Bayfield County Wild

John Murphy and Joe Groshek are avid fat bikers and are dedicated to creating and maintaining fat bike trails in our area. Joe says fat biking is very different than mountain biking. For one, the tires are more than four inches wide, compared to less than three inches on mountain bikes. You can also bike year-round and can go anywhere on snow, sand or ice on a fat bike. You can climb anywhere with gears that shift easily and smooth pedaling. One big difference with a fat bike is its weight, which is considerably heavier than road bikes; 1 mile of fat biking is about the same as 15 miles of road biking. Fat bikes are also slower, but they give you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery. These two guys created an activity they call “fat bike safaris” as a way to educate riders in a group led by an experienced guide. Joe's favorite adventure is biking on Lake Superior ice but warns that you must know what you're doing since conditions can change rapidly on Lake Superior. John has fascinating stories about wolves and tracking them in the forest. Wolves often separate into smaller groups and when they return to their pack, they re-greet each other just like domestic dogs, wagging their tails and rolling on their backs. And if you are fearful about running into wolves, don't be. They are very cautious and will keep their distance from humans.

October is the perfect time for family fun and corn mazes. Bayfield County has two very popular corn mazes: one in Oulu and the other at White River Ag in Mason, Wis. The Oulu Corn Maze has been around many years. Each year, the owners come up with a new design to make it more interesting for repeat visitors. Everyone gets a punch card that is stamped every time they get to a different station within the maze and then the card is turned in at the end for prizes, hot cider and treats. The weekend before Halloween, the maze is turned into a haunted experience for those who love to get spooked. At White River Ag, there are different activities for the kids, including a hay pyramid they can climb.

Exploring the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest With travel restrictions in place to help stop the spread of the COVID 19 virus, Co-hosts Nancy Christopher and Mary Motiff, Director of Bayfield County Tourism, are doing their part to keep their distance. Instead of presenting a new guest, this is a slightly edited version of a previous episode. They talked with Jennifer Maziasz, the Recreation Manager for the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest about all the ways to explore and enjoy the nearly 1.5 million acres of public lands and waterways in Bayfield County.   An astounding 83 percent of Bayfield County is forested and according to Jen, you can find a little bit of everything in the woods - miles of trails for snowmobiles, ATVS, hiking, biking and horseback riding, waterfalls and unique ecosystems like the Sugar Maple stands and the Moquah Pine Barrens. An imperiled ecosystem, the Moquah Pines Barrens is home to lots of wildlife, including the sharp tail grouse and some rare butterflies. It’s also the best place for blueberry picking in the summer.   Jen says that one of the most popular places is the Valhalla Recreation Area for its groomed cross-country skiing trails, ATV trails and mountain and fat bike riding. She also says that people like Long Lake, a quiet, beautiful lake for fishing, paddle boarding and kayaking.   Hunting and fishing is allowed in the national forest but does require a permit from the Wisconsin DNR. While most of the forest can be publicly accessed, there is a Managed Forest Law Program for private lands that visitors should be aware of. To find out about what is public and what is not, fees, permits, maps and anything else, Jen advises visitors to stop by the Washburn Ranger District, the WDNR station in Ashland or the Northern Great Lakes Visitors Center in Ashland. There is also a website for the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest at www.fs.usda.gov/cnnf.   Bayfield County Businesses Welcome Your Support These are uncertain times for all of us, but for small businesses that rely heavily on tourism for their income, it is particularly challenging. Mary says you can help by purchasing gift cards or shopping online. Mary also encourages listeners to visit the Bayfield County Tourism Facebook page to tell us what you like most about our area and what you are looking forward to when everyone can return. Also, feel free to tag Bayfield County Tourism on Instagram.

Relax & Rejuvenate in Bayfield County No matter what time of year, Bayfield County is a great place to relax, rejuvenate and reconnect with nature. On this episode, Mary Motiff talks about what makes Bayfield County a great place to get away from it all. Half a million acres of public land offer an abundance of ways to recreate outdoors in some of the most beautiful and scenic parts of the state. There are lots of opportunities to be on or near the water either on the big lake, Lake Superior, or at any of the County’s hundreds of inland lakes and rivers. Of course, the experience is also enhanced by the low traffic and lack of noise, according to Mary.   A Superior Spa Experience One of Bayfield County’s favorite relaxation destinations is Superior Body Massage & Spa in Bayfield. Mary talks to the owner, Anna Johnson, about their popular spa services and ambiance. Anna was born and raised here, but left the area for school and work. Coming back to open her spa in 2006 was a dream come true. Located close to the lake, Superior Body Massage incorporates the colors of the lake and landscapes, water features, music, lighting and lovely scents to create a relaxing and rejuvenating ambiance. The services include Swedish massage and therapeutic massage techniques like Myofacial Release, Trigger Point Therapy, Hot Stone, Prenatal and Couples Massage, as well as comprehensive skin care services, manicures and pedicures, a private infrared sauna and vibrational sound therapy, which is relatively new to the region. The spa has dual licenses in both massage therapy and skincare aesthetics. The spa can combine both modalities to offer unique, two-hour services called “Blissful Body Treatment” and “Paradise Perhaps,” which incorporates the steam canopy tent with a full- body scrub and mask. In addition, Superior Body Massage & Spa collaborates with area lodging and recreational locations to offer special packages for visitors who want to relax after an exciting day on the trails or water and for group events that want to include a spa day. Anna’s highly educated and licensed staff have received a 5-star rating from Trip Advisor and has lots of great reviews. The spa has also been nominated twice for the Luxury Travel Award. Reservations are recommended; however Anna says that depending on staffing you can always check to see if there are same-day availabilities. Booking appointments online are the easiest and most convenient way to make a reservation, but you can also call or email. For more information, www.superiorbodymassage.com or go to Facebook: @superiorbodyspa.   Look for more ideas in the Business Directory under the “Massage/Spa/Therapy/Fitness” category at www.travelbayfield.com, as well as on the interactive map under “Play” on the “Wellness” tab.   Follow us on Facebook for lots more ideas for ways to relax and have fun at the Top of Wisconsin!

BCW Talks with Fishing Guide Josh Teigen and Julie Van Stappen from the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore The average daytime temperature in Bayfield in February is a cold 27 degrees and a very frigid 3 degrees at night. That makes the conditions nice for everything ice. On this episode of Bayfield County Wild, we talk to the area’s foremost authority on ice fishing and why Bayfield County is ideal for this popular pastime. Plus, will there be access to the famous ice caves on frozen Lake Superior this year? Our guest from the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore fills us in on the details and why these magnificent ice formations draw thousands to the Northwoods.   Let’s Do a Little Jig At 27, Josh Teigen is already an authority on ice fishing. He appears regularly on John Gillespie’s fishing show “Water & Woods” and is a full-time, year-round fishing guide. A Bayfield County native, Josh grew up on the Pike Chain, where he learned to love fishing. He describes his fishing style as “impatient.” He likes to “run and gun” - if he can’t find the fish he moves to a different location to stay on a good bite. Josh believes the County is an amazing area to fish because there are so many bodies of water, including Lake Superior, Chequamegon Bay, and hundreds of inland lakes. In the winter, you can catch a wide variety of fish, including Trout, Pike, Bass, Walleye and Pan Fish. Having spent so much time on the water during his life, Josh says he pretty much knows where the fish like to hide. Fish don’t move around a lot in the winter, so Josh recommends live bait. His favorites are Walleye suckers and Northern suckers, also called shiners.  He also uses jigs, spoons and Kastmasters, which are basically spoons tipped with a minnow head. Ice fishing is an inexpensive sport, according to Josh. Typically, you only need an auger, bait bucket, live bait, a couple tip-ups and a rod.  If you go on a fishing excursion with Josh, he provides everything – rods, reels, flashers, transportation, and a shack and heater to stay warm.  All you need to bring is food and beverages. Josh recommends that if you are coming up to go ice fishing, you should always check with the local bait shops or chamber of commerce for ice conditions to be safe.  Josh also provides a monthly fishing report online. If you interested in setting up an excursion with Josh, you can contact him on his Josh Teigen Facebook page, follow him on Instagram or visit his website at JoshTeigen.com.     Exploring the Apostle Islands Mainland Ice Caves This time of year, a popular winter attraction is the Apostle Islands Ice Caves. The Ice Caves are located on the mainland portion of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore along the shoreline of the Bayfield peninsula between Cornucopia and Bayfield. Julie Van Stappen, Chief of Resource Management for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, tells us about the Sea Caves which are transformed into Ice Caves during the winter. The Sea Caves are intricately carved out of finely layered Devil’s Island sandstone. During the winter, these magnificent formations turn into crystalline structures with waterfalls and columns made of ice. They are formed by a combination of waves crashing against the rock in cold temperatures and from water seepage that comes from the top of sandstone, causing the ice columns and other formations. Like the Sea Caves, the Ice Caves also feature stalactites and stalagmites, but are made of ice. Julie says the best conditions for seeing the Ice Caves are when the ice is thick and stable, and the weather is cold, calm and clear. If it’s windy, sheets of ice can form and break up, creating “shark fins” or shards of ice stacked up in layers on its edges, making it very difficult to get through. If there’s a lot of snow, like there is this year, the ice becomes weaker and unsafe to cross. When the conditions are right, access to the Ice Caves is at Meyers Beach where you walk about a mile out onto the ice to get to the first formations. In a good year for the caves when it’s crowded with visitors you must sometimes park farther away and the distance you’ll need to walk can be much longer. Julie recommends that you dress warm, in layers of comfortable clothing and have good footwear, along with stabilizers or Yaktrax. Walking on the ice can be slippery with uneven surfaces that can make the trek somewhat physically challenging. If the Ice Caves are deemed inaccessible (which has been the case this year and is likely to remain that way) Julie says you can still view the Ice Caves from the Mainland Trail. The terrain here can also be tricky because there are lots of ravines and you need to be careful to stay back from the edge. Another way to see the Ice Caves is to go online and search for “Apostle Islands Ice Caves” to view the many photos that have been taken over the years. The Ice Caves are closely monitored by highly trained rescue teams who check the ice regularly to make sure they meet the required criteria for safety purposes. To check the current conditions, go to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore website and for more general information on the Ice Caves visit bayfieldcounty.org/731/Ice-Caves. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is currently celebrating its 50-year anniversary. Julie says their website also features special events that will be happening this year, including the grand opening of the Little Sand Bay Visitors Center in June and another event at Big Top Chautauqua in August. February Activities Feb. 1 – 2:                 Apostle Islands Sled Dog Races in Bayfield, WI Feb. 1:                       Mt. Ashwabay Summit Ski Race   Feb. 2:                       Ice Fishing Contest at the Loon Saloon in Cable, WI    Feb. 7 – 8:                 Rittenhouse Inn Red Wine Weekend in Bayfield, WI Feb. 8:                       Barn Quilt Paint & Sip at the Harborview Event Center in Washburn, WI Feb. 9:                       North End Classic Cross-County Ski Race in Cable, WI Feb. 9:                       Kids Fishing Contest, Birchgrove Campgrounds in Iron River, WI Feb. 14:                     Book Across the Bay, Lake Superior at Ashland, WI Feb. 15:                     Bike Across the Bay, Harborview Event Center in Washburn, WI Feb. 15:                     2nd Annual Northern Pines Sled Dog Race, Northern Pines Golf Course & Event Center in Iron River, WI Feb.15:                      Drummond Bar Stool Races, Black Bear Inn, in Drummond, WI Feb. 19 – 23:            American Birkie Week Feb. 22:                     Annual Dart Tournament, Legendary Waters Resort & Casino, Red Cliff, WI Feb. 22:                     Candlelight Trek at Iron River National Fish Hatchery Feb. 23:                     Annual King & Queen of the Mountain Competition, Mt. Ashwabay Ski & Recreation Area, Bayfield, WI Feb. 27 – Mar. 1:     Quilters Retreat, Harbor View Event Center, Washburn, WI   View the full schedule of events on our website and Facebook page. Affiliate Notes Valhalla View Pub & Grub The Valhalla View Pub & Grub is a must-stop when you’re hitting the trails of Bayfield County. Whether you're on a 4-wheeler, snowmobile, or just passing by, Valhalla View has 24-hour pay at the pump fuel, drinks, and food to satisfy you and your machine. One of the best dining experiences around, Valhalla View has a full dinner menu, daily specials, all-you-can-eat salad bar, hand-made pizza and more!   Northern Great Lakes Visitors Center Start your winter adventure at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center where you can connect with the historic, cultural, and natural resources of the Lake Superior Region. You’ll get personal customer service, experience interactive exhibits and find out about fun programming led by local experts. There’s even a gift shop! Explore the nearby wildlife refuge, take in the view from the observation tower, hike the trails, browse the art gallery or attend an event. You can also do some genealogy research or other historical exploration in the archives with help from the Wisconsin Historical Society staff on site.

Trail Blazing and Sled Dog Racing   If you love snow, this is a great time to be in Bayfield County! With more than 30-inches of the white stuff falling overnight in December followed by numerous other storms, the Nordic ski trail systems are packed and groomed for outstanding skiing and snowshoeing.  We chat with the new operations manager at Mt. Ashwabay about their plans for an entire season of family fun. Plus, we’ve got mushers from two popular sled dog races in Bayfield County telling us about how they enjoy the Dog Days of winter (and how you can join them).   Wisconsin’s Hub for Nordic Trails Two things make Bayfield County an amazing place for cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing – its abundance of forested public land along with dedicated volunteers. The terrain is varied, gorgeous and well-maintained by different volunteer groups who work in partnership with public and private landowners to maintain the nine Nordic ski trail systems. One such trail system is at Mt. Ashwabay in Bayfield. Doug Olson learned how to ski here 50 years ago when he was just 5-years-old and he’s now the new Director of Operations. He says that like many others, he picked up great skiing and people skills at this family-friendly, youth-centered recreation area. After working more than 20 years in the ski industry in Colorado, he is happy to be back in Wisconsin’s Northwoods on the shore of Lake Superior. Mt. Ashwabay is maintained by the Ashwabay Outdoor Education Foundation which is made up of a combination of volunteers and paid staff. According to Doug, Mt. Ashwabay has 40 kilometers of Nordic Trails and a snow base of around 1.5- to 3-ft. of packed snow. The conditions are excellent for Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing and skijoring. For those who may not know, skijoring is skiing with your best, furry friend. You can ski, snowshoe or walk with your dog on a dedicated dog-friendly trail. With snow in the forest as deep as your waist in some spots, having a trail that is groomed and snow-packed is a great way to get Fido some exercise this winter. One of Doug’s responsibilities as the new operations manager will be bringing in new events while also growing popular, current events like the Summit Ski Race (often referred to as the “Pie Race” because the prizes are all pies and other baked goods), the King of the Mountain Race that crowns the fastest male and female and the Chairman of the Board for snowboarders. Doug says Mt. Ashwabay has lots of youth-focused programs like free lift tickets for kids 9 and under, affordable ski lessons and $5 equipment rentals for kids ages 4-10. The setup allows parents to drop off their kids in the morning and pick them up later that day. On Friday evenings, kids can take a bus to the hill and ski until 9 p.m. with music on outdoor speakers. To learn more about these and other events and activities, you can visit the Mt. Ashwabay’s website, mtashwabay.org, or its Facebook page, Mt. Ashwabay Ski & Recreation Area.   Mush! We’re Off to the Sled Dog Races There are two popular sled dog races taking place in Bayfield County in February. Jen Dale joins us talk about the area’s original race in Bayfield called the Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race and Rob Lombard fills us in one of the area’s newest races - the Northern Pines Sled Dog Race. The Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race takes place Jan. 31 through Feb. 2. Now in its 25th year, 45 to 65 teams compete along this scenic route near Lake Superior. The biggest teams go first in this event, starting with the 10-Dog Class, and followed by the 8- and 6-Dog Races and ending with the Family Fun Recreational Races. What‘s great about the Apostle Islands Course is you can catch all the energy and excitement of the dogs at the start of the race and then go over to the spectator checkpoint to watch the 10-Dog and 8-Dog Races go through twice and still have plenty of time to return to the start to watch the teams come back in. There are bonfires at the start of the race and the spectator checkpoint to keep you toasty, as well as food from a variety of vendors. The three-day event includes the Musher’s Meeting and spaghetti feed (open to the public) on Friday, the first day of racing and a guest speaker on Saturday and additional racing and a quick awards ceremony on Sunday. If you’d like to help out as a volunteer, you can download the volunteer package at https://bayfield.org/festivals-events/apostle-islands-sled-dog-race/voluntourist-packages/. The Northern Pines Sled Dog Race is on Feb. 15 at the Northern Pines Golf Course & Event Center in Iron River. This is a one-day event where you can watch a large portion of the races just steps away from the comfort of the indoors with food and drinks available. Northern Pines has a sprint-race format, which averages about one mile for every dog. The dog teams average about 20 miles per hour for the sprints. There are four classes of races, each with a different number of dogs. If you want to venture out beyond the event center, you can pick up a map there and drive to one of three road-crossing locations to view the races from other vantage points. The Iron River National Fish Hatchery will also be bringing snowshoes that anyone can use for free on the prepared, packed snow trail and Angie’s Bakery is providing free face-painting. For more information about volunteering, sponsorships and registration, visit www.northernpinessdr.com (“sdr”=sled dog race). You will also want to check out the amazing aerial photos from last year’s race. You’ll find that on the website, too.   January Activities Jan. 4:                 North End Snowshoe Classic in Cable, WI Jan. 1 – Jan. 12:  Oulu Glass Blowing Classes in Brule, WI Jan. 11:               Freeze Your Buns Ice Fishing Contest at Birchgrove Campground in Iron River, WI Jan. 14:               Sleigh & Cutter Rally, Northern Great Lakes Visitors Center in the Town of Eileen (just west of Ashland, WI)                            Lost Nation String Band Live at the Harborview Event Center in Washburn, WI (Can’t find this) Zoomobile (Animals Underground) at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center in the Town of Eileen (just west of Ashland, WI) Jan. 16:               “Just the Bear Facts” with Scott Walter, at Northern Great Lakes Visitors Center in the Town of Eileen (just west of Ashland, WI) Jan. 17 - 19:       Snowfest Pond Hockey Tournament at Lakewoods Resort in                            Cable, WI   Jan. 18:               Ice Fishing Tournament at Staudemeyer’s Four Seasons Resort in Cable, WI  Jan. 19:               Birkie Tour at the Birkie Trailhead in Cable, WI Jan. 25 – 26:       Red Cliff 4th Annual Pow Wow at Legendary Waters Resort & Casino in Red Cliff (just north of Bayfield, WI) Jan. 31 – Feb. 2: Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race in Bayfield, WI   View the full schedule of events on our website and Facebook page. February Preview Layer up for a full episode about everything ice, including the Ice Caves and Ice Fishing. Affiliate Notes Bodin’s Resort Bodin’s Resort is located on the beautiful shoreline of Lake Superior, on Chequamegon Bay near the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Featuring newly constructed cabins that are open year-round, Bodin’s Resort has been in the business of welcoming guests to enjoy the best that Bayfield County has to offer for over 80 years. Whether you want to ice fish in front of your cabin, snowshoe under towering pine trees, snowmobile or cross-country ski, Bodin’s Resort is the perfect place for your next winter vacation. Black Bear Inn & Restaurant Home of the annual Bar Stool Races in February, the Black Bear Inn & Restaurant in Drummond has been a gathering place for locals and tourists since 1948. Experience inventive cuisine, attentive service, and a friendly atmosphere. The extensive menu includes burgers, sandwiches, Italian dinners, steaks, fish and chicken. There’s a different dinner special every night of the week and all-you-can-eat spaghetti every day! Come and see what makes this one of the most popular restaurants in the Northwoods. There are also three rooms available for rent at the Inn that are very affordable with 2 double beds in each room.

