History and Resorts
Bayfield County Historic Sites and Districts
It may be surprising to learn Bayfield County has the 6th most museums per capita in the U.S. and is home to more than 20 sites on the National Register of Historic Places. Topping Mary’s list of must-see historic sites and museums is the Washburn Museum and Cultural Center, which won the category for “Best Museum” in the latest “Best of Bayfield County” contest. Of significance is the building itself, which is made of Brownstone, a type of sandstone. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Bayfield quarried and shipped this once popular building material to Milwaukee, Chicago and other large cities out east. You’ll find several of these brownstones in Washburn.
Not long ago, the Oulu Cultural and Heritage Center brought in historic buildings from around the county to recreate an historic village. The collection of nine restored community buildings provide an authentic backdrop for exhibits, tours, educational programs and other special events.
The Drummond Historical Museum gives you a real sense as to what it was like to live back in the late 1800's during the logging era in Northern Wisconsin.
Another noteworthy museum is the Green Shed Museum in Cornucopia. Located on the beachfront in Corny, you can spend a day on the beach, then take a break to learn about the history of commercial fishing.
If you like sightseeing tours, Bayfield Heritage Tours offers history walks and ghost tours through the local cemetery. While in Bayfield, be sure to stop in the Bayfield Heritage Center and pick up a self-guided tour which leads you through the town’s historic district. Washburn also has an historic district and offers a self-guided tour through the local Chamber of Commerce and at Chequamegon Books (which happens to be located in a beautiful old brownstone building).
Pine Point Lodge
Northern Wisconsin is famous for its lakeside resorts, but they are particularly popular in Bayfield County, which has more than 900 lakes.
One of the original lakeside resorts in Bayfield County is Pine Point Lodge near Iron River. Built in 1935, it has a long history of providing family getaways and making memories. Jack Martinsen purchased the resort in 2014, and has since renovated all of the cabins, and added a restaurant, bar and small campground. The four cabins all provide beautiful sunset views. A couple of the cabins are very close to the water and all are equipped with campfire pits and grills for a great place to relax and reconnect.
Pine Point is located next to the Pike Lake Chain, which connects eight lakes and is 4.5 miles long. The Pike Chain is the second cleanest lake in Wisconsin, with water visibility more than 20-feet. The lake is spring-fed and offers Class A fishing for Bass, Walleye, Northern and Perch.
Guests can enjoy lots of water activities at Pine Point, which has an all-inclusive approach to fun that provides kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and wind surfers to guests for free. Pine Point is located next the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, which offers hiking trails, mountain biking and nearly 1000 miles of Snowmobile and ATV trails/routes year-round. There are nearby waterfalls to visit and guests can go berry-picking during the summer months.
Pine Point’s on-site restaurant specializes in barbeque, including fresh smoked ribs, pork shoulder and brisket. Fun events are always happening on weekends, in addition to Trivia Night on Tuesdays and Burger Nights on Thursdays.
Jack says his lodge and campground strives to provide southern hospitality coupled with northern living. Many of his guests come from Chicago and Minneapolis, so the staff greets every guest with a drink on the house and allows everyone time to settle in to the peace and serenity of this unique lakeside resort.
There are no online reservations, but you can go to the website to get Jack’s email address and phone number. He’ll take good care of you either way!
August Events
With so much to do during the month of August, Mary points out some of Bayfield County’s signature events:
Aug. 2-5: The 9th Annual Plein Air Painting Festival places easels all around the town of Port Wing for anyone in the community, festival-goers, residents, artists, hobbyists or visitors, to put paint to canvas.
Aug. 3-5: The Grandview Firehouse 50 is a 50-mile bicycle road race that begins and ends in Grandview. The event supports local emergency services.
Aug. 4, noon to 5 p.m.: The Herbster Corn & Brat Fest is a fun, fund-raising event to raise money for projects that benefit the community. This year the monies raised will go to strip and replace the topcoat on the logs of Herbster’s Historic Log Gym.
Aug. 9-12: The Bayfield County Fair in Iron River is an awesome, affordable event that is all inclusive with admission, meaning everything is included in the price, even the Grandstand shows and rides.
Aug. 11, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Cornucopia Days features a Flea market, lots of great food and music, sand castle building, kids games, a dunk tank, parade and more, and all proceeds benefit the town’s Fire Department.
Aug. 18: Herbster Studio Art Tour AND Pike Lake Party at Pine Point Lodge.
Aug. 18-19: Now in its eighth year, the Herbster Studio Art Tour is a great opportunity to meet acclaimed painters, printmakers, weavers, quilters, wood turners, jewelers, ceramic artists, and fiber artists.
Aug. 25: You be the judge at Grill Wars & Warriors, an annual grilling competition at Chopper’s Bar in Grandview. There is a small sampling fee to participate and sample the great food, but this is grilling for a cause! Donations benefit local veterans.
Aug. 28-Sept. 15: During the Apostle Islands Lighthouse Celebration
Cruise Lake Superior's Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and learn about the Keepers and their families that lived and worked in this secluded setting among the Apostle Islands on the greatest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior.
August Preview
Bayfield County has more lighthouses that any other county in the country. We will learn all about them on the next episode of Bayfield County Wild.
Affiliate Notes
Bay Front Inn - Family-owned and operated, Bay Front Inn is in beautiful Bayfield, WI between the Bayfield City Dock and Madeline Island Ferry Line. So close to the water, it’s the perfect lodging choice for anyone planning on enjoying activities on Lake Superior or for those who just want to relax and hear the gentle sound of rolling waves.
Top O’ the Morn Resort and Campgrounds - Nestled on nearly 1,000 feet of pristine lake frontage, Top O’ the Morn Resort & Campground is located on the beautiful and peaceful Iron Lake in Iron River, WI. Here you’ll find unlimited opportunities for the whole family, while enjoying clean, modern cabins in a picturesque setting. The lakeside lodge on site serves snacks and beverages along with convenience items like bait and ice.
Port Wing Marina and Holiday Pines Resort - The Port Wing Marina and Holiday Pines Resort is a quiet place to relax and hang your hat while you explore all the Port Wing, Wisconsin area has to offer. Lake Superior’s south shore has something for everyone -- great fishing; sailing; hiking, kayaking; shopping; and beautiful sand beaches.
Garmisch USA Resort & Lodge - Walking through the front door of the Garmisch Lodge on the shore of beautiful Lake Namakagon near Cable, Wisconsin is like stepping back in time. With timber beams, vaulted ceilings and massive stone fireplaces, this is how an old-fashioned Northwoods Wisconsin lodge should look!