Bayfield MEA Itinerary (Thu Oct 16 → Mon Oct 20)

Family Trip
Travelers: Germano & Cassie + 3 boys
Lodging: Queen’s View Bed & Breakfast
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Quick Plan

Rhythm

Keep Thursday light. Choose the best‑weather day for the ferry to Madeline Island. Use other days for scenic hikes, orchards, and easy waterfront time.

Ferry Day: Sat (flex to Fri/Sun) Arrival window: Thu 1–2 pm Breakfast at B&B

Useful Links

Daily Itinerary

Thursday · Oct 16 Arrival & Easy Strolls

1:00–2:00p
Arrive & check in at Queen’s View B&B. Unpack, snacks, quick rest.
3:30p
Waterfront & downtown walk: shops, pier, and views.
4:30p
Brownstone Trail (easy warm‑up) details.
5:45p
Optional short nature walk: Iron Bridge & Gil Larsen Nature Trail.
7:00p
Dinner: Pier Plaza Restaurant & Lounge (casual, lakeside).

Friday · Oct 17 Mainland Trails + Orchards

8:00a
Breakfast at B&B. Pack water & layers.
9:00a
Hike: Big Ravine Trail (forest, overlooks). Backup: Jerry Jolly / Pikes Creek Trails.
12:30p
Lunch: Manypenny Bistro (family‑friendly) or Greunke’s First Street Inn & Dining.
2:00p
Fruit Loop drive: visit orchards & farm stands (cider, jams, apples in season).
4:30p
Short hike: Frog Bay National Tribal Park (quiet forest + beach).
7:00p
Dinner: Landmark Restaurant at Old Rittenhouse Inn (nicer option).

Saturday · Oct 18 Ferry to Madeline Island

7:45a
Breakfast, pack day bag. Head to Madeline Island Ferry Terminal (Bayfield side). Aim for AM crossing.
10:00a
Arrive in La Pointe. Explore shops & Madeline Island Museum (open hours vary late‑season).
12:00p
Lunch: Café Seiche or Grampa Tony’s. Backup: Beach Club (seasonal).
1:30p
Big Bay State Park — Boardwalk, Bay View, Point or Lagoon Ridges Trails. Optional beach time / bluff views.
3:30–5:00p
Return to La Pointe and catch afternoon ferry back (check day‑of schedule).
6:30p
Dinner back in Bayfield: Bayfield Inn Dining or Pier Plaza.

Sunday · Oct 19 Sea Caves & Views

8:00a
Breakfast. Pack snacks.
9:30a
Hike the Lakeshore Trail / Meyers Beach segment for sea‑cave overlooks.
12:45p
Lunch in town (try St. James Social if open, or Manypenny Bistro).
2:00p
Flex time: short hike (Mt. Ashwabay Trails) or downtown stroll & treats.
6:30p
Final dinner: your favorite from earlier, or Greunke’s.

Monday · Oct 20 Departure

Morning
Light breakfast & coffee downtown. Short pier walk if time allows. Check out of B&B and depart.

Restaurants (by vibe)

Casual / Family

Upscale / Date Night

On Madeline Island

  • Café Seiche
  • Grampa Tony’s
  • Beach Club (seasonal)
  • The Pub Restaurant & Wine Bar (seasonal)

Hours can be seasonal in October. Check day‑of.

Packing & Prep

  • Layers, hats/gloves (wind off Lake Superior can be chilly)
  • Waterproof jackets & shoes for trails
  • Small daypack, water bottles, snacks
  • Beach towels (if kids want to explore shoreline)
  • Binoculars for lake views & lighthouses
  • Phone chargers / battery pack

Ferry Tips

  • Arrive 10–20 minutes early; first‑come, first‑served loading
  • Keep a flexible return window in case of wind or schedule changes
  • Have a mainland backup plan if the lake looks rough