Hit the Trails, then Relax with a Local Brew We are having “snow” much fun this episode as Director of Tourism Mary Motiff gets us ready for our favorite winter activities in Bayfield County. Owner and Brew master Bo Belanger shares what he calls his “living room” vibe at the South Shore Brewery, and Mary reveals some of Santa’s hang outs, the best bazaars to shop and lots of other events to get you in the holiday spirit.     Gearing Up for the Winter Wonderland If you love to downhill ski, there’s only one hill to hit and that’s Mt. Ashwabay Ski & Recreation Area in Bayfield. You’ll find all your gear to rent onsite to help you enjoy the affordable, family fun at this popular winter venue. It’s a great place to teach your kids how to ski! There is also a cross-country trail which is over 26-km - it’s just one of nine Nordic trail systems in the County. If you’d like to try out some equipment before you rent or buy, check out the new Howl Adventure Center nearby. The center has a cross-country trail and winter fat biking right on its property along with a microbrewery to relax in when you’re done playing outside. In the southern part of the county, there’s a ski trail called the North End trail with an adorable warming cabin when it’s time to take a break with picnic tables and a wood stove. In the north central region of the county, the Mt. Valhalla Recreation Area is in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. There are two different cross-country trail systems there, along with a chalet and warming house near the trails.  Bayfield County also has 39 hiking trails which are great for snowshoeing, as well as frozen Lake Superior (when the ice conditions are right), where you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the cliffs along its southern shoreline. Lake Superior is a fun spot for fat biking when the ice road is open. The ice road from Bayfield to Madeline Island and back is about three miles, and if you are looking for more trails you can visit travelbayfieldcounty.com to learn about other groomed fat biking trails when the conditions are right. Fat Bikes are available for sale or rent at Howl Adventure Center. Not much can compare to Bayfield County’s incredible snowmobiling trails through its massive forests – over 600 miles of groomed trails through hundreds of thousands of acres of forest, as well as hundreds more miles of ungroomed forest roads.  Snowmobiling is quite popular in Northern Wisconsin, so plan ahead for your visit. Mary mentions that Bayfield County is one of the few places where ATV and UTV trails are open throughout the winter which is perfect for riding ATVs and UTVs when the ground is frozen and before the snow is deep enough to groom. Iron River is the hub of motorized sports in Bayfield County, and there are lots of snowmobile-friendly businesses to visit there and in all of the communities along the trails. There are also dog-sledding outfitters in Bayfield County that let you drive your own team.  They will outfit you from top to bottom in gear to keep you warm and cozy while enjoying this popular Northwoods activity. And finally, there are the County’s famous ice caves. According to Mary, these are a must-see if the conditions are right to walk out on frozen Lake Superior to get to them. Wearing lots of layers is recommended because it can get windy and cold walking across the ice. It is more than a mile one way once you are on the ice, so make sure you are prepared for the conditions and a long trek. If you would like to know more about snow conditions, trail conditions or receive updates about the ice caves, you can find everything you need on the Bayfield County website. There are different menus for the ice caves and trail systems, and when you click on them, you can find out about the conditions. Experiencing the Vibe at South Shore Brewery Taphouse Influenced by the craft breweries that started on the west coast in the late 70s and 80s, and his love of everything beer, Bo Belanger opened the South Shore Brewery in Ashland in May 1995. Tapping into the area’s natural resources, Bo grows his own barley for the base malt, contracts with hops farms in central Wisconsin, and uses the fresh waters of Lake Superior. Bo says he wants people to see and taste something about where he lives in every beer he makes. When the Ashland brewery ran out of capacity to distribute beer, Bo expanded and opened the Tap House in Washburn in 2013, so that he could continue manufacturing and be more than just a brew pub.  It’s a great place to hang out with a tasting room, tours and events every month. The brewery always serves eight beers on tap, but also offers seasonal brews during certain times of the year.  South Shore is most known for its Nut Brown Ale, followed by its Apple Fest Ale, also made with local ingredients like honey and fresh apple cider. Bo says the tap house is not a bar.  There are no TVs, it’s BYOF (bring your own food), they spin vinyl and you can play old-fashioned tabletop games like shuffleboard and ping pong. He calls it a “living room” vibe with a great sound system and an amazing collection of more than 1,300 records he credits from his own collection and visitors who bring their records in to listen to for the first time in decades. Brew tours are available, but be sure to call and schedule one, even if it’s just you. They love to show you around and tell you about the history and chemistry of South Shore brewing. Also, check the website for the days the brewery is open.  They are usually open three days a week: Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. Mark your calendar for Dec. 21 for one of South Shore Brewery’s biggest events, its 3rd Annual Winter Solstice with live music, food, beer and tours. Beachwear and flip flops are encouraged as Bo makes it a point to turn up the heat on the shortest day of the year. Come for a visit!   December Activities Dec.. 1 – 22:             Wassail Dinner Concerts at the Old Rittenhouse Inn, Bayfield, WI Dec. 1 – Jan. 2020: Oulu Glass Blowing Classes in Brule, WI Dec. 1, 6-7, 13:         Christmas in Cable at Lakewoods Resort in Cable, WI Dec. 6:                       Merry ‘Ol Christmas Visit with Santa in Washburn, WI Dec. 7:                       Breakfast with Santa at Legendary Waters, Cable, WI Holiday Spirit Gallery Tour in Bayfield, WI Holiday Bazaar at Northern Great Lakes Visitor’s Center, Ashland, WI                                     “A Dickens of a Christmas” at White Winter Winery, Iron River, WI Dec. 13 – 14:            Scandinavian Christmas Dinner at Lakewoods Resort, Cable, WI Dec. 14:                     Santa & Mrs. Claus Ferry from Madeline Island, WI Dec. 21:                     South Shore Brewery Tap House Winter Solstice in Washburn, WI Dec. 27 – 29:            Mt. Ashwabay Holiday Mini Camps, Bayfield, WI View the full schedule of events on our website and Facebook page. January Preview Bayfield County Wild rings in the New Year with a preview of two exciting dog sledding races. Affiliate Notes Brickhouse Cafe The Brick House Cafe & Catering is in downtown Cable in the heart of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The Brick House Cafe offers great coffee & espresso drinks, smoothies, pastries, and desserts as well as Breakfast and Lunch. The menu features unique, fresh & creative items utilizing local ingredients. In addition to delicious breakfast options, you’ll find homemade soups, satisfying sandwiches, house-made pastries and desserts all made daily. Open year-round, you can expect outstanding service and hospitality. It’s even on the “triple D” list of restaurants visited by Guy Fieri! The Bayfield Inn Bayfield's premier lodging establishment located on the shoreline of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Our exclusive downtown location is central to restaurants, shops and attractions and within walking distance of the Apostle Islands Cruise Service, and Madeline Island Ferry Line. With 21 rooms onsite and over 40 total vacation rental options, we can find the perfect fit for all travelers.      

Culinary Experiences to Savor in Bayfield County You can learn a lot about a community’s local culture at its eateries. On this episode, Director of Tourism, Mary Motiff, shares some of the food experiences to savor in Bayfield County and takes us to the Old Rittenhouse Inn to find out about a local, holiday tradition that has been bringing the community together for more than 50 years. Plus, a film festival, wine weekend and other events to discover this November.    The ‘Bounty of the County’ If you had to describe the food culture in Bayfield County, Mary would say it is “eclectic,” but also unique in its bounty of fresh, local ingredients on the menu at almost every restaurant due to the large number of farms and orchards along with Lake Superior and more than 1,000 inland lakes that make it possible. There are only two fast food restaurants in Bayfield County which helps people to make more thoughtful meal choices. Many people who visit and live in this area have strong connections to the land and its abundance of natural resources and are happy to not have so many fast food choices readily available. In addition to the fresh fish that is caught almost daily, there are greens, root vegetables, berries, apples and much more local produce grown here.  There are also local meat producers and a sheep farm that makes cheese. The area’s large population of Norwegians has also influenced the offerings, especially at local bakeries. Each community offers farm-to-table specialties that create variety and inspire local chefs to be creative. In the Cable/Namekagon area, Mary says you’ll find the Garmisch USA Resort, a restaurant that specializes in traditional German cuisine, the Rookery Pub, which has a modern American menu and a fish “un-fry” and the Rivers Eatery, a wood-fired pizzeria that has creative toppings you can experience, like Thai peanut chicken. The Iron River area has lots of resorts with their own house specialties. Barbecue is big in the summer months, where there is often friendly competition among the restaurants for the best BBQ cuisine. Washburn has a one-block area downtown that is the hub for nightlife in the area. Restaurants include the Snug, an Irish Pub with a limited menu of fresh fish, homemade soups and Scotch eggs. Next door is DaLou’s Bistro serving wood-fired, traditional Italian-style pizza, panini, pasta specials and house-made gelato. And close by is Patsy’s Bar & Grill, which does serve bar food, but at the next level. They are often cited for having the best burgers in the county, serve an enormous fresh fish fillet, delicious fries, homemade coleslaw and Firecracker Shrimp. You can expect the unexpected at Patsy’s – don’t let the exterior fool you! Bayfield has a huge variety of restaurants that also include bistros and high-end restaurants. And if you want to go where the locals go to eat, Mary says to check the parking lots for cars. Bayfield County has a relatively small population. If the parking lots are full, you can bet it’s a great place to eat. Mary also recommends going to community dinners put on by the Knights of Columbus, the Lion’s and other local fundraisers. They typically serve some of the best food at reasonable prices and made with love and a passion for their cause, often using local ingredients.   A Holiday Tradition The Old Rittenhouse Inn has been putting on Wassail lunch and dinner concerts since 1975. Wassail is an old English greeting that means “All Hail” or “Hello.” It later became a toast to good health and prosperity when people gathered to go caroling. They would carry a large bowl of Wassail punch that everyone would drink as they went from house to house. Rittenhouse Owner Mark Phillips says the tradition of having Wassail dinner concerts was started by his parents. Both were music teachers who worked in Madison, Wis., where they were always busy during the holidays. When they moved to Bayfield and started the Old Rittenhouse Inn, they thought they would spend a quiet holiday with the family. Mark’s parents were so sad and lonely without holiday performances and music, the next year they started their own Wassail Dinner Concerts, while also serving gourmet meals. The Inn was decorated “to the nines” with a huge Christmas tree standing in the foyer. They even created their own Wassail punch made with Bayfield apple cider, spices and bourbon. While most people think of concerts as music performances on stage in front of a live audience, the Wassail lunch and dinner concerts are served with a twist. While the patrons are seated at the dinner table being served a gourmet meal, the performers are entertaining amongst the guests, walking through the dining room in a very immersive experience. Mark says his dad works all year to prepare new material for the annual concerts. Wassail lunches are typically one to two hours with a three-course meal that includes a colorful and festive salad, a choice of fresh fish or roast pork with an apple cider marmalade glaze or champagne chicken and a choice of desserts. The dinners include a five-course meal, adding soup and sorbet, and usually lasting two to three hours. For Mark, these Wassail lunches and dinners are very nostalgic, but what he really loves is that they bring the community together for an anti-commercial holiday that feels authentic. The Wassail Lunch and Dinner Concerts are ticketed events, so to make reservations, you can call the toll-free number, 800-779-2129 or 715-779-5111. Mark says the holidays aren’t the only festive season at the Old Rittenhouse Inn. They also host a Fall Brew Weekend, a three-day Wine Weekend and have romantic Valentine specials along with some other special events. They are open for Thanksgiving and start the Wassail Lunch and Dinner Concerts on Nov. 30 (which run through Dec. 22). There will be 13 performances this year and some are already sold out. The Old Rittenhouse Inn closes for few days over Christmas and then reopens for New Year’s Eve celebrations and more wine weekends during the winter months. To find out more about the Inn’s events, you can visit their website at Rittenhouseinn.com and their Facebook page.   November Activities Nov. 1 – 3:                 Wine Weekend at the Old Rittenhouse Inn, Bayfield, WI                                     Aurora Summit at the Harbor View Event Center, Washburn, WI Nov. 6 – 9:                 Big Water Film Festival in Bayfield, Washburn, Drummond and Ashland Nov. 9:                       Concert: “John Muir – University of the Wilderness” and “Song for the Wild," Cable Community Center Nov. 9 – 10:              “A Cripple’s Dance” at STAGENORTH, Washburn, WI Mid-Nov. – Dec. 25: Artists Squared Gallery, Washburn, WI Nov. 30 – Dec. 22:   Wassail Lunch & Dinner Concerts, Bayfield, WI Nov. 30:                     Port Wing Christmas Bazaar   View the full schedule of events on our website and Facebook page.   November Preview Next month, we will catch up with the Head Brewer at the South Shore Brewery and Taphouse, Bo Belanger. He’ll give us some insights into what it’s like to be a craft brewer and tell us about some of the fun events at the Brewery. Affiliate Notes Yurts Looking for a unique adventure? Stay at one of Bayfield County’s rustic and cozy Yurts, located near the towns of Bayfield and Cable, and enjoy all that nature has to offer. Explore thousands of acres of Bayfield County forest and enjoy endless miles of exceptionally-maintained, non-motorized, recreational trails. These Yurts are very popular, so book early.   Tri-Lake Timbers Comfortable and affordable, Tri-Lake Timbers in Iron River has a variety of beautiful cabins with access to snowmobile, ATV and hiking trails galore. In the summer, relax on the swimming beach or rent a pontoon or fishing boat and get out on the water. Tri-Lake Timbers has 103 acres bordering the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest with free wi-fi at the lodge and a children’s playground    

Bayfield County’s pumpkin farms and cornfields are the perfect backdrop for the ever-more popular corn mazes. Director of Tourism Mary Motiff tells us about two in Bayfield County, plus takes us to the Delta Diner. Located almost literally in the middle of nowhere, the perfectly restored diner has not only earned a national reputation for its unique menu, but it has become a destination for experiential diners. Plus, a preview of the County’s signature October event and other things to do on this episode of Bayfield County Wild.   A-Mazing Fun October is the perfect time for family fun and corn mazes. Bayfield County has two very popular corn mazes: one in Oulu and the other at White River Ag in Mason, Wis. The Oulu Corn Maze has been around many years. Each year, the owners come up with a new design to make it more interesting for repeat visitors. Everyone gets a punch card that is stamped every time they get to a different station within the maze and then the card is turned in at the end for prizes, hot cider and treats. The weekend before Halloween, the maze is turned into a haunted experience for those who love to get spooked. At White River Ag, there are different activities for the kids, including a hay pyramid they can climb. More information about the corn mazes can be found on the Bayfield County Tourism website and their Facebook page, as well as the Oulu Corn Maze website and White River Ag Facebook page. Mary advises visitors to be sure to dress for the weather so everyone can enjoy themselves. Experiential Dining in Delta Located just 12 miles south of Iron River in the middle of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is a perfectly restored 1940’s Silk City Diner from upstate New York called the Delta Diner. Opened in 2003, the Delta Diner has become much more than a popular eatery for locals and visitors alike; it’s a destination in and of itself that attracts foodies to Bayfield County. Co-owner Todd Bucher says the Delta Diner location was once a gathering place for the community at the Delta Store for more than 50 years before it burned down. Todd and his wife, Nina, wanted to create another place where people could gather in the same spot. The 48-seat diner has all the diner fare, but with ramped-up recipes that include spices and flavors that are not typical at a diner. Pedro’s Mex Benny features a dense and moist chili corn bake with local chorizo sausage from the Sixth St. Market ground into a chipotle sauce over perfect, over-easy eggs. The Norwegian pancakes are called “hotcakes” because pickled jalapenos are added into the pancake batter and carmelized on the grill, then the hotcakes are sprinkled with powdered sugar and a squeeze of lemon. This was one of Guy Fieri’s (host of Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”) favorites when he visited the diner as a customer, then brought a film crew one year later to share his discovery. Todd says his customers are a diverse crowd that carry the “E” gene, which is short for enthusiasm. His business model is unique in that he has created an LLC with 32-part owners who are members of the community and his customers. Diner employees start at a living wage of $15/hr., so there is no tipping. The successful model has made it possible for the diner to expand and provide more opportunities for when people come to the diner on a busy day. They now partner with Purple Door Ice Cream in Milwaukee to serve the best ice cream in Wisconsin, according to Todd, at a historic building on site. They’ve also expanded the Southeast corner of the property and added a Tin Tap House and Chicken Shack that they call the “Tap Shack.” The Tap Shack offers a craft brewing experience in partnership with Earth Rider Beer and an outdoor, island vibe, serving authentic Jamaican Jerk chicken, pork and festival rice. The Tap Shack is open on weekends through mid-October. Next season, the Tap Shack will be open for more than 100 days and include new events and menu items. More information about the history of the diner can be found on its website and Facebook Page. October Activities Oct. 4, 5 & 6:             Bayfield Apple Festival Oct. 12:                      Annual Namakagon Cancer Walk Oct. 18/19:                Fun in the Forest ATV Ride starting at Lakewoods Resort to  the Pioneer Bar and back Oct. 25-26:                14th Annual Fall Brew Weekend at the Old Rittenhouse Inn in Bayfield View the full schedule of events on our website and Facebook page. October Preview Get ready for a culinary tour of Bayfield County’s unique restaurants, plus an interview with Mark Phillips, owner of the Old Rittenhouse Inn, about their famous Wassail lunches and dinners as we start heading for the holiday season. Affiliate Notes Bayfield County Interactive Map Did you know there are 150 different lodging options in Bayfield County? Find one that’s right for you using the interactive map at travelbayfieldcounty.com! With tabs for “Play,” “Eat” and “Stay,” you can easily find the information you’re looking for. View the items as a list or on a map. Each listing has a photo, a brief description and a link to a website or Facebook page. Formatted for use on a phone or on a computer, this helpful tool will make it easy to find all sorts of ideas to make your adventure in Bayfield County great. Superior Body Massage & Spa Established in 2006 in Bayfield, Superior Body Massage & Spa has become a favorite relaxation destination for locals and visitors alike and makes the perfect addition to any trip to Bayfield. With over two thousand square feet of beautifully designed spa space, they are easily able to accommodate couples and groups. Services include therapeutic and relaxation massage therapy, facials, spa treatments, waxing, manicures and pedicures, a private infrared sauna and now Vibrational Sound Therapy.

