On Friday we headed up to Lake Superior for Labor Day weekend in Bayfield. My Dad had visited the area years back for a kayaking trip around the Apostle Islands. Ever since I have wanted to take a trip up to the area and check it out for myself.

Labor Day Weekend

Arriving in town for the first night of our Labor Day Weekend Trip

On our first night in town for Labor Day weekend. We did a little shopping for Bayfield crewneck for the whole family. I have a collection of sweatshirts from all my travels and am trying to grow one for Cole as well. Then the three of us walked down to have dinner alongside the harbor at The Bayfield Inn for surf & turf. Soon after dinner and a stroll around town, we settled into our cozy room at DePerrys on the Lake. The small abode was decorated with a subtle, yet classy nautical theme, which I adored. I love when a model sailboat or mariner signal flags are utilized in decor.

Fruit Loop & Blueberry Picking in Bayfield

After a good night’s rest, we headed out early on the Fruit Loop to go blueberry picking at Blue Vista Farm. We enjoyed our time collecting berries together and continued to the next farm on the tour. Onward to Sunset Valley Orchard where we spent time looking around in their shop that was right up my alley. Then we stopped off at Highland Valley Farm. Where we picked up some currants and wine and were off to the next farm. Our time at Bayfield Winery and Blue Ox Cider was spent sampling wine and shopping for delectable pumpkin butter. Along with flavored mustard and various pickled veggies. Ending our fruit loop tour by picking up a peck of peaches at Rabideaux’s Orchard.

Later in the day we took the Grand Tour boat excursion around the Apostle Islands and relaxed on the water while listening to the informative narration. Lastly, we finished the second day of our Labor Day weekend trip with dinner and strawberry shortcake for dessert at Greunke’s First Street Inn & Dining.

Spending the day on Madeline Island

On Sunday we took the ferry over to Madeline Island. We ate lunch at Grampa Tony’s, walked up and down the main shopping district, and scored an adorable wood-carved owl. Afterward, we visited Big Bay State Park where we took a small hike. Then went down to the lake at Big Bay Town Park, which is a wonderful spot. Cole found himself a tree-house platform, skipped rocks, and played in the woods along the beach. Afterward, we found the fire light in the shelter by the parking lot and we dried off and warmed our toes. The city park was by far my favorite part of the Madeline Island part of our Labor Day weekend trip.

Labor Day at the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Monday morning we got up and took our time getting out the door. We had a late breakfast at Manypenny Bistro then strolled down to the Mariana Park & Playground. Before long we found ourselves at the Bayfield Maritime Museum where we learned more than I would have liked to about Sea lampreys.

At that point, we made our way to Little Sand Bay Park where Cole completed a Jr Ranger booklet and earned another Jr Ranger Badge for his collection. Soon after, we headed back toward town and stopped at the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Visitor Center where Cole learned about the lighthouse Fresnel lens and completed the Ranger lead program for a second Jr. Ranger Badge of the day. While Mom & Dad collected our Cancellation Stamps for our collector’s books. Overall, our Labor Day weekend trip to Bayfield was a wonderful time spent together and we can’t wait to go back.

Labor Day Weekend

Fungi Kingdom or Fairy Land? We don’t know but we came across many types of fungi on our hike through Big Bay State Park. It seemed like a magical place, so we think it was certainly a place where fairies and gnomes like to play.

Big Bay Town Park was our absolute favorite place on this trip other than the blueberry farm. You’ll quickly see why.