Bayfield, WI and Madeline Island

Bayfield is a city in Bayfield County Wisconsin. The town was named after Henry Bayfield a British Royal Topographic Engineer who explored the region in 1822-23. Today is a tourist and resort destination. There are many restaurants, hotels, bed and breakfasts establishments, specialty shops, and marine services. It is the home of Wisconsin's national treasures including the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and the famous Ice Caves.

I was quite taken with the gorgeous scenery, the vibrancy of the town and flowers everywhere. 

It all began with an early morning sunrise noticing a lovely wildflower garden out my window. 

Sweet Pea

Lupine

 The charming town of Bayfield has something for all.

Flowers everywhere.

You can shop till you drop!

Enjoy some waterfront views 

with the unexpected! 

And catch a ferry to Madeline Island.

Madeline Island– the largest of the Apostle Islands – is just across the bay. 

The Island is named after Madeleine Cadotte, daughter of Chief White Crane and wife of fur trader Michael Cadotte. The Ojibwe (Chippewa) and other native peoples made their home here for hundreds of years before European contact. Etienne Brule, a French explorer, visited Madeline Island about the same time as the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. About 1660, two explorer/fur traders, Groseilliers and Radisson, made their way to Chequamegon Bay. Five years later, Jesuit Father Claude Allouez and Father Jacques Marquette arrived. A mission was soon established at LaPointe, on Madeline Island. For the next 150 years it was an important outpost for French, British and American fur traders.

Top 10 reasons to visit Madeline Island 

• Wisconsin’s hidden gem in the 22 Apostle islands
• Miles of sandy beaches, hiking and biking
• Camping on the shores of Lake Superior
• Exploring the area by kayak, canoe, sailboat or fishing boat
• Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed golf course
• Voted one of the coolest small towns in the US
• Unique local shopping 
• Fine dining
• Local history
• Artisan community  

More of the unexpected-a car embellished with jewels galore. 

And last but not least a stop back on the mainland to Wild Rice Restaurant for one of their signature dishes Wild Rice Soup.

 We asked for the recipe and it came in a sealed envelope from the chef. The soup is that GOOD- there must be lots of requests. 

Next posting: Wild Rice Soup. The recipe will be posted including their two secret ingredients that sets this soup apart from others.