Cideries & Orchards September is a wonderful time to be in Bayfield County. The farmers are getting ready for what is expected to be a great apple harvest. New in the County are the hard cideries that can be found in the hills surrounding Bayfield. Director of Tourism Mary Motiff talks about the different types of cidery experiences and farm stores and takes us to Sunset Valley Orchards to hear about the best cider in Bayfield County, according to the owners. Plus, a preview of all the fall fun on this episode of Bayfield County Wild.   The Fruit Loop There are nearly a dozen orchards that loop around Bayfield along the WI Lake Superior Scenic Byway and County J to form what is locally referred to as “the fruit loop.” In the past year or two, Mary says some of these orchards are now producing hard cider and each of them provide a different experience for the visitor. Hard cider is brewed much like craft beer, only different ingredients are used in the fermentation process. Orchards like the Bayfield Apple Company and Erickson’s process their cider in-house and then send the cider to White Winter Winery to be brewed and then delivered back to the orchard where it is sold. Others, like Hauser’s and Pike’s Creek, have in-house cideries. Hauser’s Apfelhaus Cidery opened in 2018 and produces hard cider “from blossom to bottle.” The cidery at Highland Valley Farm is called Pike’s Creek and offers four varieties of sparkling hard cider. Not even open yet is Blue Ox Cider which was awarded a bronze medal for one of its ciders at the Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition, the largest competition of its kind in the world! Look for Blue Ox with its award-winning cider to open in the spring. The White Winter Winery also brews four of its own hard ciders and some other hard cider from the Wineries on Betzold Road is being served in local restaurants. Mary says most of these orchards have farm stores with value-added products like jams, jellies, honey, maple syrup, apple mustards, etc. Each store is unique to the farm and typically sell a variety of items, including clothes, jewelry and decorative items. Apple season officially takes off with some varieties of apples available in early September and many more varieties each week after that. If you’d like to learn more, there are brochures available at the Bayfield County Tourism office, the Bayfield Chamber & Visitor Bureau and the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center.  The Bayfield Chamber’s website also has a weekly orchard report so you can find out what varieties of apples are ready to be picked and where.   Sunset Valley Orchard & the Apple Branch One of the most beautiful orchards to watch the sun set is aptly named Sunset Valley. Its owners, Craig and Sharon Johnson, bought the farm in 1967 and have had 52 fruitful years together there. The orchard grows 10 to 12 different varieties of apples, the most popular being Honey Crisp. They also have Cortland, Honey Gold, Spartan, Macintosh, Fireside, Fuji, Zest Star (which will begin fruiting next year), Gala and two kinds of pears. According to Sharon, they make the best apple cider in the County. Visitors can pick their own apples or buy them pre-picked. Everyone is welcome at the farm to hike the trails, have a picnic and explore the orchard. While there, you’ll also want to shop at the Apple Branch, where you can find many one-of-a-kind items, housewares, jams, jellies, jewelry, scarves, home decor and seasonal items. Sunset Valley is open Memorial Weekend through the second week in December, when the Apple Branch has a holiday open house. It’s located 2.5 miles from Bayfield just off Hwy. County J, then follow the big red signs to the orchard on Valley Rd. For more information, visit the Sunset Valley Orchard & Apple Branch website or check out their Facebook page.     September Activities Sept. 2:                      Port Wing Annual Fish Boil Sept. 6 - 8:                Classic Boat & Schooner Rendevous by Lake Superior Tall Ships Sept. 7:                      Pirates Ball Sept. 7:                      Cornucopia Art Crawl Sept. 7                       Big Top Chautauqua “Old Last Night” Sept. 14:                    Chequamegon Mountain Bike/Fat Tire Festival in Cable Sept. 20 – 22:           Red Cliff Days, Red Cliff Reservation Sept. 21:                    Fish Flippin 5k Run/Walk in Iron River Sept. 21:                    Big Tap Chautauqua Sept. 25:                    Apple Pie & Dessert Competition, Bayfield Lakeside Pavilion Sept. 27 - 28:            Cable Area Fall Fest Sept. 27 – 28:           Birkie Trail Run Festival View the full schedule of events on our website and Facebook page.   September Preview We’ll find out what ingredients went into the making of the wildly popular Delta Diner.   Affiliate Notes Café Coco Café Coco offers a breakfast, lunch and deli menu with daily specials, fresh pastries and baked goods, a large selection of breads, and custom-designed cakes for all your special occasions.  Coco focuses on locally sourced foods and also offers Gluten-free, Vegan and Vegetarian options.  Drummond Lake Campground Drummond Lake Campground adjoins a public park with a swimming beach, a picnic pavilion and a paved boat landing. It’s located in the heart of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest at the trailhead of a vast ATV trail system with public parking and restrooms.    

From the farm or the lake to your home or restaurant, Bayfield County serves up some of the best fresh, locally sourced food in the state. In this episode, we talk about the area’s farm-fresh goodness, what’s in season right now, the best fish to catch on Lake Superior, and some of local specialties and delicacies you just have to try. Plus, get ready for the 125th anniversary of the Bayfield County Fair! It’s a family-friendly and affordable celebration you won’t want to miss. Here are some highlights from this episode of Bayfield County Wild.   Bayfield County’s Local Bounty August is one of the “berry” best times to be in Bayfield County. There is a microclimate in the hills surrounding Bayfield that is perfect for growing strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries as well as apples and other fruit. You can still find raspberries and blueberries this month and some varieties of apples are in season starting in September. According to Mary Motiff, Director of Bayfield County Tourism, some varieties of apples will likely be available to pick through October. There are more than a dozen orchards and fruit farms in the Bayfield area, as well as many more farms around the county that raise grass-fed beef, pork and free-range chicken. There are also lots of value-added local products including cheese, fermented foods, honey, jams & jellies and maple syrup. And don’t forget the bakery and desserts made with local ingredients! Lake Superior is a great place to fish, particularly for lake trout, whitefish and herring. Many of the commercial fishermen sell fresh and smoked fish and create delectable spreads that are great to take on the road. Some of the local specialties and delicacies include trout cheeks (which kind of look like scallops) and whitefish livers which are available at some of the local restaurants. It is hard to find a restaurant that doesn’t serve farm-to-table food options in Bayfield County. To find out what’s on the menu at local eateries, check out the Bayfield County website’s interactive map and click on the “restaurants” and “specialty foods” tabs under the “EAT” category. The Fairest of the Fairs Mary says she really isn’t biased when she tells people that Bayfield County puts on a really great County Fair. And this year, there is even more to celebrate because it is the 125th anniversary of the first Bayfield County Fair which took place in 1894. Located on the fairgrounds in Iron River, this year’s Fair takes place Thursday, Aug. 8 through Sunday, Aug. 11 with amazing grandstand events, live music, family fun and carnival rides all included in the price of admission. This year’s grandstand events include bull-riding with real bulls and cowboys vying for a cash prize and the coveted buckle that goes with it. Plus, there’s “Mutton Busting” on sheep for kids during intermission on Friday night (pre-registration required). Earlier that afternoon is the kids’ pedal tractor pull where the winners can qualify to compete at the state level. On Saturday, there’s an antique tractor pull and then that night the Cincinnati Circus comes to town with live, aerial acts and flame-throwing jugglers. On Sunday, the fair closes out with a mini-Power Wheels race followed by the Dirt Dash Race that is a combination demolition derby and figure 8 race, and Native American drum, dance and storytelling. Food is always a big draw at the Bayfield County Fair and Summer Fair Assistant Emily Kovach-Erickson says you’ll find fan favorites like corn dogs, cotton candy, funnel cakes and fresh-squeezed lemonade, as well as new options like the Island Eats Food Truck with fresh, healthier entrees like spicy rice bowls and vegetarian burritos. Family fun is abundant at the Fair with carnival rides and games, a stilt-walking magician, comedy jugglers, face painting and a petting zoo. The barns are filled with prize-winning cows, horses, rabbits, chickens, pigs, sheep and goats and fair-goers can see over 5,000 entries including photography, flowers, canned and baked goods, woodworking, cultural arts, knitting and more. (Insider tip: most items are judged on Friday so you can see which ones earned a ribbon after that). Since this is the 125th year of the Bayfield County Fair, Mary says there will definitely be cake! There will also be limited edition t-shirts for sale and a few more surprises. You just have to come to the Fair to see what’s in store. Daily admission is $12, which includes grandstand shows and carnival rides - almost everything except food and games, or you can get a $30 pass for the entire weekend. On Thursday the price of admission is only $10 and on Friday, Seniors 65 and older also get in for $10. Kids four and under get in free every day and parking is also free. For more information about the Fair, visit www.bayfieldcounty.org/fair or check out the Bayfield County Fair Facebook page.   August                     Activities Aug. 1 – 4:                 Port Wing Plein Air Painting Festival Contest Aug. 2 - 4:                 Grand View Firehouse 50 Aug. 3:                       Herbster Corn & Brat Festival Aug. 8 – 11:              Bayfield County Fair in Iron River Aug. 10 – 11:            Cornucopia Days Aug. 10:                     Herbster Studio Art Tour Aug. 17:                     Ruckus in the Woods music festival in Barnes, WI Aug. 23:                     South Shore Enduro on the CAMBA Trails in Mt. Ashwabay Aug. 27 – Sept. 14:  Apostle Islands Lighthouse Celebration Aug. 31:                     Port Wing’s 61st Annual Fish Boil & 31st Annual Arts & Crafts Show Also, check out the live music at Big Top Chautauqua and the music festivals in Cornucopia and Bayfield, at the Rookery Pub in Cable and at Legendary Waters Resort & Casino. View the full schedule of events on our website and Facebook page. September Preview Cideries are growing in popularity and Bayfield County does not disappoint when it comes to producing tasty hard ciders and apple ciders. Get ready for all things apple! Affiliate Notes Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center The Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center connects you with the historic, cultural, and natural resources of the Lake Superior Region through personal customer service, interactive exhibits and fun programming led by local experts. Start your adventure here whether you’re heading to the Apostle Islands or some of the area’s many other attractions. Copper Crow Distillery When you visit Copper Crow Distillery, you will truly get a taste of the Northwoods. Using fresh, regional ingredients, Copper Crow creates small, distinctive batches of vodka, rum and gin inspired by the spirit and purity of Lake Superior. The modern building is nestled in the pines and has plenty of outdoor seating. Their creative craft cocktails are sure to give you a taste of the area you won’t forget.      

Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Bayfield County. Mary Motiff, Director of Bayfield County Tourism talks about why hiking is so popular here and tells us about the new hiking brochure to help plan your hiking adventures. Plus, our guests Marvin Defoe and Richard LeFernier give us a preview of what to expect at the 41st Annual Red Cliff Pow Wow featuring the Grammy-nominated Young Spirit Singers. Hitting the Trails According to Mary, it’s the abundance of public land and the sheer number of trails that traverse all types of geography that make hiking so special in Bayfield County. You can find a waterfall just a few hundred yards from the road or hike more than 20 miles across the county on the North Country Trail. You might find wetlands, islands, overlooks and ravines that provide beautiful vistas. There are “out-and-back” hikes, loop hikes and connected trail hails that let you control how much distance you want to cover. Wherever you are in the county, there are hiking choices nearby! Mary and her staff have just updated their hiking brochure which includes all 39 trails on a map showing where the trailheads are. The information has been developed over the years and is fairly comprehensive. Each trail features a description, its level of difficulty, if parking fees are required and contact information for the land manager for each trail. You can find a printable version on the Travelbayfieldcounty.com website or you can order one to be mailed to you. There is also an interactive map on the website where you can see aerial imagery that allows you to zoom in to see all of the non-motorized trails. 41st Annual Red Cliff Traditional Pow Wow Pow Wows bring people together socialize, dance, sing and celebrate tribal heritage. The Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has hosted the Red Cliff Traditional Pow Wow for 4 decades and will hold its 41st Pow Wow July 5th through July 7th. Red Cliff Historic Preservation Officer Marvin DeFoe and Richard LeFernier tell us the Pow Wow was started by a family and grew from there. But even before the Pow Wow, Red Cliff and other tribes used music, song and dance to express their culture and way of life. There are special dances that go back to the early days of the Pow Wow. The Fish Dance is a special dance where men tell the story of gathering fish and a good harvest. The Feather Dance is a fun dance where some of the dancers drop a feather to the ground and try to pick it up with their mouth. And in the Swan Dance, the women imitate a flock of swans. These special dances all tell a story and are introduced to the crowd by an emcee. In addition, there is a Potato Dance for the public. Those participating hold a potato between their foreheads with a dancer. When the singing starts, the participants have to dance and try to not let the potato fall down. Marvin says the center of the Pow Wow is the drum, which in the language of the Anishinaabe is the heartbeat that you hear when the drums sing. The younger tribal members are highlighted in a hand drum contest. There are some other contests just focused on having fun. Every Pow Wow starts with a Grand Entry. The Feathers are honored first, followed by the veterans, flags and head dancers who have been invited to come and dance. Other tribes who attend bring their royalty, who are honored next. Each category of dancers and singers follow after that. There are five food vendors at the Red Cliff Pow Wow and Richard and his family have one of them. They serve traditional food like Fry Bread and wild rice soup. There are also craft vendors from the local area and from across the nation. According to both men, the Pow Wow is also about giving. They give gifts to their invited dancers and singers to help with travel expenses and include them in a feast on Saturday evening. The Pow Wow is open to everyone – just purchase a button for $7 when you arrive and that allows you to come and go as you please during the 3-day event. Golf cart shuttles are available to and from the parking lots if needed. For more information, visit the Red Cliff website at http://redcliff-nsn.gov/Tourism/powwow.htm.   July Activities July 1 – 7:                  Glass Blowing Demonstrations and Classes at the Oulu Glass Gallery July 1-31:                   “Earth Speaks” Gallery Show at Artists Squared Studios & Galley in Washburn July 1 – 5:                  Bayfield Race Week on Lake Superior July 2:                        Bela Fleck & The Flecktones at Big Top Chautauqua July 3-7:                     4th of July Celebrations of Fireworks & Festivities July 5 – 7:                  41st Annual Red Cliff Traditional Pow Wow July 5:                        “Riding the Wind” Historical Musical at Big Top Chautauqua July 6:                        Vatten Paddlar Canoe, Kayak & SUP Race, Eau Claire Chain of Lakes in Barnes, WI July 6:                        Maxi Priest w/ Quito Rymer & The Edge at Big Top Chautauqua July 9:                        Annual Cornucopia Fish Fry & Pie Social July 9:                        Rodrigo y Gabriella at Big Top Chautauqua July 11:                      Judy Collins at Big Top Chautauqua July 12:                      Whose Live Anyway at Big Top Chautauqua July 13:                      The Jayhawks at Big Top Chautauqua July 14:                      I’m With Her at Big Top Chautauqua July 15 - 17:              Memorial Medical Hospital Sponsors Kids Bluegrass Camp at Big Top Chautauqua July 18:                      Roseanne Cash at Big Top Chautauqua July 19:                      MS Golf Benefit at Lakewoods Resort July 19:                      Back to the Garden: The Music of Woodstock at Big Top Chautauqua July 20 – 21:             Bayfield Festival of the Arts & Gallery Tour in Memorial Park July 20:                      Raku Demonstration at Eckels Pottery & Fine Craft Gallery July 20:                      Lyle Lovett at Big Top Chautauqua July 21:                      The Righteous Brothers at Big Top Chautauqua July 25-28:                Iron River Lions’ Blueberry Festival July 25:                      American Stories House Show at Big Top Chautauqua July 26 – 27:             Board Across the Bay in Washburn July 26 – 28:             Washburn Brownstone Block Party          July 26:                      Greg Brown at Big Top Chautauqua July 27:                      Titambe West African Dance Ensemble FREE SHOW at Big Top Chautauqua July 27:                      Cable Natural History Museum Summer Benefit July 28:                      Back to the Garden: The Music of Woodstock at Big Top Chautauqua Aug. 1 – 4:                 Port Wing Plein Air Festival   Ongoing Activities in July Farmers Markets:                 Wednesdays in Washburn                                                 Saturdays in Port Wing, Bayfield and Cable Outdoor Concert Series:     Tuesdays at Memorial Park in Bayfield                                                 Thursdays at the Cornucopia Sweet & Coffee Shop                                                 Sundays at the Rookery Pub in Cable                   View the full schedule of events on our website and Facebook page.   July Preview We’ll talk about all the different kinds of berries you can find locally and the Bayfield County Fair (it’s the 125th Anniversary!). Affiliate Notes Lodging Highlights: Looking for a place to stay? Bayfield County has nearly a hundred and fifty lodging locations! There are lots of locally-owned hotels and motels throughout the county – many of which are within walking distance to downtown shops, restaurants, museums and other attractions. Or consider staying at a lakeside resort. Many of our resorts feature lake view cabin or condo rentals, and include amenities such as restaurants, boat rentals, and use of sports gear like kayaks or paddle boards. Adventure Lodging is a category unique to Bayfield County and is a great way to connect with nature by staying in a yurt or treehouse. These one-of-a-kind experiences are a perfect way to make your getaway a true adventure. You can also stay in one of 32 campgrounds ranging from rustic to fully developed. Only one of our hotels is part of a national chain so it’s easy to overlook the fact that all of these other options are out there! All of this can be found on the Interactive Map at travelbayfieldcounty.com. The map lists Lodging information along with Dining and Attractions by category and has photos, descriptions and contact details. Planning your Bayfield County visit has never been easier!   Top o’ the Morn Resort & Campground 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.    

The Apostle Islands has some of the best sailing in the world because of its reliable winds and great spots to anchor and enjoy the wilderness. On this episode of Bayfield County Wild, Director of Tourism Mary Motiff talks about the things people can see sailing around the Apostle Islands and the many ways you can charter a sailing adventure of your own, regardless of your experience. Then, she and Co-host Nancy Christopher chat with Tim Landgreen, owner of Northern Pines, about how his family turned their family farm into a beautiful golf course and event center in Iron River.   Sailing the Apostle Islands The Apostle Islands originally got its name because it was believed there were only 12 islands, just like the 12 apostles. It was later discovered there were actually 22 different islands to protect ships from the temperamental waters of the inland sea. While some of the islands have been inhabited by humans, a group of the islands have been designated as the Gaylord Nelson Wilderness Area. Left untouched for decades, Mary says you can find interesting relics left by the former inhabitants, in addition to lush forest, spectacular Brownstone cliffs and sea caves carved by centuries of crashing waves. After the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, new materials were needed that were fire-resistant to rebuild the Windy City. Brownstone was quarried from the Apostle Islands and shipped to Chicago to rebuild, where these beautiful buildings still stand today. You’ll also see brownstone buildings from this area in other cities such as Milwaukee and even in New York. Another feature of the Apostle Island is its many lighthouses. Guided tours are offered on 4 of the islands including Raspberry Island and Michigan Island, where you can climb to the top and take in the panoramic views. (Note: there are specific times of the year that you can do this, so plan ahead so you’re not disappointed). According to Mary, there are many ways to experience sailing on these islands. A number of businesses offer small sailboat charters for one or two people for either a short sail in the morning, afternoon or at sunset or a longer, overnight trip. Most of the sailboats can typically take six people. Superior Charters lets you skipper your own boat if you have the experience or you can hire a captain to take your group out. There are about 30 to 35 different boats to choose from. They also offer “learn to sail” vacations, advanced sailing courses and executive retreats for companies that would like to have a unique team-building exercise for its employees. Regardless of your level of sailing experience, there are group, multi-day and multi-boat flotillas that can be chartered. There’s also an organization called Lake Superior Tall Ships that will take you out on a “pirate ship” type vessel that lets you help raise the sails, steer the wheel or just relax and enjoy the ride. To learn more about these sailing adventures, visit www.bayfield.org and use the search bar to look up sailing, or you can go to www.travelbayfieldcounty.com and look at the business directory for sailing under the “activities and adventures” category.   Hitting the Links at Northern Pines Tim Landgreen has put a lot of sweat equity into the farm his family has owned for more than 130 years. On 300 acres of farmland, Tim and his wife had an “aha” moment 20 years ago and decided to use half of that acreage to build a golf course and event center called Northern Pines. According to Tim, the family started with a driving range in 1998. They spent the next three years building a golf course, added a rustic 40 x 80-ft. clubhouse in 2005 and completed a 40 x 60-ft. event center for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and other occasions in 2011. According to Tim, Northern Pines is an extra-wide, Par 36 golf course about 3,200-ft.-long. There are lots of elevation changes, good dog legs with a tree-lined front nine and a link-style course with open fields on the back nine. The last hole features a 60- to 80-ft. elevation leading to a green at the top of the hill which happens to be near the clubhouse where you can take a break. Tim and his family organize many events throughout the year. A beautiful pergola was added recently, which is perfect for wedding ceremonies. For the second year, Northern Pines will host a sled dog race with a $4,000 purse on Feb. 15, 2020. The 16-mile course will accommodate 50 dog teams. Photos of last year’s successful event can be found on www.northernpinessdr.com, http://northernpineseventcenter.com and http://northernpinesgolf.com/. Organizers are still looking for sponsors, so if interested, contact Geri at the Iron River Area Chamber of Commerce https://visitironriver.com/contact-us/   June Activities May 31 - June 1:      Rumble on the Lake Motorcycle Fund-raising Ride June 1 – 9:                Bayfield in Bloom June 1 – 7:                Eat. Drink. Washburn June 1:                       Kids Fishing Day at the Northern Great Lakes Visitors Center June 8:                       9th Annual Spider Lake Run in Iron River June 8:                       Dandelion Days in Washburn June 15:                     Washburn Citywide Garage Sale June 22:                     Superior Vistas Bike Tour June 22:                     Maker’s Faire at White Winter Winery June 1 – 30               Bayfield County Farmers Markets View the full schedule of events on our website and Facebook page.   June Preview Marvin Defoe joins us to talk about the 41st Annual Red Cliff Pow Wow, featuring the Grammy-nominated Young Spirit Singers.   Affiliate Notes Fo’c’sle Inn  The Fo’c'sle Inn is the place on a boat where the crew eats and sleeps. It’s also an exceptional inn located on the south shore of Lake Superior just minutes from the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. The rooms have their own private entrance from a second-floor deck right on the water’s edge in Siskiwit Bay. Breakfast is delivered to your room to enjoy privately. Browse the beachside gift shops and stroll the sandy beach at sunset.   Benoit Cheese Haus Since 1973, Benoit Cheese Haus has been Bayfield’s premiere source for local Wisconsin cheeses and delicacies. Come in to sample some of Wisconsin’s award-winning cheeses and then stay for a while to explore the area. June is Dairy Month!    

