation
Before we get started, we recommend you pay a visit to the Wisconsin DNR website to find detailed information about acquiring a Wisconsin state park sticker, allowing statewide access to all of the parks for up to one year. Otherwise, if you plan on just one day trip, you can buy a daily parking pass. With all the natural resources and splendor that exemplifies the region, it’s no wonder that Northern Wisconsin has so many hidden gems.
Big Bay State Park
Located on the world-renowned, Madeline Island, Big Bay is a 2,350-acre park that features an expansive beach, hiking trails, and several picnic areas. Elaborate signage located throughout the park interprets the island’s diverse ecosystem, including 240 species of birds! While there is no official boat launch, many visitors can be seen portaging kayaks and canoes to explore the enticing Lake Superior.
Copper Falls State Park
Copper Falls is just over an hour from Bayfield, WI, and consists of immaculate cascades, towering gorges, and pristine wetlands. One of the biggest draws to this Wisconsin state park is the excellent fishing opportunities presented by the Bad and Tyler Forks rivers and Loon Lake. Here, anglers can find rainbow, brook, and brown trout in the river, as well as bass, pike, and panfish in the lake.
Frog Bay Tribal National Park
Just two years removed from a massive expansion, Frog Bay Tribal National Park features old-growth boreal forest, exquisite sand beaches, and a remarkable estuary where Frog Creek flows into Lake Superior. While technically not a Wisconsin state park, Frog Bay is a spectacular tract of land that shares stellar views of all Apostle Islands and the Gaylord Nelson Wilderness Area. This protected tribal preserve offers a quintessential foray into Northern Wisconsin’s wondrous beauty.
Old Rittenhouse Inn on Lake Superior
Visiting the state parks is just one of the many things to do while staying in Bayfield, WI. Whether you like to hike, fish, photograph, or boat, there seems to be something for everyone in our neck of the woods. For more information on how Old Rittenhouse Inn can accommodate your stay, please give us a call at 715-779-5111 or visit our website.