Coin Release and Tribal Park
Legendary Waters Resort & Casino
Legendary Waters is one of the most appropriately-named destinations you can find. Owned and operated by the Red Cliff band of Lake Superior Chippewa, the entire experience and view for visitors is truly “legendary.” Located on the shores of Lake Superior in Red Cliff, this hotel offers 47 deluxe rooms and premiere suites, each with a Lake Superior and Apostle Islands view. Even the casino has a view! This is a rarity, as most casinos in the United States don’t even have windows.
The annual Pow Wow in Red Cliff features drummers, singers and dancers along with vendors selling traditional food and arts & crafts. Check travelbayfieldcounty.com for future dates, and visit the Native American Tourism of Wisconsin website (NATOW) for details on proper pow wow etiquette.
New Apostle Islands Coin
Over the last few years, the United States Mint has been producing quarters that highlight different national parks. It’s exciting to announce that the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is being honored with such a coin! There will be a forum for coin collectors at the Northern Great Lakes Visitors Center in Ashland on Tuesday evening, April 10th and the official quarter launch and coin exchange at Legendary Waters Resort on Wednesday morning, April 11th. Further information can be found at travelbayfieldcounty.com.
Frog Bay Tribal National Park
Chad Abel shares his involvement with the first tribal national park in the country, Frog Bay Tribal National Park. Frog Bay is a pristine, undeveloped area on the Red Cliff Chippewa reservation. Though not affiliated with the National Park Service, the tribal national park title refers to the sovereign nation of the Red Cliff Band of Chippewa. This designation protects it from future development and provides public access to a portion of the park.
Located a few miles from Legendary Waters Resort & Casino on Frog Bay in Lake Superior, the park opened in 2012. Originally just a 90-acre parcel, it grew last year when another 87-acre parcel was acquired (the only remaining private property in Frog Bay), along with 80 acres that Bayfield County was using for timber management. In total, Frog Bay Tribal National Park is now approximately 300 acres with two miles of walking trails.
Balancing Tourism and Protection
With so much natural beauty in Bayfield County, it is a big responsibility to protect. Mary explains that there are many laws in place for the protection of Bayfield County’s natural resources, and that Bayfield County Tourism balances nature and tourism every day. Bayfield County is aware that its natural resources draw people from all over the world, and local residents want to continue to protect these assets.
Marching Into Spring
You may be thinking spring, but celebrate winter with one last “hurrah” in Bayfield County:
March 2-4: Bayfield Winterfest allows you to release your cabin fever and have crazy winter fun while taking part in this fund-raising weekend in Bayfield. Proceeds benefit the Bayfield Area Recreation Center and Mt. Ashwabay Ski and Recreation Area.
March 3: The World’s Longest Weenie Roast is held to raise funds for the Great Divide Ambulance Service, the Namakagon Volunteer Fire Department and other charities and not-for-profits. This event holds the record for the longest line of hot dog cookers over one fire in the world.
March 3-28: The Chequamegon Bay Arts Council will hold its annual Spring Art Show – this year’s title: “Metamorphosis” – at the Washburn Cultural Center. There’s a public opening reception on March 8th,
March 9-11: Hot air balloonists from Wisconsin and Minnesota come to participate in the Hot Air Balloon Rally, raising money for the Cable Area Lions Heart Benefit.
March 10: The Mt. Ashwabay Spring Carnival offers fun and crazy events like a water balloon launch, a potluck, a costume contest, distance jump and the ever-popular cardboard races!
March 10: The Fat Bike Birkie is the premier on snow bike event in North America. Riders test their skills and endurance on the professionally-groomed American Birkebeiner Ski Trail!
March 10: The Harbor View Events Center is hosting Warren Nelson’s “South Shore Chronicles,” six vignettes depicting historical characters and scenes from the Chequamegon Bay area with music at the end of each act.
April Preview
We’ll talk about birding with Neil Howk and learn about the 12th Annual Chequamegon Bay Birding and Nature Festival, held in May. Attendees will enjoy experts including naturalists and biologists from around the area, leading wildlife watching field trips!
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Get a little WILD at travelbayfieldcounty.com, and don’t forget to explore our interactive map.
Affiliate Notes
Bayfield Inn – Reflecting yesterday’s charm with modern amenities, Bayfield Inn is a newly-renovated, premier lodging establishment along the shores of Lake Superior in downtown Bayfield.
Ehlers Historic General Store – One of the oldest general stores in Wisconsin, Ehlers has been restored to resemble much of its original 19th-century appearance while providing everything their 21st-century shoppers need.
Pla-Mor Bar & Restaurant – Located on Lake Namakagon, the family-owned Pla-Mor Bar & Restaurant is known for its friendly staff, great food and authentic Northwoods décor. Weekly dinner specials include a Wednesday Wing Ding, ribeye steaks on Thursdays, Fish Fry Fridays and prime rib on Saturdays.
Pine Creek Pit Stop – Because Pine Creek is such a popular snowmobile and ATV destination in northern Bayfield County, the Pine Creek Pit Stop is the perfect place for food, fuel, fun and beverages after a day on the road or on the trails.