On this episode of Bayfield County Wild, Tourism Director Mary Motiff talks about the rich history that’s been preserved in Bayfield County with more museums per capita than most of the country and 22 sites on the National Registry of Historic Places. Co-host Nancy Christopher learns what a naturalist does from Cable Natural History Museum Education Director, Emily Stone. Plus, we highlight some great events in May. Making History A few years back, the Washington Post did an article about the number of museums in the United States, which is about double the number of Starbuck’s and McDonald’s locations combined. Data from the Institute of Museum and Library Services shows that Bayfield County had the 6th largest number of museums per capita in the entire United States.  If you are a history buff, there’s a lot to see and do at museums and historic sites in Drummond, Cable, Mason, Bayview, Oulu, Cornucopia and beyond. According to Mary, many of the County’s 16 museums can be found along the WI Lake Superior Scenic Byway, which received that designation because of all the natural, cultural, historic and geographic resources and attractions along the way. Those who like architecture will like visiting Bayfield County’s historic sites which include the Apostle Islands Lighthouses, Bayfield and Washburn’s Historic Districts and seven shipwrecks, some that are so close to the surface you can see them while kayaking or taking a cruise in a glass bottom boat. A brochure, produced by the Bayfield County Historic Society, can be ordered online by clicking on the “Request information” menu item on the Visitors section of the Bayfield County website.  Observing & Learning About the Natural World A naturalist is “a type of biologist who studies the impacts of living species on each other and the environments in which they live.” Naturalist and Education Director at the Cable Natural History Museum, Emily Stone, says the best stories can be found in nature. Emily has a degree in outdoor education with an emphasis on natural history and a minor in geology from Northland College. She also has a master’s as a field naturalist from the University of Vermont. Emily says she is lucky to be working in Bayfield County where glacial history, protected lands and cool plants make it such an exciting place to explore. She shares her discoveries in a weekly column she writes for about a dozen newspapers called “Natural Connections” in Wisconsin and Minnesota, plus a compilation of her writings that can be found in two books of the same name. Emily says the main mission of the museum is to showcase its collections of Northern Wisconsin native species, which she calls the “dead stuff,” and it's living collections which include a Red Tail Hawk and an American Kestrel, plus a salamander and two snakes. The staff puts on about 200 public programs every year. This year a new exhibit opens at the museum on May 25 called “Power Pollinators” featuring birds, wasps, beetles, bees, butterflies and moths and a new Curiosity Center for kids. The Center includes a two-story tree that kids can climb up - one branch of the tree has a slide and climbing wall. The other side has a bird’s nest where you can launch a flying squirrel on a zip line. The museum also hosts master naturalist training and advanced master naturalist training throughout the summer for those who are interested in high-level training on land management and citizen science to work as volunteers at non-profits and other agencies. On July 27, the museum throws its biggest party, its Summer Benefit, featuring a dinner, live music and auction. Proceeds benefit the museum. The museum also conducts Junior Day Camps and Storytime at Redberry Books, as well as many more lectures and family programs. If you want to learn more about all these programs, you can visit the Cable Natural History museum’s website and sign up for its weekly e-newsletter. The newsletter includes Emily’s weekly column, a calendar of events and blogs by museum staff. You can also follow the museum’s Facebook and Instagram pages.   May Activities: May 4 – 31:                              Hauser’s Annual Red Barn Plant Sale May 9:                                      Dam it: Why Beavers Matter, presented by Ben Goldfarb May 11:                                    Hungry Bear 100 Race May 15 – June 9:                       Eat. Drink. Washburn May 16 – 18:                             Chequamegon Bay Birding & Nature Festival May 25:                                    Cable Natural History Museum Grand Opening May 18 – Oct. 20                       Apostle Island Cruises begins regular schedule May 25 – early October:                        Port Wing Saturday Market   June Preview: We’ll talk about the world-class sailing opportunities and chat with Tim Landgren from the Northern Pines Golf Course.       Affiliate Notes: Barnes Trading Post & Wilderness Inn - This historic property in the Town of Barnes began in 1888 and is now a get-a-way for all seasons. Fishing, hiking, swimming, water skiing, picking wild blueberries, raspberries and blackberries in the summer months, plus hunting, snowmobiling and ice fishing during the winter months. Relax in any of 8, beautifully-themed suites and enjoy the great company at the bar, which serves great food breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Washburn Inn and Harbor View Event Center – The Harbor View Event Center is the perfect place to host a memorable experience for any type of event or celebration. Relax next door at the newly-remodeled Washburn Inn and plan your next event at the Harbor View Event Center. Winfield Inn & Gardens – This is the perfect family vacation destination. There are lots of lodging options, plus a spectacular view of Lake Superior, beautiful gardens and close proximity to attractions and events in Bayfield.           

As the snow melts in Bayfield County, and our rivers and streams are at their highest, spring is the best time to make a trip out of visiting the waterfalls in northern Wisconsin. Director of Bayfield County Tourism Mary Motiff describes the tallest and most picturesque waterfalls and introduces the new brochure that includes maps and descriptions of the waterfalls in this episode or Bayfield County Wild. Plus, Co-host Nancy Christopher talks with Ryan Brady, a conservation biologist, about birding and why it’s so popular in Bayfield County.   Flowing Falls There are more than 20 waterfalls in northern Wisconsin within Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas and Iron Counties. Iron County has the most, followed by Bayfield County with five waterfalls. The tallest is Big Manitou Falls in Douglas County. Mary says it would take a good week to explore and hike all 20 of them, but you can make multiple trips and see one or two at a time. A new brochure is now available that features all of the waterfalls with photos, descriptions and an overview map to make the most of your journey. You can order the brochure online at www.travelbayfieldcounty.com   The Best Birding is in Bayfield County A conservation biologist and bird monitoring coordinator for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Ryan Brady says his life is for the birds…literally. Ryan talks about the world’s #1 sport, birding, and its significance in Bayfield County. According to Ryan, this is one of the best regions in the U.S. to spot birds because of the wide variety of habitats. Bayfield County has water, wetlands, shorelines, grasslands, forests and even Pine Barrens, which are globally unique. Plus, a lot of this is public land where people can come and enjoy the birds along with all the trails and other wildlife you might see. Spring is Ryan’s favorite time for birding because the birds are singing and in their most colorful plumage. This time of year, we see lots of migrating birds and waterfowl such as sandhill cranes, swans and blue heron, followed by insect-eating birds like the Orioles. Bayfield has seen an increase in several bird species, including Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, Trumpeter Swans, Turkeys and Canadian Geese. Among the declining species are the Eastern Whippoorwill, the common Night Hawk, Evening Grosbeaks and Meadowlarks, Bobolinks and grassland birds. The decline in these species is mostly because of changes in habitat.  Bayfield County has seen some rare species like the Whooping Crane, Piping Plovers, Scissortail Flycatchers and Lewis’ Woodpeckers. The rarest, however, were the Wilson’s Plover, Tropical Kingbird and Ross Gull, which has only been seen once in 2001 and comes all the way from the Arctic and Bering Sea. Ryan says there are things we can do to draw more birds to our backyards.  Birds are looking for water, food and shelter, so he recommends having water bird fountains and shallow ponds. Planting trees, shrubs and other plants will help to attract insects and arthropods as food sources. Brush piles are also great for providing natural shelters for birds. If you would like to get involved in helping birds, Ryan also recommends a number of clubs and associations that encourage membership like the Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative and Wisconsin Audobahn Chapters. You can also become a volunteer by getting involved in one of Wisconsin’s many citizen science projects. Lastly, if you are already birding, you can share your bird counting on Ebird.org or get involved in the 2019 Great Wisconsin Birdathon by either collecting pledges or simply donating to the cause.   Birding & Nature Festival For 13 years, the Northern Great Lakes Visitors Center has been hosting the Chequamegon Bay Birding & Nature Festival. This year’s event is being held May 16-18. The festival offers 3 days of birding and nature activities on the southern shore of Lake Superior at the peak of spring migration. There will be more that 100 field trips and programs about nature, including birds, butterflies, wildflowers, snails, spiders, elk, frogs, fish and mushrooms.   April Activities April 6:           Syrup Saturday at the Iron River National Fish Hatchery April 6:            Cellar Jazz Concert at the White Winter Winery in Iron River, WI      April 26 – 27: Washburn Brokedown Blues Fest View the full schedule of events on our website and Facebook page.   May Preview Our guest is Naturalist Emily Stone. As the naturalist/education director at the Cable Natural History Museum in Cable, Wisconsin, Emily writes a weekly “Natural Connections” column published in more than a dozen local and regional newspapers. She has also earned multiple Excellence in Craft awards from the Outdoor Writers Association of America.    Affiliate Notes Bear Paw Restaurant Enjoy delicious food in a cozy, cabin-like atmosphere. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Bear Paw’s specials include chicken wings, seafood and BBQ ribs. Don’t leave without trying a trademark, delicious caramel roll or their unique, homemade potato chips.   Bayfield County Rustic Yurts Enjoy all that nature has to offer while staying in a cozy yurt near Bayfield and Cable. Explore thousands of acres of forests, as well as miles of maintained, non-motorized recreational trails. Peace and quiet are yours here, with the wonders of the North Woods surrounding you.   Quality Inn Ashland Located in Bayfield County on the shore of Lake Superior near the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, the Apostle Islands and Big Top Chautauqua, the Quality Inn gives you plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities and adventures.   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.

Brews & broods in Bayfield County - it’s what’s on tap for this episode! First, Director of Bayfield County Tourism Mary Motiff points out the best wineries, distilleries and craft breweries to taste and tour. Then, co-host Nancy Christopher talks with Carey Edwards, Hatchery Manager, about the vital role of the Iron River National Fish Hatchery and the opportunities available for visitors and volunteers to get involved. Plus, Mary springs into action with highlights of the March madness happening this month in Bayfield County.   Tastes of the County If there’s anything creating a brouhaha in Bayfield County, it’s the winery, craft brew and spirits industry. In an area known for its berries and apple orchards, Bayfield County is now attracting visitors who enjoy touring the production facilities and tasting the fruits of the local labor. Mary says there are numerous experiences to take part in, starting with the White Winter Winery in Iron River. A winery and distillery, White Winter has a large selection of Meads, a house specialty made from fruit and honey, but it also makes a hard cider and non-alcoholic spritzer. If you dabble in craft brewing or would like to see what it’s like, the South Shore Brewery lets you “Brew with Bo.” You need to book this experience at least two weeks in advance, but you can spend a day with the tap house brewmaster and his crew, making a batch of South Shore beer. You’ll get a tour of the facility, an official South Shore work shirt with your name on it, a lunch and beer sampling, and a growler (64 oz.) of your brew once it’s on tap. If you are not from the area, you still get a growler of beer to take home, but not the one you brewed. The Copper Crow Distillery in Red Cliff has an outstanding Bloody Mary Bar on Sundays. Using fresh, regional ingredients, Copper Crow creates small, distinctive batches of vodka, and has some whiskey and apple brandy in the works. In the Bayfield area, Bayfield Winery and Seven Ponds Winery have combined to create the “Wineries on Betzold Rd.” There are fruit wines from the Bayfield Winery and grape wines from Seven Ponds to sample, along with charcuterie plates, and a unique Supper Club experience on Saturday nights. Reservations are required on Saturday nights. You can learn more about these wineries and others in the Bayfield County Visitors Guide, which can be downloaded on the website or click on the interactive map, also available on the website.   Iron River National Fish Hatchery One of four fish hatcheries in Bayfield County, the Iron River National Fish Hatchery raises trout to stock Lake Michigan and Lake Huron and coastal brook trout for Lake Superior. Its manager, Carey Edwards, and her staff of eight produce about 1.5 million yearlings annually and raise them until they are about seven to eight inches long. With the goal of having the trout reproduce for themselves, the Iron River hatchery has seen some success in their efforts. They are no longer stocking trout in Lake Superior and have reduced their numbers in Lake Huron. Edwards says it’s challenging working with live product and being concerned with maintaining water temperatures and water quality, pathogens, parasites and viruses. Though rare, when disease is present, Carey and her crew work with fish health specialists to mitigate the problem. The hatchery is open year-round to visitors, who can tour the aquariums, with or without guides, or use its three-mile trail system for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter and hiking and birding in the summer. Snowshoes are free to use on a first-come, first-served basis at the hatchery visitor center. Hunting is also allowed on the premises. There are also lots of opportunities for individuals who would like to volunteer their time with the hatchery.  Volunteers can stock fish at local lakes and help with hatchery’s annual Open House and Candlelight Trek. Its Friends organization also needs volunteers to help organize its 5k Trail Run in September and its Maple Syrup event this month.   March Madness March 1 – 3: Bayfield Winter Festival March 2: World’s Longest Weenie Roast at Lakewoods Resort March 7 – 21: Spring Community Art Exhibit at the Washburn Cultural Center – “Art Heals: The Healing Power of the Arts” March 8 – 9: Fat Bike Birkie in Cable, WI March 8 – 10: U.S. National Snowshoe Championships at Lakewoods Resort March 16: March Madness Taphouse Tournament at South Shore Brewery Enjoy snowmobiling, skiing and snowshoeing while the snow lasts! View the full schedule of events on our website and Facebook page.   April Preview Spring is here and so are the birds. Conservation Biologist Ryan Brady shares his love of birds and how we can enjoy them.   Affiliate Notes Rookery Pub and Cable Nature Lodge Casual gourmet dining at its finest, the Rookery’s ever-changing menu features weekly fresh fish specials, beef & bison steak, specialty salads, house-made soups, and other creative dishes incorporating fresh seasonal ingredients from local producers. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are the best you’ll find anywhere. Plus, a full bar with a great selection of regional microbrews, premium liquor, and more than three dozen fine wines. Staudemeyer’s Four Season Resort A family tradition since 1964, Staudemeyer’s is nestled along Lake Namakagon and features cozy lakeside cottages as well as beautiful vacation homes. Accommodations include complete kitchens, private piers, custom fireplaces and more. Whether for a scenic lakeside wedding or a simple fishing getaway, Straudemeyer’s offers it all. Valhalla View Pub & Grub Whether you’re on a 4-wheeler, snowmobile, or just passing by, we have the fuel, drinks and food to satisfy! Valhalla View has 24-hour pay at the pump fuel, drinks, and food. One of the best dining experiences around, Valhalla View has a full dinner menu, daily specials, all-you-can-eat salad bar, hand-made pizza and more! Valhalla View Pub & Grub – Where drinks, food, and fun meet the trail! Howl Adventure Center Come check out Bayfield’s newest & coolest outdoor adventure store. The Howl Adventure Center has a full-service shop for sales, rentals, demos and repairs, plus a free, fun, on-site demo trail so you can try out mountain bikes, fat tires, e-bikes, Cross-Country skis & snowshoes. The trail is entry level with optional features so it’s great for first-timers as well as avid bikers and skiers.

