Planning a trip to Bayfield, Wisconsin, means preparing for some of the most stunning freshwater views in the country! Seeing the Apostle Islands, with their intricate sea caves and historic lighthouses, is the clear highlight of any visit. To make the most of your adventure, you need a great base camp. Here are the best places to stay in and around Bayfield to keep you close to the water and ready for your island adventure.

Why Come to Bayfield, WI?

Image Source: NPS

Bayfield serves as the getaway to the Apotle Islands National Lakeshore. Located in the northern tip of Wisconsin, this iconic destination includes 21 stunning islands and a scenis 12-mile stretch of mainland shoreline along Lake Superior. While views of this Great Lake are breathtaking, even from the shore, the only way to truly experience the magic of the Apostle Islands is by viewing the archipelago from the water.

Apostle Island Boat Devils Island Lighthouse Archipelago

Apostle Islands Cruises is the best tour operator for the job! With comfortable, professionally narrated boat tours that take passengers past iconic sights like the Devils Island sea caves and historic lighthouses, Apostle Islands Cruises is the superior way to experience the islands.

Everything You Need to Know About Apostle Islands Cruises

Where to Stay Near Apostle Islands Cruises

The Bayfield Inn

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Image Source: The Bayfield Inn

This historic downtown hotel sits right on the harbor. You can walk out the front door and be at the cruise ticket office in seconds. It features a popular rooftop deck that offers great food, drinks, and views of the lake.

Distance to Apostle Islands Cruises: A 1-minute walk (less than 0.1 miles).

What’s nearby: The Bayfield City Dock, the Madeline Island Ferry Line, and dozens of downtown shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Stay at The Bayfield Inn

Woodside Cottages of Bayfield

Image Source: Woodside Cottages of Bayfield

If you want privacy and a home-away-from-home feel, these cozy, standalone cottages are a perfect match. Each cabin includes a full kitchen, a fireplace, and a double whirlpool tub, giving you a quiet place to unwind after a day on Lake Superior.

Distance to Apostle Islands Cruises: 1 mile south (a 2-minute drive).

What’s nearby: The Brownstone Trail for scenic walking, Apostle Highlands Gold Course, and Bayfield’s famous fruit orchards and berry farms.

Stay at Woodside Cottages of Bayfield

Wild Rice Retreat

Image Source: Wild Rice Retreat

This is a high-end wellness resort tucked into 100 acres of peaceful Northwoods. It features beautiful Scandinavian-style architecture, daily yoga classes, a sauna, and an environment designed entirely around relaxation and resetting. Distance to Apostle Islands Cruises: 2.7 miles south (a 5-minute drive). What’s nearby: Mount Ashwabay (great for hiking and mountain biking) and the Port Superior Marina.

Stay at Wild Rice Retreat

Legendary Waters Resort & Casino

Image Source: Madeline Island Chamber of Commerce

Owned and operated by the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, every room here features stunning panoramic views of Lake Superior and the islands. The property also features a casino, indoor pool, and an onsite marina.

Distance to Apostle Islands Cruises: 3.6 miles north (a 6-minute drive).

What’s nearby: Frog Bay National Park, which offers pristine hiking trails through a boreal forest right down to the sandy shoreline.

Stay at Legendary Waters Resort & Casino

The Inn on Madeline Island

Image Source: Travel Wisconsin

This hotel is location on an actual island in the Apostle archipelago. Madeline Island is the only inhabited island in the chain, and staying here gives you a true island-vacation feel. The inn offers beachfront access, private rental homes, an outdoor pool, and incredible sunset views from its on-site restaurant, The Pub.

Distance to Apostle Islands Cruises: A four-block walk from the inn to the Madeline Island ferry dock, followed by an approximately 25-minute ferry ride to Bayfield.

What’s nearby: Big Bay State Park (famous for its dramatic sandstone cliffs and sand beaches) and the Madeline Island Museum.

Stay at The Inn on Madeline Island

Plan Your Apostle Islands Getaway Today

Whether you want to step right out of your hotel room onto the cruise boat, retreat to a quiet cabin in the woods, or stay on an actual island, the Bayfield area has the perfect spot for your travel style. Bayfield is a highly popular summer and fall destination, especially during the peak cruise season, so accommodations fill up fast! We highly recommend booking your lodging and securing your Apostle Islands Cruises tickets well in advance, so you don’t miss out on the best views. Once your plans are locked in, just pack a camera, grab a light jacket for the lake breeze, and get ready to experience the incredible natural beauty of Lake Superior.

Find the Perfect Apostle Islands Tour for You

Where to Stay for Apostle Islands Cruises