If you plan to camp in Bayfield County this summer, now is the time to start your research. On this episode of Bayfield County Wild, Director of Bayfield County Tourism, Mary Motiff, gives listeners all the tools to start researching Bayfield County’s 30-plus campgrounds. Co-host Nancy Christopher talks with Dede Eckels about her family’s legacy in the Bayfield Peninsula Arts movement and Mary ends the episode with a round-up of great events in February and a preview of what to expect in March.    Camping This Summer? Start planning now. Mary says the tourism department has three great tools to help visitors research their favorite campgrounds. First, the TravelBayfieldCounty.com website has a graphic link to an interactive map on the home page that can help you locate campgrounds and visualize where they are in relation to the communities throughout Bayfield County. If you know what campground you are looking for, the website also has a business directory that is searchable by name, by area, or by topic. The listings have descriptions and contact information for each campground including links to their websites. Plus, Mary’s office has just updated its camping brochure which lists all of the campgrounds in the area by type (County, Municipal, Private, National Park Service, US Forest Service). You can choose from very rustic, wilderness-type camps that you’ll find on the Apostle Islands or full-service campgrounds with all the amenities like at Legendary Waters Resort & Casino. If you are interested in reserving campsites with the national park system, reservations can be made now at recreation.gov or wait until April to reserve sites at County campgrounds. Call 715-373-6125 to have a brochure mailed to you today.   Eckel’s Pottery and Fine Craft Gallery Dede Eckels and Pete Skora are the owners of Eckels Pottery and Fine Craft Gallery. The family business was started by Dede’s dad, Bob Eckels, and Glenn Nelson in 1960. Then called Eckels Pottery, the studio was affectionately nicknamed “the Pot Shop.” The building was moved to Bayfield in 1962, where it remains today. Bob Eckels was hired by Northland College to start an arts department. A potter, sculptor and jeweler, Eckels was a key player in the growth of the arts movement on the Bayfield Peninsula. He was deeply involved with the Bayfield Chamber, started the Tri-State Art Fair (now the Bayfield Festival of Arts) and helped start the Bayfield Artist Guild. He also established an arts apprenticeship program which drew students from all over the country. He ran the shop until his death in 2004. Dede followed in her father’s steps, becoming a talented potter and owner of the gallery. For more than 40 years, she has made functional, one-of-a-kind pieces and is most known for her signature wildlife and Northwoods imagery. Dede is always experimenting with new glazes and techniques while working with porcelain clay and she describes the process for us in enough detail to give us a true sense of how much work goes into each piece. Dede loves to create very involved surfaces that actually become small paintings on functional pottery. After an initial firing in the kiln and further artistry, the piece undergoes a second firing before it is finally finished. When Dede married her husband, Pete, the gallery underwent a major change - the couple started to invite other artists to showcase their work in the gallery. No longer just pottery, the gallery now includes jewelry, garden sculptures, wood carvings and hand-blown glass, so the name was changed to Eckels Pottery and Fine Craft Gallery. Every summer, Dede and Pete open their studio during Arts Week in Bayfield (the week prior to the Festival of Arts in July) to teach the public the Raku technique of how to decorate, glaze and fire pottery that they can actually take with them when they leave that day. Raku was a process originated by Korean potters. It was later adopted by the Japanese to make Raku cups for their tea ceremonies. In the 1950s and 60s, Raku was “Americanized.” Dede loves the Raku process because its results are immediate, turning clay into a beautiful piece of pottery in just two hours. Eckels Pottery and Fine Craft Gallery is located on the south end of the Bayfield city limits. You can’t miss it because there is a giant stoneware jug, weighing two tons, out front. For more information about the gallery, you can visit the new website at Eckelspottery.com.   February Activities Although not considered an event, a new “Discover Wisconsin” show featuring Bayfield County’s silent sports trails debuts the weekend of Feb. 2. Watch for your local TV listings or watch on the Discover WI Roku channel, Apple TV, or on DiscoverWisconsin.com.     Feb. 1 - 2: Red Wine Weekend at the Old Rittenhouse Inn Feb. 2: Retreat Yourself Women’s Wellness Day at the Harbor View Event Center in Washburn Feb. 2: All-Sports Party at the Mt. Valhalla Recreation Area Feb. 2: Mt. Ashwabay Summit Ski Race Feb. 2: American Legion Post 516 Ice Fishing Contest at Chopper’s Bar & Grille Feb. 2 - 3: Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race Feb. 10: North End Classic Ski Race in Cable, WI Feb. 10: Birch Grove Kids Classic Ski Race Feb. 16: New Northern Pines Sled Dog Race at Northern Pines Golf Course Feb. 16: Book Across the Bay Feb. 17: Bike Across the Bay Feb. 17: Drummond Sno-Jack’s Bar Stool Races Feb. 21 – 24: American Birkebeiner View the full schedule of events on our website and Facebook page.   March Preview We’ll be chatting with naturalist Emily Stone with the Cable Natural History Museum.   Affiliate Notes Legendary Waters Resort & Casino  On the shores of Lake Superior in Red Cliff, the hotel offers 47 deluxe rooms and premier suites, each with a Lake Superior and Apostle Islands view. The Casino has 24/7 entertainment, featuring all your favorite slot machines and table games. Lakewoods Resort   Lakewoods Resort in Cable, Wis., is next to more than 600 miles of super-groomed trails in Bayfield County. You can ride for a week and never cross your tracks.  Mogasheen Resort Located among Cable’s scenic, nationally-known trails, the Mogasheen Resort’s traditional environment features comfortable cottages and cabins with breathtaking sunsets on Lake Namekagon. Boat rentals are available right on site for fishing, kayaking and more. Ashland Quality Inn Located in Bayfield County on the shore of Lake Superior near the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, the Apostle Islands and Big Top Chautauqua, the Quality Inn gives you plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities and adventures.            

Welcome to the New Year! On this episode of Bayfield County Wild, Director of Bayfield County Tourism Mary Motiff shares her recommendations for getting fit…the Bayfield County way… with her Co-host Nancy Christopher. John Murphy and Joe Groshek, two avid fat bikers and silent sports advocates, talk about fat biking and its rising popularity in Bayfield County. Plus, Mary has some great events to get you off the couch and excited to be outdoors.   Why Bayfield County in the Winter? That’s easy. All of the county’s public land means lots of great trails and ways to get outdoors and embrace winter. Mary says there are nine separate groomed cross-country skiing trail systems in Bayfield County, 38 hiking trails that double as snowshoeing trails in the winter, 600 miles of groomed snowmobile trails and hundreds of miles of ungroomed forest roads for fat biking, backcountry skiing, snowmobiling or just exploring. One of the best recreation areas in the county is Mt. Ashwabay, overlooking beautiful Lake Superior. Here, you can downhill ski, cross-country ski, snowshoe, as well as go skijoring and tubing. For those (like Nancy) who don’t know, skijoring is basically a combination of cross-country skiing and dog-sledding, but without the sled. And yes, there is a trail dedicated to just skijoring. There are also over 25 miles of cross-country skiing trails and 13 downhill skiing runs for every level of ability. Mt. Ashwabay may not be as steep or as long as the slopes in Colorado, but it’s very affordable…only $24 for a full day of skiing, $18 for youths and seniors, and kids under five are free. The Ashwabay Outdoor Education Foundation is currently working on a history project. If anyone has any stories, video or photos that help tell the story of Mt. Ashwabay, please contact the director at Mt. Ashwabay or find out more on the website, mtashwabay.org/.   Fat Biking John Murphy and Joe Groshek are avid fat bikers and are dedicated to creating and maintaining fat bike trails in our area. John is a native Wisconsinite, who worked for the Houston Police Dept. in Texas. He and his wife moved back to Wisconsin and settled in Bayfield in 2010 and are now actively promoting silent sports and fitness in the community. Joe is a 40-year resident of Bayfield and outdoor enthusiast, and one of the founding members of BAASA (Bay Area Active Sports Alliance). Joe is currently involved as a board member with NCCA (North Coast Cycling Association) and a founder of the Superior Vistas Bike Tour. Joe says fat biking is very different than mountain biking. For one, the tires are more than four inches wide, compared to less than three inches on mountain bikes. You can also bike year-round and can go anywhere on snow, sand or ice on a fat bike. You can climb anywhere with gears that shift easily and smooth pedaling. One big difference with a fat bike is its weight, which is considerably heavier than road bikes; 1 mile of fat biking is about the same as 15 miles of road biking. Fat bikes are also slower, but they give you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery. These two guys created an activity they call “fat bike safaris” as a way to educate riders in a group led by an experienced guide. Joe’s favorite adventure is biking on Lake Superior ice but warns that you must know what you’re doing since conditions can change rapidly on Lake Superior. John has fascinating stories about wolves and tracking them in the forest. Wolves often separate into smaller groups and when they return to their pack, they re-greet each other just like domestic dogs, wagging their tails and rolling on their backs. And if you are fearful about running into wolves, don’t be. They are very cautious and will keep their distance from humans.   Fat Bike Events Two years ago, the Forest Service approached the NCCA about creating some mixed-use trails groomed for both fat biking and cross-country skiing. It was very successful and serves as a model for the future. There is a shared comradery among different winter sport disciplines; backcountry skiers love fat bikers because they help to pack down the snow and fat bikers have an affinity for those who snowshoe for the same reason. The new, mixed-use trails at Mt. Valhalla will be part of the All Winter Fun Day on Saturday, Feb. 2. Non-motor and motorized vehicles, including snowmobilers, are welcome. On Saturday, Feb. 16, there is a major cross-country ski event called Book Across the Bay, followed by a fat bike event on Feb. 17 called Bike Across the Bay. This event is a race and tour that starts at the Harbor View Event Center in Washburn. Joe says the Brownstone cliffs and ice formations along the shores of Lake Superior are a phenomenon that attract people from all over. The ice formations are created by underground springs that maintain a temperature of 50 degrees. When the water flows out over the cliffs, it freezes, creating different colored ice. People bike, hike and ski to see these spectacular ice formations. Mary wants visitors to know that biking is not allowed at the mainland caves near Meyer’s Beach in Cornucopia; however, it is allowed outside of the National Park and can be accessed out of Bayfield and Washburn.  There are many more fat biking events and safaris taking place this winter. For more information, you can check out the Bayfield County Tourism website at www.travelbayfieldcounty.com, the NCCA website at http://www.northcoastcycling.com/, or for even more current events, the NCCA’s Facebook page.   January Activities Jan. 2 - 6: Oulu Glass Open House Jan. 12: Northwoods Harness Sleigh & Cutter Rally Jan. 19: Warren Nelson’s Cabin Fever Reliever Jan. 19: Fishin’ Chicks Ice Fishing Contest Jan. 19: Four Seasons Resort Ice Fishing Tournament Jan. 19 – 20: XC Ski Junior National Qualifiers Jan. 20: Winter Fun Day Jan. 26: Washburn Winter Triathlon XC Ski, Fat Bike, Snow Shoe/Run Jan. 26 – 27: Red Cliff 3rd Annual Winter Pow Wow Jan. 31: Full Moon XC Ski View the full schedule of events on our website and Facebook page.   February Preview Finding yourself with a case of Cabin Fever this winter? Join us next month to remedy that the Bayfield County way! Dede Eckels of Eckel’s Pottery and Fine Craft Gallery joins us to share how she stays busy all winter long.   Affiliate Notes The Delta Diner A frame-up restoration of a 1940’s Silk City diner, you’ll always find an eclectic menu with a twist on authentic favorites. Join us Friday-Sunday for our breakfast specials, blue plates, and homemade sandwiches, or stop in Monday for our burgers-only menu, featuring delectable house-made ground steak burgers! Come taste why they’ve been featured by the New York Times, the Food Network and Midwest Living. Lakewoods Resort Lakewoods Resort in Cable, Wis., is next to more than 600 miles of super-groomed trails in Bayfield County. You can ride for a week and never cross your tracks. Surrounded by 850,000 acres of Chequamegon National Forrest, the Great Outdoors is literally just outside your door! After a long day of outdoor adventures, warm your toes and fill your belly with some of Lakeside Restaurant’s outstanding Northwoods cuisine.  The Loon Saloon After a long day outside, wet your whistle and tame your hunger at The Loon Saloon! Enjoy one of the best pizzas in the Northwoods or browse our full menu of burgers, wraps, and appetizers. The Loon Saloon is a great stop on the snowmobile trails and is a hub for some of the best ice fishing in Bayfield County. Be sure to visit our onsite bait shop and convenience store to help you prepare for a great day on the lake or trails. Valhalla View Pub & Grub Whether you’re on a 4-wheeler, snowmobile, or just passing by, we have the fuel, drinks and food to satisfy! The Pub & Grub has 24-hour pay at the pump fuel, drinks, and food. One of the best dining experiences around, Valhalla View has a full dinner menu, daily specials, all-you-can-eat salad bar, hand-made pizza and more! Valhalla View Pub & Grub – Where drinks, food, and fun meet the trail!  

On this episode of Bayfield County Wild, Nancy Christopher talks with co-host and Director of Bayfield County Tourism, Mary Motiff, about holiday shopping and where to go for unique gift ideas. Our special guest Sue Vojacek, owns a family-run business called Oulu Glass Gallery and is inviting everyone to the family’s Finnish enclave to watch the art of glass blowing and to sign up for classes over the holidays. Plus, get into the holiday spirit with festive events and get ready to ring in the New Year at the Top of Wisconsin.    Holiday Shopping Circle Tour Mary takes us on a circle tour, starting in the northern part of county. Bayfield has plenty of orchards, like the Bayfield Apple Co., that are open year-round and offer delicious, home-made jams, jellies, mustards and ciders. The downtown streets are lined with decorative gift shops that include the Apostle Islands Bestsellers, Bayfield Wine and Spirits, Keeper of the Light, Joanne’s Scandinavian and the Brownstone Center and Sweet Sailing. In between shops, there are plenty to places to relax and refuel. Not too far down the road from Bayfield is Washburn with its delightful shops including: Chequamegon Books, Karlyn’s Gallery and Lake Superior Drifting Stone Jewelry. You’ll also find great stocking stuffers at Coco’s Bakery and Harbor House Sweets. If you time things right in Washburn, take in one of two holiday shows at Stage North – “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” put on by the Groundlings and “Blue Canvas Christmas,” performed by the Big Top Blue Canvas Orchestra.   Next, Mary says head west to Iron River and stop on the way at the Northern Great Lakes Visitors Center in Ashland on Dec. 1. They are having a homemade holiday bazaar featuring locally-made gifts for everyone on your list. In Iron River, don’t forget to visit Angie’s Bakery, Jim’s Meat Market and This Old Bunkhouse. You’ll want to time it right to grab a bite at the Delta Diner and then head over to Benoit to browse the tremendous selection of cheeses at Benoit Cheese. When you get to the southern part of the county, you’ll be in the Cable area, where Mary says places like My Villa, Circle North, Whispering Pines Gift and Gallery and Redbery Books make your shopping experience the exact opposite to shopping in a mall. Shopping in Bayfield County for the holidays is relaxing and beautiful, as all of the communities embrace the holidays with festive decorations.   Oulu Glass Gallery If you’re looking for that special Christmas ornament, you might find it in the Northwoods of Wisconsin at the Oulu Glass Gallery, just north of Brule. Run by a family of artists, Jim Vojacek blows glass, his wife Sue Vojacek makes stained glass and their daughter, Tonja makes jewelry. Sue says they built their studio in 1972, which many say looks like a mushroom house. You’ll find just about anything you can make with glass there, including jewelry, ornaments, goblets and bowls. Sue says this time of year to mid-January, you can come to see her husband, Jim, blow glass during their holiday shows. Jim takes audience requests and creates beautiful blown glass items in minutes. The entire glass blowing process takes considerably longer. According to Sue, Jim loads the furnace with 50 to 200 lbs. of raw glass materials. Its takes about three days to get the furnace hot enough to melt the material, then Jim blows glass for 6 to 8 weeks. The blown glass is put in a second furnace, where it is reheated, and then placed in a lair to cool down. For $35, you can take a glass blowing class, but Sue suggests you check the website for availability at ouluglassgallery1.com or call 715-372-4160 to leave a message. Most of the time the family members are in the studio creating beautiful works of art. The studio is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the week and from Noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Mary says if you are heading there from Hwy. 2, look for the Oulu Rock, a giant, painted rock. It’s been there for more than 50 years. How it got there and who painted remains a secret. Sue knows, but she’s not saying a word.    December Activities   Nov. 30 - Dec. 1: Christmas in Cable Celebration Dec. 1: 2nd Annual Holiday “Bizarre” in Washburn Dec. 1: Holiday Spirit Gallery Tour in Bayfield Dec. 1 – Dec. 23: Wassail Dinner Concerts at the Rittenhouse Inn Dec. 6: Breakfast with Santa at Lakewoods Resort Dec. 8: Holiday Boutique at the Washburn Cultural Center Dec. 8: Dickens of A Christmas at White Winter Meadery, Cidery & Distillery Dec. 8: Santa Arrives on the Ferry in Bayfield Dec. 12: Iron River Holiday Gift & Craft Show   View the full schedule of events on our website and Facebook page.   January Preview Ring in the New Year with Joe Groshek and John Murphy, who will be talking about Fat Biking in Bayfield County.   Affiliate Notes   Siskiwit River Cabins Looking for cabins to rent on Lake Superior? Siskiwit River Cabins offers clean, charming, year-round, fully-furnished, two-bedroom cabins located across from beautiful Corny Beach.   Artesian House B&B Innkeepers Christine Markley & Dennis Clark welcome you to the Artesian House Bed & Breakfast near Bayfield. Located at the gateway to the Apostle Islands and the Lake Superior National Lakeshore, the B&B offers contemporary, eco-friendly lodging & comfortable furnishings.   Second Wind Country Inn Come catch your breath at the Second Wind Country Inn.  Located just minutes from Lake Superior on the Chequamegon Bay, the Inn is just a short drive from the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, Washburn, Bayfield and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.   Robinson Lake Resort & Bar Looking to escape to the city for a week? Come enjoy a relaxing week in Barnes at Robinson Lake Resort and Bar. Now under new ownership, the resort has two lakefront cabins for rent with all the amenities you’ll need! 

On this episode of Bayfield County Wild, co-hosts Nancy Christopher and Mary Motiff, Director of Bayfield County Tourism, talk about all the ways to explore and enjoy the ½ million acres of public lands and waterways in Bayfield County. Our special guest is Jennifer Maziasz, the recreation manager for the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in the Washburn Ranger District. Jen highlights top recreation areas in the forest and some of its unique ecosystems. Plus, the holidays are almost here! Mary tells us about the shopping opportunities and special events for November in Bayfield County.   The People’s Land Here’s a wild stat: Not only is it the 2nd biggest county in the state, but half the land in Bayfield County is in public ownership! With all that open space to explore, it is a natural playground for recreation and solitude. There are more than 35 hiking trails, hundreds of miles of snowmobile and ATV trails, and of the 1,000 inlands lakes in Bayfield County, more than half have public access for watersports and winter fun. The county is home to many national treasures as well, including the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore & Gaylord Nelson Wilderness Area, Frog Bay Tribal National Park, the Iron River National Fish Hatchery and the Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge.  One of Bayfield’s most recognized treasures are the Sea Caves, part of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Public access is available on land and by water. The hiking trail at Meyer’s Beach takes visitors above the sea caves, where the caves can be seen any time of year. In the winter, when the water freezes, visitors can sometimes walk out on the ice to the sea caves. There are three ways to check on sea caves’ ice conditions: the official Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Facebook page, the Ice Line at 705-779-3397, extension 3 and the National Apostle Islands National Lakeshore website.    Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Jennifer Maziasz is the recreation manager for the northernmost district of the forest. An astounding 83 percent of Bayfield County is forested and according to Jen, you can find a little bit of everything in the woods - miles of trails for motorized snowmobiles, ATVS, hiking, biking and horseback riding, waterfalls and unique ecosystems like the Moquah Pine Barrens. A globally imperiled ecosystem, the Barrens are home to lots of wildlife including the sharptail grouse and also wildflowers that provide important habitat to monarch butterflies and migratory birds. It’s also one of the best places for blueberry picking in the summer.  Jen tells us about the Valhalla Recreation Area with its groomed cross-country ski trails, ATV and snowmobile trails and trails for the increasingly popular fat bike riding. She also highlights Long Lake, a quiet, beautiful lake popular for fishing, swimming and paddling. Hunting and fishing is allowed in the national forest but does require a permit from the Wisconsin DNR. While most of the forest can be publicly accessed, there are some restrictions that visitors should be aware of. To find out about what is public and what is not, fees, permits, maps and anything else, Jen advises visitors to stop by the Washburn Ranger District, the WI DNR station in Ashland or the Northern Great Lakes Visitors Center. There is also information on the website for the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest at www.fs.usda.gov/cnnf.   November Activities  Nov. 2-3: Red Wine Weekend at Old Rittenhouse Inn Nov. 2-6: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Mt. Ashwaby Ski and Board Swap Nov. 3:  Holidaze Wine & Spirits Dinner Nov. 9-10: Christmas Open House at the Apple Branch Shoppe Nov. 18: Oulu Glass Holiday Show Nov. 23 – Dec. 10: Holiday Shop Hop Nov. 23: Holiday Tree Lighting at Garmisch Resort Nov. 24: Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony and Wassail Concert Nov. 24: Island Holiday Boutique View the full schedule of events on our website and Facebook page.   November Preview Next month, we’ll talk to Sue Vojacek about Oulu Glass Gallery and their holiday glassblowing demonstrations.   Affiliate Notes Antique Garden Inn The Antique Garden Inn welcomes you to the north woods of Wisconsin for a special experience of quiet escape mixed with as many varied activities as you care to indulge in. There are footpaths winding through 9 acres of stunning forest with stately white pines, hemlocks, cedars and numerous wildlife species. On the remaining 4 acres, the house and outbuildings are surrounded by gardens, wildflowers, a small orchard and wild berry bushes, creating a haven for birds and butterflies. Timber Baron Inn The Timber Baron Inn is your peaceful forest get-away. Enjoy stunning views of Lake Superior, Pikes Bay, and the Pikes Creek Valley. The Inn sits at the foot of Mt. Ashwabay, providing guests premiere access to the CAMBA mountain biking trails along with groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trails.  Rookery Pub and Cable Nature Lodge Casual gourmet dining at its finest, the Rookery’s ever-changing menu features weekly fresh fish specials, beef & bison steak, specialty salads, house-made soups, and other creative dishes incorporating fresh seasonal ingredients from local producers. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are the best you’ll find anywhere. Plus, a full bar with a great selection of regional microbrews, premium liquor, and more than three dozen fine wines.

On this episode of Bayfield County Wild, co-hosts Nancy Christopher and Mary Motiff, Director of Bayfield County Tourism, welcome the fall season by detailing all the exciting seasonal events in Bayfield County. Whether you are looking for places to view the spectacular fall color or a night of thrills and chills, there is something for everyone who loves the fall season this month! Our special guest is Jim Hauser of Hauser’s Superior View Farm who joins us to talk about the fascinating history of his five-generation family farm and orchard. Plus, learn about the many exciting October events coming to Bayfield County!   Hauser’s Superior View Farm Hauser’s Superior View Farm is one of Bayfield County’s most successful farms. From the humble beginnings of his family farm, Jim recounts its history including the unique “Red Barn” which was ordered out of a Sears catalog. The two-story barn stands tall with a stunning view of Lake Superior and the surrounding foliage, hence its name, Hauser’s Superior View Farm.   Hauser’s Farm is also home to Bayfield’s Knight Orchard, a unique, 100-year-old apple orchard that grows Dudley heirloom apples, the secret ingredient to many of Hauser’s specialty pies. Jim describes how new species of apples are created and how one came to fruition on his own farm! The Hauser’s Merlot apple is a one-of-a-kind apple that was started at the farm. Beyond apples and apple-related products, Hauser’s Superior View Farm has a wide variety of annuals and perennials. Jim explains how these plants are sold across the nation as well as locally at the annual Red Barn Plant Sale each May. With cider being one of Hauser’s most popular products, Jim talks about the farm’s first hard cider and the opening of their cidery this year. With dry and semi-sweet flavors, cider drinkers and curiosity seekers alike will be sure to enjoy this small-batch beverage.   Bayfield AppleFest Just in time for the onset of Wisconsin’s fall season, Bayfield AppleFest returns from October 5th-7th. Named one of the best fall harvest festivals in the country by USA Today, Bayfield AppleFest celebrates the bounty of apple orchards and apple-related goods in Bayfield County. The festival is celebrating its 55th anniversary and is expected to bring in over 60,000 attendees. Orchards from across the county participate in this event, showcasing their produce and locally-made products.   Autumn Activities Oct. 5-7: Bayfield Apple Festival Oct. 6: Great Grand View .02k at Choppers Oct. 6-7: Oulu Corn Maze Oct. 7: Sunday Serenades at The Rookery Pub Oct. 13: 13th Annual Namakagon Cancer Walk at Lakewoods Resort Oct. 13-14: Oulu Corn Maze Oct. 20: Fun in the Forest ATV Ride at Lakewoods Resort Oct. 20-21: Oulu Corn Maze Oct. 26-27: Fall Brew Weekend at Old Rittenhouse Inn Oct. 26-27: Zombie Days at Washburn, Wisconsin Oct. 27-28: Oulu Corn Maze   View the full schedule of events at our website    November Preview Next month, special guest Jen Maziasz with the Washburn Ranger District in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest will be telling us all the ways to enjoy recreating in the 268,000 acres the national forest has to offer in Bayfield County.   Affiliate Notes Lakewoods Resort - Lakewoods Resort prides itself on its extensive array of northwoods accommodations. Lakewoods Resort is an ideal destination at anytime of the year. With a stellar view of Lake Namakagon, Lakewoods Resort is a breathtaking setting to experience your next getaway. Whether it’s a romantic getaway, a memorable family excursion, or a get together with good friends, experience the distinct northwoods charm and modern comfort of Lakewoods Resort. Herbster Cottage - Located near the peaceful shores of Lake Superior, Herbster Cottage is the perfect place to enjoy the natural beauty of Bayfield County. It’s the perfect place to “get away from it all” while still enjoying the amenities of a beautiful home near Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands. End your day of adventure in total comfort at Herbster Cottage Benoit Cheese Haus - Since 1973, Benoit Cheese Haus has been Bayfield’s premiere source for local Wisconsin cheeses and delicacies. Come in to sample some of Wisconsin’s award-winning cheeses and then stay for a while to explore the area. Seagull Bay Motel - Nestled in a residential neighborhood just a few blocks from downtown Bayfield, Wisconsin, on the shore of Lake Superior, Seagull Bay Motel offers clean, quiet, comfortable lodging accommodations with a spectacular view of Madeline and Long Islands.

On the one-year anniversary of Bayfield County Wild, Co-hosts Nancy Christopher and Mary Motiff, director of Bayfield County Tourism, have some fun with Mary Grant, the owner of the Keeper of the Light Gift Shop and coordinator for the Annual Apostle Islands Lighthouse Celebration.  It’s also the 20th Anniversary of the Northern Great Lakes Visitors Center, so let’s get this party started! Northern Great Lakes Visitors Center’s 20th Anniversary Celebration For 20 years, the Northern Great Lakes Visitors Center (NGLVC) has been keeping the history of the area alive on its 150-acre site on County Hwy. G, just south of Washburn. Run by six, partner organizations – the U.S. Forest Service, the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Wisconsin Historical Society, the University of Wisconsin Extension and the Friends of the Center Alliance, the NGLVC is hosting a day-long event on Sept. 29 packed with activities for everyone.   Starting at 8:30 a.m., you can sign up to participate in a native grass planting on the property.  There will be book signings by area authors and a visit by the artist who painted the huge mural on the back wall of the center. In addition, a ribbon cutting ceremony is planned for the new exhibit documenting the Center’s $2 million Energy Renovation Project. U.S. Fish & Wildlife staff will lead guided hikes on the boardwalk trails. Plus, there will be Junior Ranger activities hosted by the National Park Service and appearances by Smokey the Bear. There will also be face painting and prizes for scavenger hunts. Throughout the day, visitors will have a chance to participate in voting for the winner of an art contest where artists submit photos of artwork that has been inspired in some way by the Visitor Center. The artwork can be anything from paintings and drawings to pottery or woodcarvings or whatever medium the artists choose. Artists who want to enter can find out more on the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the NGLVC Facebook Events page. The artist with the most votes will win a cash prize. Visitors won’t want to miss “Who Goes Bump in the Night,” an evening hike on the NGLVC’s boardwalk to listen to the owls and other night critters. The NGLVC is open 7 days a week, except holidays. Many of the exhibits are interactive with local personalities featured in interviews portraying commercial fishermen, loggers, Native Americans and others, and sharing stories of the past.  For those who have an interest in Lake Superior, shipwrecks or lighthouses, there is a great collection of books, some with rare titles, in the Gift Shop. And you don’t want to miss the breathtaking views from the NGLVC’s five-story Observation Tower with spotting scopes.   Apostle Islands Lighthouse Celebration From now through Sept. 15, the community is celebrating the largest collection of lighthouses located in a national park in the United States. The celebration includes guided cruises to all six lighthouses. Every lighthouse is different, so every cruise, conducted by Apostle Islands Cruises, is a different experience. Mary Grant coordinates all of the cruises from her Keeper of the Light Gift Shop in Bayfield. She says her favorite lighthouse is on Sand Island. After the cruise over to Sand Island, you’ll take a two-mile hike through beautiful, old-growth forest to get to the lighthouse, which built with Brownstone that was quarried from the island. The “Showplace of the Apostle Islands,” according to Mary, is the Raspberry Island Lighthouse. It’s the easiest lighthouse to get to (although there are quite a few steps once you arrive) and is a duplex with furnishings from the early 1900s. This is a living history exhibit, where your guide dresses up as the Keeper and gives you a tour of the lighthouse from his perspective.   There are very few Lighthouse Keepers left. New technology has made it no longer necessary to have working lighthouses, which for many years served as beacons to safely guide mariners through the waterways surrounding the Apostle Islands and into the protected waters of the bay. Mary says there are lots of great stories about the lighthouses the guides love to talk about. One haunted tale involved a cruise to Raspberry Island, where during the tour, the group heard cries from a young girl coming from the Assistant Keeper’s quarters. When they asked their tour guide who was crying next door, the guide assured them there was no one there. When the group returned from their cruise, they learned there was an Assistant Keeper who lived on the island with his family, and one of his children was a girl about the same age. Needless to say, they were all quite spooked. Mary tells another story from Michigan Island, where the head keeper and his assistant went on a fishing trip. They left behind the Keeper’s wife and three children. Gone for several days, the wife, who was raised in the city, had to figure out how to milk the cow. You’ll laugh at how she made it work. The lighthouse tours run daily through September 15. If you love lighthouses, you will want to stop in at Mary’s Keeper of the Light Gift Shop, which is a lighthouse specialty store. As part of the celebration, there is a photography presentation by Mark Weller and a live musical performance called “Lake Songs & Lighthouses” by Warren Nelson, performed at the Harbor View Event Center in Washburn. For more information about the lighthouse celebration, visit lighthousecelebration.com or call 715-779-5619.   September Events The celebrations continue with the following events: Now through Sept. 15: Apostle Islands Annual Lighthouse Celebration Sept. 1: Port Wing Fish Boil Sept. 6: The Great Emergency Pig Out, which is a pig roast hosted by the White Winter Winery to benefit first responders. Live music and lots of great food. Sept. 7: One of the Big Top Chautaugua’s House Shows, “Wild Woods & Waters.” Sept. 8: Cornucopia Art Crawl featuring local artists. Sept. 21 - 23: Annual Red Cliff Cultural Day Sept. 22: Chicken Sh**ing Fundraiser for American Legion 516 in at Chopper’s Bar & Grill in Grand View. Sept. 29: Fall Color Ride Bike Tours in Washburn. Guided tours by the North Coast Cycling Assoc. (Note: this event may be moved to October so check the website for updates) Sept. 28 – 29: Cable Area Fall Fest in Cable, WI   October Preview Take in all the color of Bayfield County with the apple harvest, fall festivals and corn mazes. If you want to learn more about Bayfield County, be sure to subscribe to our podcasts. Get a little WILD at travelbayfieldcounty.com, and don’t forget to explore our interactive map. Affiliate Notes Mogasheen Resort — Located among Cable’s scenic, nationally-known trails, the Mogasheen Resort’s traditional environment features comfortable cottages and cabins with breathtaking sunsets on Lake Namekagon. Boat rentals are available right on site for fishing, kayaking and more. Bayfield County Rustic Yurts – Enjoy all that nature has to offer while staying in a cozy yurt near Bayfield and Cable. Explore thousands of acres of forests, as well as miles of maintained, non-motorized recreational trails. Peace and quiet are yours here, with the wonders of the North Woods surrounding you. Legendary Waters Resort & Casino – On the shores of Lake Superior in Red Cliff, the hotel offers 47 deluxe rooms and premiere suites, each with a Lake Superior and Apostle Islands view. The Casino has 24/7 entertainment, featuring all your favorite slot machines and table games. Tri Lake Timbers - Tri Lake Timbers, in Iron River, has a variety of beautiful cabins with access to snowmobile, ATV and hiking trails galore. In the summer, relax on the swimming beach or rent a pontoon or fishing boat and get out on the water.

Co-hosts Nancy Christopher and Mary Motiff, director of Bayfield County Tourism, talk to the owner of one of Bayfield County’s oldest lakeside resorts, the Pine Point Lodge, near Iron River. Jack Martinsen is keeping the lakeside resort tradition alive with family fun, water activities and plenty of Wisconsin Gemütlichkeit…the German word for friendship, warmth and good cheer. Mary shares some of her favorite historic sites in Bayfield County and previews the fun events taking place in August. 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!

On this episode of Bayfield County Wild, Co-hosts Nancy Christopher and Mary Motiff, director of Bayfield County Tourism, speak with Fred Erickson, the third generation owner of Erickson’s Orchard, one of the area’s oldest and largest apple orchards and berry farms. They discuss the history of Fred’s family business and the upcoming Strawberry Festival, as well as other fun events happening throughout the month of July. Wisconsin Lake Superior Scenic Byway It’s a spectacular time of year to enjoy the outdoors in Bayfield County! One of the best ways to explore the area is to drive the Wisconsin Lake Superior Scenic Byway, a 70-mile stretch of State Highway 13 that goes up and around the Bayfield peninsula. But don’t just assume you’re getting the whole experience from the road alone: What’s truly magical is the natural, cultural, geographical and historical beauty surrounding it. There are kiosks within each community along the byway, which provide maps, guides and other information so take your time, pull over and explore! More at www.lakesuperiorbyway.org. Experience Bayfield Culture There are many ways to experience the history and culture of Bayfield County during the summer, including: The reservation of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa is located three miles north of Bayfield. Experiencing the serenity of Frog Bay Tribal National Park, the lakefront campgrounds and the fun to be had at Legendary Waters Resort and Casino are all recommended. The Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center is open daily and has interactive exhibits, an observation tower, movie theater, historical archives, gift shop and more. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is truly a sight to behold. The National Lakeshore is home to the largest collection of lighthouses in North America, and there are tours and cruises available to give you incredible views. The visitor center at the Park headquarters (located in a beautiful old brownstone building) also shows a great documentary about the islands, and offers other resources and interpretive opportunities. A new visitor center is currently being built at Little Sand Bay. A huge part of the history and culture of Bayfield County can be experienced at Big Top Chautauqua, a legendary music and performance venue. Their house shows are based on the history and culture of the area, telling a story and entertaining attendees with songs and visuals. This is all above and beyond their vast concert lineup every summer, attracting some of the biggest names in music! Erickson’s Orchard Fred Erickson’s grandparents, Martin and Christine, planted their first apple tree around the turn of the century (circa 1910). In 1954, Fred’s parents Jim and Muriel took over the orchard, with Muriel crafting her renowned apple cider donuts. Today, Fred and his family have about 15 different apple varieties on the oldest and largest apple and berry farm in Bayfield County, as well as plums, peaches, strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. They also have a couple of shops on premises, plus they make about 14,000 gallons of apple cider per year through their processing plant! Homemade jams, jellies and their new hard cider are also available.  USA Today has named the Bayfield Apple Festival one of the 10 best fall harvest fests in the country. Fred’s dad Jim had come up with the idea for the festival, which launched in 1963, due to a flat tire. While broken down in Duluth on the way to North Dakota, people gathered around to try Jim’s apples and they couldn’t believe they were grown in Bayfield. So instead of bringing apples out of town, Jim had the thought of putting on a festival to attract people to Bayfield. Now, the festival brings over 60,000 people to Bayfield and it’s truly a community-wide event. The Strawberry Festival dates back to 1936 but had not been a consistent annual event. About two years ago, Fred brought the fest back to coincide with the peak of the year’s berry crop. The festival takes place July 6, 7 and 8 this year, and features specialty food items, vendors, artisans, live music and anything that has to do with strawberries. For more information, visit EricksonOrchard.com or follow them on Facebook. July Events There is so much to do in Bayfield County during the dog days of summer! July 2 – 6: Bayfield is a world-class sailing destination and no time is that more apparent than during Bayfield Race Week at Wayzata Yacht Club. So take in an international sailing race on the south shore of Lake Superior! July 4: There’s plenty of fun to be had on our nation’s birthday, so visit travelbayfieldcounty.com and click "Seasonal Fun" for a list of all the various fireworks displays and other gatherings during the Fourth of July. July 6 – 8: The 40th Annual Red Cliff Traditional Pow-Wow features traditional drums, singing and dances, as well as delicious food, craft vendors, games and prizes. July 7: Grab a paddle and join the five or ten-mile Vatten Paddlar Canoe, Kayak and SUP Races in Barnes, on northwestern Wisconsin’s most beautiful chain of lakes. July 14: The Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA) will hold their Longass Ride through the woods and endless trails of the Chequamegon area. These 20 or 40-mile jaunts are non-competitive, so hop on your bike and enjoy without the pressure of a race.  July 21: Celebrate our big lake at Lake Superior Day in Port Wing! Everett’s Fisheries will open for tours, a Coast Guard boat will be on display and there will be bird and sea cave presentations during this festival. July 21 – 22: Bayfield’s Festival of Arts and Gallery Tour focuses on our community’s unique connection to the arts. There’s a live art auction, fine art vendors and local gallery tours and demonstrations. Visitors will find a wide selection of pottery, paintings, jewelry, sculptures, glass works, wood carvings, photography and much more. July 26 – 29: The annual Iron River Blueberry Festival takes place at Moon Lake Park. Check out the cardboard boat races, craft vendor market, live music, rides and games, and of course – blueberries. July 27 – 29: Washburn will throw their community-wide Brownstone Block Party, featuring fireworks, live music, auctions, food, car show, paddleboard races and everything in between. Throughout July and August: The Corny Summer Concert Series in Cornucopia features live outdoor music each Thursday evening from 6 – 9pm on the grounds of the Cornucopia Sweet Shop. August Preview Be sure to check out next month’s episode where we dive into what area lakeside resorts have to offer! If you want to learn more about Bayfield County, be sure to subscribe to our podcasts. Get a little WILD at travelbayfieldcounty.com, and don’t forget to explore our interactive map. -- Affiliate Notes Morty’s Pub – A warm and welcoming old-fashioned pub, established in 1935. Located in the heart of downtown Bayfield (just a block from the lake), Morty’s serves Lake Superior Whitefish, caught fresh daily, as well as cheese-curds, fresh (never frozen) burgers and deep-fried Twinkies. Enjoy pinball, classic video games, pool, board games and cards while playing some tunes on the jukebox. Birch Grove Campground –16 beautiful campsites nestled between East Twin Lake and West Twin Lake in Washburn. Each campsite offers parking, a fire ring, picnic tables, tent pads and RV accommodations up to 35 feet. Check out the interpretive trail for hunting, mountain biking, hiking or horse riding, and get ready to fish for bass and northern pike. Jim’s Bait Shop & Convenience Store – Forget something, or have some last-minute shopping to do while staying in Bayfield County? No worries! Jim’s in Barnes isn’t just bait and tackle. From ice cream to recommendations, their friendly and helpful staff will be glad to assist. Telemark Condos – A year-round Northwoods adventure destination and playground, offering comfortable, spacious and affordable accommodations as well as time-share opportunities. Condos are available for 2-6 guests, and are equipped with full kitchens, a dining area and living room. There’s plenty of adventure nearby, like ATVing, golf and biking during the summer, as well as snowmobiling, snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing during the winter.

On this episode of Bayfield County Wild Co-hosts Nancy Christopher and Mary Motiff, director of Bayfield County Tourism, speak with Kevin Schram, president of the Chequamegon Chapter of the North Country Trail Association. They discuss how Kevin’s subchapter handles the maintenance and promotion of their portion of the trail running through Bayfield and Ashland counties, as well as other upcoming area events throughout June.  Waterfalls and Hiking Trails in Bayfield County  Bayfield County is rich in natural wonders, so we invite everyone to get out and enjoy nature to its fullest this summer!  Houghton Falls – A popular location for visitors for its beauty and natural resources, Houghton Falls’ eco system is delicate. Visitors are encouraged to adhere to the signage and stay on the designated trails to avoid additional damage to the area. As part of the Bayfield Regional Conservancy, helps the Town of Bayview to manage and preserve the falls and surrounding land for the future.  At Lost Creek Falls near Cornucopia, the Forestry and Parks Department has made some improvements to the trail, including the addition of a boardwalk. It's approximately 1.5 miles to the falls, Stay tuned for more developments at Lost Creek Falls later this year, with the addition of a bridge that leads to a picnic area and steps to get down to the falls.  Hiking Trails – Bayfield County has over 35 different hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels. From three-quarters-of-a-mile on the Gil Larson Nature Trail around the Old Iron Bridge in Bayfield, to a much longer hike on the North Country Trail, hikes are noted as easy to moderate for both rookie and experienced hikers.  Interactive Map – Did you know Bayfield County Tourism offers an online interactive map – usable on mobile devices or computers – that can assist you in planning your next hike? Click our link, then click on “Play,” followed by “Non-Motorized Trails.” You can then zoom in and see trail details throughout Bayfield County! If you’d prefer a printed brochure, please contact our office and we’ll be happy to send one your way.  North Country Trail  America’s longest among 14 national scenic trails, the North Country Trail runs through seven states, from the plains to the east coast. The North Country Trail Association (NCTA) is a national organization based in Michigan. Its various subchapters in each state are responsible for maintaining and promoting its particular section of the trail. Kevin Schram and the volunteer members of the NCTA’s Chequamegon Chapter handle the section of the trail that runs through both Bayfield and Ashland counties. The Wisconsin portion of the North Country Trail offers continuous wilderness hiking for over 130 miles.  To get a sense of the depth of the 4,600-mile-long North Country Trail, if you headed west from Bayfield County you could hike about halfway into North Dakota. Heading east, the trail stretches as far as New York. Kevin hopes that in the future, the trail will link up with the Appalachian Trail in Vermont. Only a dozen people have hiked the entire trail, with half accomplishing this journey over different periods of time. These individuals are referred to as section hikers. The other six are considered through-hikers, who start at one end and walk continuously to the other. There are plenty of day hikes on the North Country Trail in Bayfield County for those who want to do a more casual hike, though.  The work Kevin and his team accomplish includes re-routes around wet areas, removal of fallen trees on the trail and maintenance on bridges and other structures to ensure safety for all hikers. He speaks highly of the Wisconsin portion of the trail for backpacking, as two different wilderness areas allow camping anywhere you desire, if the location is at least 200 feet from a fresh water source.   Currently, the Chequamegon Chapter of the NCTA is working with the National Forest Service to construct some back country campsites, which will help to make the North Country Trail in Wisconsin a premiere backpacking destination. Kevin hopes to have a campsite every seven miles, but it will be a slow process. The National Forest Service will hopefully approve at least two sites in 2018, and Kevin’s group could have them built by fall. He says that ideally, all campsites would be listed on maps so visitors can better plan their stay.  Anyone who hikes the North Country Trail can register on the NCTA website to get special patches that recognize when individuals have hiked 50 or 100 miles of the trail. Kevin says there are fun, interpretive and themed hikes offered as well. June’s hike focuses on finding and identifying different species of birds. For event info, follow the Wisconsin chapter of the NCTA on Facebook.  June Events  Summer is heating up with a full list of events in Bayfield County! Throughout June: World-famous recording artists like Brandi Carlile, Jackson Browne, Buddy Guy, Keb Mo and Kenny G will perform under the stars this month at Big Top Chautauqua. Tickets are available here and for more information, check out last month’s podcast with Big Top Operations Manager Phillip Anich.  Through June 10: Admire over 50,000 blooming daffodils, a vibrant mosaic of roadside lupine & rolling orchards of apple blossoms bursting into rosy color during our month-long celebration of spring, Bayfield In Bloom! Take a self-guided garden tour and attend the annual Blessing of the Fleet.  June 9: The 8th Annual Summerfest Spider Lake Run begins and ends at the Iron River Community Center. Registration for this 10K, 5K or 2-mile walk/run is available here.  June 7 – 10: Legendary Waters Resort and Casino will host the RV, Sport & Boat Show. Check out all the toys to make your summer fun, from hot tubs to motorcycles.    June 21: Kayak the Namekagon allows you to experience the wonders of the area with the leadership of a naturalist. Paddlers of all experience levels are welcome.  June 23: The Superior Vistas Bike Tour celebrates its 14th anniversary this year with a leisurely ride supported by different route choices. Whether you want to ride 10 miles or 100, you’ll see incredible views of Lake Superior from the hills surrounding it.   June 24 – July 8: Try your hand at the art of glass blowing with a class at Oulu Glass, located north of Iron River and south of Port Wing in the northwest corner of Bayfield County.   We also encourage you to get out on the water by either renting a boat (pontoon, sailboat, motorboat or kayak), chartering a sailboat, taking a boat tour of the mainland caves or taking an Apostle Island cruise! Any excuse is great to check out the big lake or the many inland lakes this summer.   July Preview  Bayfield is the Berry Capital of Wisconsin, with the biggest selection of strawberries, blueberries and raspberries in the state. We’ll discuss all the orchards, berry farms (and wineries) to visit in Bayfield County on next month’s episode!  If you want to learn more about Bayfield County, be sure to subscribe to our podcasts. Get a little WILD at travelbayfieldcounty.com, and don’t forget to explore our interactive map.  --  Affiliate Notes  Pine Point Lodge — Located in the heart of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, this family-owned resort offers relaxation, recreation and activities all year long on the Pike Lake Chain. Clean and comfortable cabins, a friendly tavern and many local attractions await you, as well as over 500 feet of lakeside excitement with free kayak, canoe, paddle board and wind surfer rentals to all guests.  Drumming Woods B&B — Newly constructed just outside of Cable — adjacent to thousands of acres of public land for enjoyment during all seasons — this bed and breakfast provides casual elegance and a warm atmosphere for all visitors. Whether you enjoy hiking, canoeing, fishing, hunting or trap and skeet shooting, there’s something for everyone.   PJ’s Cabin Store — Conveniently located on the corner of County Y and Lake Road near the Eau Claire Chain of Lakes, be sure to stop by while you’re in Barnes for everything from ice to bait and everything in between. It’s not just a gas station and convenience store – it’s a bar and grill, too, and the staff can help with hunting & fishing licenses, plus insider tips on area information.   Pinehurst Inn — Surrounded by beautiful gardens and bordered by Pike’s Creek, Pinehurst Inn offers comfort and tranquility. Recognized as one of the Top 10 Eco-Friendly Inns in America by BedAndBreakfast.com, the Pinehurst In is committed to environmental sustainability while providing a magnificent, rejuvenating stay, nestled among soaring white pines. 

On this episode of Bayfield County Wild Co-hosts Nancy Christopher and Mary Motiff, director of Bayfield County Tourism, speak with Phillip Anich, Operations Manager at Big Top Chautauqua, the largest music venue in Bayfield County. They discuss the Big Top’s history and summer schedule, as well as other upcoming area events. Live Music Venues As winter finally melts away for good this year, it’s time to get out and see some live music all around Bayfield County! A few venues that feature year ‘round entertainment include: Legendary Waters Resort & Casino – Located north of Bayfield in Red Cliff, their event center has hosted indoor pow wows, winter luaus and lots of musical performances. They have a patio for outdoor concerts, too, with a stellar lake view, food and drink. White Winter Winery – Special events are hosted at the winery in Iron River periodically throughout the year and quite often in the summer and fall. Harborview Event Center – Hosts bands and special events year-round in Washburn. Northern Great Lakes Visitors Center – Performances are held here periodically, as well as presentations and guest speakers. Pubs and restaurants with live music: Battle Axe Saloon in Iron River The Snug and South Shore Brewery’s Taphouse, both in Washburn Choppers in Grand View, home of April’s Smelt Toss If outdoor concerts are more your style: The rooftop deck at the Bayfield Inn provides a great view of Lake Superior The Concerts By The Lake series offers midweek shows through the summer, ranging from blues, jazz reggae and Latin to folk, country and alternative-rock. In southern Bayfield County, the Rookery Pub in Cable has a beautiful patio out back, where you can enjoy music before or during your dinner.  Big Top Chautauqua Phillip Anich grew up skiing at Mt. Ashwabay and for nearly 30 years, he’s been working with the many dedicated volunteers at Washburn’s Big Top Chautauqua, located at the base of Mt. Ashwabay, the largest music venue in Bayfield County. An original member of the Big Top’s Blue Canvas Orchestra, Phillip is currently the venue’s Operations Manager. He continues to sing in original house shows, which in 2018 include Big Top Does The Beatles, Superior!: Songs & Stories of the Big Lake, and Wild Woods & Waters. Big Top Chautauqua is a non-profit performance venue that opened in 1986. Its house shows are original musicals that combine education and entertainment for a unique multimedia experience. Local sponsors provide free shuttle service to the Big Top from surrounding communities. In addition to house shows, lots of famous personalities appear on stage under the Big Top. This year’s calendar includes gigs by Jackson Browne, Buddy Guy, Lyle Lovett, Rufus Wainwright and more. Kenny G, Blues Traveler and Ronnie Milsap also make their debut appearances at the Big Top in 2018. Other events scheduled include their annual vocal competition Big Top Idol, as well as a Free Family Series on Saturdays. The canvas tents are no longer being manufactured, so plans are underway for a new venue on the property adjacent to the ski hill. The goal is to retain the character, acoustics and feel of the current set-up, while expanding the capacity to 1,200 from today’s 950. Those interested in attending events at the Big Top this year can visit www.bigtop.org for scheduling or call 888-BIG-TENT (244-8368). Wisconsin Public Radio continues to broadcast previous live shows from the Big Top on Tent Show Radio each Saturday night at 7pm. May Events Spring is in full bloom with many varieties of events in Bayfield County! For Mother’s Day, why not give the gift of some beautiful flowers, plants or even a fruit tree? Area greenhouses like Tetzner’s in Washburn or Peterson Crystal Lake Greenhouse in Iron River are great stops to pick out the perfect hanging basket. May 1 – May 29: On top of all the greenhouses in the Bayfield County area, gardening enthusiasts should also take note of the Red Barn Plant Sale at Hauser’s Superior View Farm in Bayfield throughout the month of May. Various bare root trees and plants are available for purchase. May 5: The great tradition of Wisconsin fishing opens yearly the first Saturday in May. Consult this PDF for a full list of opening dates by species. Check out Bayfield County’s new fishing report (www.travelbayfieldcounty.com/fishing) to find out where the fish are biting on the area’s more than 900 inland lakes, along with tips by knowledgeable guide Josh Teigen. May 11 – June 10: Admire over 50,000 blooming daffodils, a vibrant mosaic of roadside lupine & rolling orchards of apple blossoms bursting into rosy color during our month-long celebration of spring, Bayfield In Bloom! Special events include a live WPR broadcast of Garden Talk and a Garden Expo at the historic Lakeside Pavilion in downtown Bayfield, plus self-guided garden tours and the annual Blessing of the Fleet. May 12: The Hungry Bear 100 is the true wilderness event around the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Bicyclists ride on gravel roads and end the race with a slice of pie from Tilly’s Pies in Cable! May 12: Seasonal cruises of the Apostle Islands kick-off with the classic Grand Tours. Other specialty cruises, including sunset tours and trips to the islands with lighthouse tours, start later in May and extend into the fall. May 14 – June 8: Eat. Drink. Washburn, organized by the Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce, highlights area restaurants and provides foodies with a fun passport. Collect stamps on your passport from three participating restaurants, and be entered to win a $50 gift certificate from a restaurant of your choice! May 19: Active runners and fitness enthusiasts can take part in the Madeline Island Marathon & Half Marathon. With the half marathon already sold out, make sure to register for the full marathon – which is a Boston Marathon qualifier -- soon, as registration is currently at 70% capacity. May 26: Another horticultural event to attend is the Native Plant Sale at the Cable Natural History Museum. Coinciding with the grand opening of their museum’s new exhibit on bees, the sale has a focus on plants that attract native pollinators. June Preview We’ll discuss the wonderful hiking trails and glorious waterfalls that are home to Bayfield County. Lost Creek Falls in particular, near Cornucopia, is undergoing improvements thanks to the Forestry and Parks Department that we’re eager to share with you! If you want to learn more about Bayfield County, be sure to subscribe to our podcasts. Get a little WILD at travelbayfieldcounty.com, and don't forget to explore our interactive map. —— Affiliate Notes Bayfield County Rustic Yurts – Enjoy all that nature has to offer while staying in a cozy yurt near Bayfield and Cable. Explore thousands of acres of forests, as well as miles of maintained, non-motorized recreational trails. Peace and quiet are yours here, with the wonders of the North Woods surrounding you. Bear Country Convenience Store & Gas Station – More than just gas and groceries, Bear Country is your one-stop shop during your stay in beautiful Northern Wisconsin. Rent boats or cabins, pick up hunting supplies or even get your dry cleaning done! Bear Country is located between Ashland and Hayward, in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, near Drummond Lake. Staudemeyer’s Four Season Resort – A family tradition since 1964, Staudemeyer’s is nestled along Lake Namakagon and features cozy lakeside cottages as well as beautiful vacation homes. Accomodations include complete kitchens, private piers, custom fireplaces and more. Whether for a scenic lakeside wedding or a simple fishing getaway, Straudemeyer’s offers it all. Scenic Drive Resort – Located within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Iron River, more than 35 acres of magnificent trees and lush open spaces await you. Take in over 1,100 feet of shoreline on Lake Delta during your perfect escape. Enjoy a delicious meal, including their award-winning ribs, on their gorgeous deck overlooking the lake.

On this episode of Bayfield County Wild Co-hosts Nancy Christopher and Mary Motiff, director of Bayfield County Tourism, speak with Neil Howk, a park ranger and interpreter for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and president of the Chequamegon Audubon Society. They discuss the upcoming 12th Annual Birding and Nature Festival, and other upcoming area events. Namekagon River and Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway  As the National Park Service doesn’t have a marketing budget, Mary Motiff has recently been working with several nearby counties to spread the word about the Namekagon River that is part of the beautiful Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway. An underrated gem, the Namekagon River has very little development along its banks, so those on the river feel like they are truly out in the wilderness. Kayakers, canoers and tubers are welcome at different access points, as well as those who wish to hike or picnic. If you planning to experience the river, visit namekagonriver.org for a full list of outfitters, guides and ideas on how to have fun! 12th Annual Chequamegon Bay Birding and Nature Festival Neil Howk shares his involvement with the upcoming annual festival for bird and nature enthusiasts, running May 17-19. Neil serves on the planning committee that assembles the yearly schedule, and he’s also the leader of several tours during the festival. Over 100 different programs are available over the three-day event. From mammal tracking to wildflower walks to old-fashioned bird watching, you have the opportunity to see more than 180 species of birds alone this year. New this year, the festival has added activities that include a nighttime owl prowl and a trip out to Madeline Island to visit Big Bay State Park. To register for the festival or for more information, visit www.birdandnaturefest.com. Note that “early birds” will receive a special rate prior to May 1. Fishing Report Aside from the big lake, did you know Bayfield County has over 900 inland lakes? That means there’s lots of fish to catch all year long! Avid fishing fans can now benefit from our new Fishing Report, linked here. Use it to learn about area hot spots, what bait to use and more from knowledgeable guide Josh Teigen. April Events As the weather turns warmer, Bayfield County has a variety of events to choose from! April 4: Attendees of the Birding and Nature Festival should enjoy the Chequamegon Audubon Society’s presentation on terns within Chequamegon Bay. This will take place at the Northern Great Lakes Visitors Center.  April 6-7: The Rittenhouse Inn hosts Red Wine Weekend, celebrating the marriage of fine red wine and gourmet food! Experience various wine tasting sessions and a six-course dinner at Rittenhouse Inn’s Landmark Restaurant. April 11: The official launch of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Quarter at Legendary Waters Resort will bring in representatives of the U.S. Mint and National Parks Service. There will also be traditional Native American drummers and dancers, and over 250 school children in attendance as part of the celebration. Coins will be available for purchase, and anyone under 18 will receive a coin at no charge. There will also be a forum for coin collectors at the Northern Great Lakes Visitors Center the night before on April 10. April 13-14: The inaugural Washburn Brokedown Blues Festival, at the Harbor View Event Center, features a variety of food trucks, as well as foot-stomping performances from area blues bands. April 14: Chopper’s Smelt Tossing Contest in Grand View offers cash prizes for those with the best aim, and awards extra points to those brave enough to bite the head off of their smelt, prior to tossing! Music and food will follow, and a participatory t-shirt and lunch are included in your registration fee. April 20-22: Lost Creek Adventures will host an entire weekend skills gathering centered around Earth Day. Workshops will help attendees gain knowledge of their surroundings, whether building a house or using survival tactics. April 28: Celebrate the newly-opened playground and park in Iron River, during the Lions Club Spring Swing Fling! It will be fun for all-ages, with 50’s music and dancing, costume contests and a playground swing dedication. April 28: Haven’t had enough smelt? Then, the Herbster Annual Smelt Fry is for you! Try your luck at winning one or more of the many raffle prizes, and enjoy Captain Ken’s Fire House Beans and homemade desserts along with your main course. May Preview We’ll talk with Phil Annich, operations manager of Big Top Chautauqua. This world-renowned venue attracts some of the biggest names in music annually for their summer line-up. This year’s star-studded schedule includes Buddy Guy, Jackson Browne, Kenny G, The Temptations and Mary Chapin Carpenter! Listen in to find out what else will be going on this summer. If you want to learn more about Bayfield County, be sure to subscribe to our podcasts. Get a little WILD at travelbayfieldcounty.com, and don’t forget to explore our interactive map. —— Affiliate Notes Northern Great Lakes Visitors Center — The NGLVC connects you with the historic, cultural and natural resources of the Northern Great Lakes region. Interact with exhibits, hike trails year-round, take in the view from the observation tower, or attend one of their weekly events. Delta Diner — A frame-up restoration of a 1940’s Silk City diner, you’ll always find an eclectic menu with a twist on authentic favorites. Come taste why they’ve been featured by the New York Times, the Food Network and Midwest Living. Mogasheen Resort — Located among Cable’s scenic, nationally-known trails, the Mogasheen Resort’s traditional environment features comfortable cottages and cabins with breathtaking sunsets on Lake Namekagon. Boat rentals are available right on site for fishing, kayaking and more. Bear Paw Restaurant — Enjoy delicious food in a cozy, cabin-like atmosphere. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Bear Paw’s specials include chicken wings, seafood and BBQ ribs. Don’t leave without trying a trademark, delicious caramel roll or their unique, homemade potato chips.

On this episode of Bayfield County Wild, as Co-hosts Nancy Christopher and Mary Motiff, director of Bayfield County Tourism, speak with Chad Abel, Division Administrator of Natural Resources for the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. They discuss the first tribal national park in the country, located at Frog Bay, as well as area events in the month of March. 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! If want to learn more about Bayfield County, be sure to subscribe to our podcasts. 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-centry 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.

Hit the trails in this episode of Bayfield County Wild, as Co-hosts Nancy Christopher and Mary Motiff, director of Bayfield County Tourism, talk to Ron Bergin, publisher and editor of Cross Country Skier Magazine and an outdoor sports enthusiast, about Bayfield County’s highly-rated trail system for cross country skiing and mountain biking, as well as some of the best ways to cure cabin fever in February. An Event-Full February Fat Tire Biking is all the rage in Bayfield County with groups like the North Coast Cycling Association leading Fat Bike Safaris at a new location, either on ice or through the woods, every Saturday. Locations for the Saturday rides are posted each week on North Coast Cycling’s Facebook page and bike rentals are available for visitors. Visitors who enjoy the great outdoors have many opportunities to watch or take part in events: Feb. 3: The Mt. Ashwabay Summit Ski Race has cross-country classic and skate ski races for kids 8 and under, middle schoolers, high schoolers, and adults. Feb. 3 and 4: The 23rd Annual Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race is held both Saturday and Sunday with two main races: a 10-dog, 80-mile race and a 6-dog, 60-mile race. There’s also a 40-mile Sportsmen’s’ Race, a 6 to 8-mile Family Race and a 6 to 8-mile Youth Race (16 and under). Multiple spectator locations are available with amenities including a warming tent, concessions and bonfires. Feb. 11: The North End Classic Ski Race is an annual 25k and 12.5k cross-country classical ski race to benefit the North End Ski Club. Feb. 17: The “Book Across the Bay Race” , is open to skiers and snowshoers of all ages and ability. The 10-kilometer course is groomed for both classic-style and skate skiing, starts in Ashland and ends in Washburn, and follows a route not on land, but over the frozen surface of Lake Superior, the world’s largest lake. The event is held at night, and the course is lit by the stars above and up to 1,000 candles in ice luminaries that line the entire route. Feb. 17: The 19th Annual Drummond Bar Stool Race is the craziest bar stool race across snow you’ll ever witness in Drummond, Wis. Feb. 18: The “Bike Across the Bay” is a 10k and 20k race on fat tire bikes across Lake Superior, starting on the Washburn shore with gorgeous ice formations on the brownstone cliffs along the shoreline. Feb. 24: The American Birkebeiner is North America’s largest cross-country ski marathon, attracting over 10,000 racers and featuring a 50k Skate and 55k Classic race from Cable to Hayward, Wis. March 2-4: Bayfield WinterFest is a wild weekend of fun celebrating winter with on last hoorah March 10: The Fat Bike Birkie is the premier on-snow bike event in North America. Riders test their skill and endurance on the professionally groomed American Birkebeiner Ski Trail! Lots of Valentine dining specials are available in mid-February. Find options on our website: travelbayfieldcounty.com. Trail Blazing Bayfield county is a hub for cross-country skiing activity and has been a training ground for winter Olympians, and host to the Junior Nationals, the IPC Paralympic Games and Super Tours. Ron Bergin shares his involvement with two great organizations that have literally blazed trails, creating cross country skiing and mountain bike-specific trails. The North End Ski Club has developed a great trail system with a warming cabin and more than 30km of groomed trails interconnecting with the Birkie Trail and Birkie Classic Trails. Another organization, the Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA) has developed the longest, uninterrupted mountain bike trail system east of the Rockies. The trails were recently designated as an International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) Ride Center, recognizing the trail as large-scale mountain bike destination that offers something for every rider.  Ice Cave Update Mary Motiff gives the latest news regarding walking access to the famous ice caves. While the caves are not currently accessible, Mary says don’t give up. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Facebook page gives frequent updates for visitors. Bayfield County’s New Story Map Located on the Tourism home page of the Bayfield County website is a button that takes visitors to Bayfield County’s new story map that explores where to “play, eat and stay” in the county. Every point of interest is mapped and listed alphabetically, so that visitors can look up the location and information about what they are interested in. Also new, are listings for “adventure lodging” where you can find more exotic places to stay, including Yurts, a treehouse and sailboats. March Preview We’ll talk about Frog Bay Tribal National Park in Red Cliff, Wis. It is the first Tribal national park in the nation. If you like what you’ve heard, and want to learn more about Bayfield County, be sure to subscribe to our podcasts. Get a little WILD at travelbayfieldcounty.com, and don’t forget to explore our interactive map. Affiliate Notes Lakewoods Resort - Lakewoods Resort in Cable, Wis., is next to more than 600 miles of super-groomed trails in Bayfield County. You can ride for a week and never cross your tracks. Spot Supper Club & Resort – Nestled in the Northwoods with a million-dollar view, the Spot Supper Club & Resort in Iron River, is a year-round feast of outdoor adventure. If you have a hunger for great food and adventure, this resort is for you. Winfield Inn & Gardens – This is the perfect family vacation destination. There are lots of lodging options, plus a spectacular view of Lake Superior and close proximity to attractions and events in Bayfield. Legendary Waters Resort & Casino – On the shores of Lake Superior in Red Cliff, the hotel offers 47 deluxe rooms and premiere suites, each with a Lake Superior and Apostle Islands view. The Casino has 24/7 entertainment, featuring all your favorite slot machines and table games.

In this episode of Bayfield County Wild, host Nancy Christopher talks with Mary Motiff, Bayfield County’s Director of Tourism, and P.C. Rasmussen, General Manager of Lakewoods Resort, about the abundance of winter fun at the resort and what else Bayfield County has in store this winter. Winter WonderlandWinter is in full swing in Bayfield County with plenty of snow for all of your favorite outdoor winter activities! There are more than more than a dozen trail systems across a half a million acres of combined county and national forest land dedicated to cross-country skiing, fat biking, and snowmobiling. One trail even offers a great spot for downhill skiing and tubing, and another for the unique sport of skijoring (Not sure what skijoring is? Pay close attention at 1:53!). And, don’t forget to save the date for the Birkie Tour! (Note: this is a ski event only, not fat bike as mentioned in the podcast) If you’d rather be out on the ice in the winter, Bayfield County won’t disappoint! Ice fishing is an extremely popular winter activity in the area. You can choose to ice fish just for fun, or you can participate in the array of ice fishing tournaments throughout the winter. A couple of the fun ice fishing events coming up include the Fishin’ Chicks ladies-only fishing contest fundraiser for breast cancer awareness on Spider Lake and the 8th Annual Four Seasons Ice Fishing Tournament on Lake Namakagon, both on January 20th. For a more nostalgic tribute to winter, you will want to mark your calendars for the 32nd Annual Northwoods Sleigh and Cutter Rally on January 13th. Ride in replica sleighs from the 1800s that are pulled by beautiful horses from the region. This storybook-like event is held at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center. Lakewoods Resort Lakewoods Resort, in Cable, Wisconsin, is a full-service resort next to more than 600 miles of super-groomed trails in Bayfield County. Lakewoods has been a family-owned resort since it opened in 1907. They take pride in their personal service, and are the #1 snowmobile destination in the nation. Located in the heart of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, this all-season resort has more than 100 rooms, an indoor pool, a hot tub, and two restaurants that feature regional specialties with many locally sourced foods. In addition to the many amenities Lakewoods Resort has to offer, many events are also held on the grounds throughout the year. Details on all of the events at Lakewoods can be found on their Event Calendar. A few upcoming events include: January 2018:6-7 Cor Powersports Races 13-14 SnowFest Pond Hockey Tournament February 20189-11 WI Cross Country State Ski Meet March 20183 World's Longest Weenie Roast 9-11 Hot Air for Hearts Balloon Rally February Preview You’ve all heard about them, hopefully, soon it will be time to witness the beauty once again! Late January/early February designates the time of the year for the indescribable Ice Caves on the largest freshwater lake in the world, Lake Superior. The National Park Service monitors the ice conditions and teams up with local organizations to communicate ice readiness for visits. Keep tabs on all of the latest Ice Cave updates on our website! If you like what you’ve heard, and want to learn more about Bayfield County, be sure to subscribe to our podcasts. And don’t forget to follow our Facebook page to keep up to date with all of the latest Bayfield County events! Get in touch with your inner wild at travelbayfiedlcounty.com, and don’t forget to explore our interactive map. Affiliate LinksWoodside Cottages of Bayfield – Woodside Cottages offers a quiet, warm, comfortable setting on spacious grounds that offer lots of room to enjoy the outdoors. Their lodging is just a two- minute drive from downtown Bayfield, WI or an easy 1 ½-mile hike or snowshoe into town along the historic Brownstone Trail next to Lake Superior. Loon Saloon – Enjoy one of the best pizzas in the Northwoods at Loon Saloon, and they offer a full menu of burgers, wraps, and appetizers. Loon Saloon is a great stop on the snowmobile trails and is a hub for some of the best ice fishing in Bayfield County. Plus, there is a bait shop and convenience store on site to help you prepare for a great day on the lake. Woody’s Food & Spirits – Enjoy a Lake Superior fish fry or a delicious homemade pizza at Woody’s Food & Spirits in Herbster, WI. It’s a must-stop on snowmobile trails, and don’t forget to try Woody’s very own inferno chicken wings – they will surely warm you up after a day on the trails! Hyde’s Resort on Buskey Bay – For fine dining and a comfortable place to stay in Bayfield County, check out Hyde’s Resort on Buskey Bay. Enjoy fishing on the Pike Chain of Lakes, or snowmobiling on the thousands of miles of trails right outside their doors. Ad days end, enjoy steaks, burgers, seafood, pasta, or your favorite cocktail in their lounge. Hyde’s Resort has clean, comfortable cabins and a five-bedroom apartment.

In this episode, host Nancy Christopher will talk with Mary Motiff, Bayfield County’s Director of Tourism, and John Thiel, co-owner of Howl Adventure Center, about winter fun and dog sledding. Find Winter Fun OutdoorsFind the best fun in Bayfield County outdoors! There are more than more than a dozen trail systems dedicated to cross-country skiing, fat biking, and snowmobiling. One trail even offers a great spot for downhill skiing and tubing. Howl Adventure Center Bayfield County has some trails dedicated to dog sledding, and the Howl Adventure Center will help you enjoy every mile of it. John talks about the tours that Howl/Wolfsong Adventures offers, where you’ll get to meet the dogs, harness them up, learn about steering and braking the sled, and have an exhilarating experience on the trails. Plus he gives us a little tidbit on the new adventure center coming to Bayfield County next year. Kicking Off DecemberChristmas in Cable - Art & Craft Fair with over 50 vendors, Festival of Trees and Breakfast with Santa at Lakewood's Resort. Be sure not to miss the holiday shopping sales at area specialty stores.  Holiday Spirit Gallery Tour - See the work of Bayfield's artists on display for the holidays. Beautiful paintings, pottery, metal sculptures, wood carvings, fiber arts and more. Oulu Glass Gallery – See glass blowing demonstrations and a holiday show at Oulu Glass Gallery. View their incredible pieces and, if you’re feeling creative, sign up for a class to experience the art of glass blowing. Holiday Open Houses & Events – Learn more on our website: travelbayfieldcounty.com. January PreviewRing in the New Year at various restaurants in Bayfield County that offer delectable meals and specials. Sleigh & Cutter Rally and Parade- Northwoods Harness Club presents the 32nd Annual Sleigh & Cutter Rally. 1800's costumes, antique sleighs. Birkie Tour - The BirkieTour is an untimed, non-competitive, “open-track” style event on a loop course up to 47 km. Spend the day skiing with family and friends with a morning start time window, short and long distance options, aid stations along the trail, and food and beverage at the start/finish when you’re done. February PreviewBook Across the Bay – Cross-country ski, snowshoe, or walk across frozen Lake Superior from Ashland to Washburn. If you like what you’ve heard, and want to learn more about Bayfield County, be sure to subscribe to our podcasts. Get into nature at travelbayfiedlcounty.com, and don’t forget to explore our interactive map. Affiliate Links Lakewoods Resort - Lakewoods Resort in Cable, Wisconsin, is next to more than 600 miles of super-groomed trails in Bayfield County. You can ride for a week and never cross your tracks. Runamuk Rides - Located in Iron River, WI, Runamuk Rides offers both guided and unguided ATV, UTV, and snowmobile rentals. In addition to rentals, they also offer sales, service, and fuel at four locations along the endless trail systems. Legendary Waters Resort & Casino – On the shores of Lake Superior in Red Cliff, the hotel offers 47 deluxe rooms and premier suites, each with a Lake Superior and Apostle Islands view. The Casino has 24/7 entertainment, featuring all your favorite slot machines and table games. Washburn Inn and Harbor View Event Center – The Harbor View Event Center is the perfect place to host a memorable experience for any type of event or celebration.  Relax next door at the newly-remodeled Washburn Inn and plan your next event at the Harbor View Event Center.

In this episode, host Nancy Christopher will talk with Mary Motiff, Bayfield County’s Director of Tourism, and James Tayler, owner of Runamuk Rides to talk about the amazing ATV and snowmobiling trails in Bayfield County. We’ll also talk about upcoming holiday events. Best of Bayfield County ContestWinners have officially been released. Holiday Shopping Bayfield County has many different shops and galleries people can visit for holiday gifts and entertaining. The area also hosts a number of holiday bazaars and has a Holiday Spirit Gallery Tour just around the corner. Find more events on our Events Calendar. Runamuk RidesLocated in Iron River, WI, Runamuk Rides offers both guided and unguided ATV, UTV, and snowmobile rentals. In addition to rentals, they also offer sales, service, and fuel at four locations along the endless trail systems. Bayfield County TrailsBayfield County has some of the best ATV and snowmobiling trails in the state. Jim shares his favorite trails in the area, describes the tours Runamuk offers, and discusses popular off-road technology and vehicles. Upcoming EventsWine Tasting DinnerWine tasting dinner event hosted at Lakewoods Resort. Chequamegon Bay Turkey Trot 5K walk or run along the Lake Superior shore. Funds raised are donated to the Chequamegon Bay Area Community Fund. Tree Lighting Events: Various communities embrace the excitement of the season with traditional tree lighting ceremonies and events, beginning in late November. Hunter DinnersMany communities throughout the county host Hunter Dinners to raise money for various fundraisers. Find them all on our Calendar of Events. If you like what you’ve heard, and want to learn more about Bayfield County, be sure to subscribe to our podcasts. Get into nature at travelbayfiedlcounty.com, and don’t forget to explore our interactive map. Avenza MapsiTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/avenza-maps/id388424049?mt=8 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.Avenza&hl=en Affiliate LinksTri Lake Timbers - Tri Lake Timbers, in Iron River, has a variety of beautiful cabins with access to snowmobile, ATV and hiking trails galore. In the summer, relax on the swimming beach or rent a pontoon or fishing boat and get out on the water. Valhalla View Pub & Grub - Valhalla View has 24-hour pay at the pump fuel, drinks, and food to satisfy you and your machine. One of the best dining experiences around, Valhalla View has a full dinner menu, daily specials, all-you-can-eat salad bar, hand-made pizza and more! Barnes Trading Post & Wilderness Inn - This historic property in the Town of Barnes began in 1888, and is now a get-a-way for all seasons. Fishing, hiking, swimming, water skiing, picking wild blueberries, raspberries and blackberries in the summer months, plus hunting, snowmobiling and ice fishing during the winter months. Relax in any of 8, beautifully-themed suites and enjoy the great company at the bar, which serves great food breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Flying Eagle Resort - Nestled between Basswood Lake and Spirit Lake in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Flying Eagle is adjacent to the major snowmobile and ATV trails. Relax in any of our 13 fully-furnished modern cabins or more than 150 campsites, and enjoy a full-service bar and restaurant located on-site.

Hello and welcome to the Bayfield County Wild podcast. This show features the year-round splendor of natural beauty and culture that Bayfield County, Wisconsin, has to offer. In this episode, host Nancy Christopher will talk with Mary Motiff, Bayfield County’s Director of Tourism, and Jeff Hamilton, of White Winter Winery, to learn about the many divine beverages White Winter has to offer, as well as local agritourism. Additionally, we will highlight the upcoming Bayfield Apple Festival and preview a couple favorite Bayfield County holiday happenings. Bayfield Apple Festival Bayfield’s annual Apple Festival is a celebration of the autumn harvest and Bayfield’s agricultural history. This year’s festival is October 6-8, 2017. White Winter WineryLocated in Iron River, WI, White Winter Winery has been creating handcrafted meads since 1996. One of the truly authentic features about White Winter Winery is that they create their meads, spirits, and ciders by sourcing locally grown fruits. MeadMead is an alcoholic drink made from honey, water, and yeast. The entire fermentation process takes approximately 12-18 months, from start to bottled and ready to enjoy. The WineryThe best way to experience White Winter Winery is to visit the winery in person. White Winter offers tours, a tasting bar, and has a gift shop with everything from hats and handcrafted items to bottled varieties of each of their delightful meads, spirits, and ciders. Agritourism Agritourism is growing in popularity across Bayfield County as locals and visitors alike continue to appreciate the value of locally grown pre-picked or pick your own produce and fresh, farm-to-table foods. Holiday PreviewWassail Dinner Concerts at Old Rittenhouse Inn: Treat yourself to an experience like no other that combines a delectable meal, music, theatre, and history into one unforgettable, holiday event. Tree Lighting Events: Various communities embrace the excitement of the season with traditional tree lighting ceremonies and events, beginning in late November. Be sure to subscribe to our podcasts, and don’t forget to grab the White Winter Winery coupon that Jon mentioned during the show! Get into nature at travelbayfiedlcounty.com, and don’t forget to explore our interactive map. Affiliate Links Ericson Orchard - Erickson Orchard is a family-owned apple and berry orchard and strawberry farm in Bayfield, Wis. that has been in business since 1954. Together they have kept the farm growing – planting and selling apples & strawberries for pick-your-own and ready-picked. Old Rittenhouse Inn -  Old Rittenhouse Inn is Bayfield, Wis. first Country Inn and gourmet restaurant offering 20 guest rooms in two Victorian homes and a private cottage with fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, and spectacular Lake Superior views.  North County Vacation Rentals - North Country Vacation Rentals offer comfortable vacation home rentals and cabins conveniently located on or near ATV/snowmobile trails in Drummond, Grand View, Cable, Barnes, Cable, Delta and Iron River, Wis.

Hello and welcome to the very first Bayfield County Wild podcast. This show features the year-round splendor of natural beauty and culture that Bayfield County, Wisconsin, has to offer. In this episode, we will be talking with Mary Motiff, Bayfield County’s Director of Tourism, and Mike Garnich of Good Earth Outfitters to explore some of the area’s breathtaking natural wonders. Natural Wonders With over 900 lakes, hundreds of miles of trails, a plethora of orchards and berry farms, and the renowned Sea Caves, Bayfield County is a nature lover’s dream. Kayaking is a favorite local activity, as is muskie and trout fishing, and hiking. Culture If exploring the culture is more your style, you’ll be able to embrace what the locals call the good life, where relaxation and quality living are top of mind. Area restaurants feature farm-to-table goodness with homegrown berries and produce, locally caught fish, and local wineries. Good Earth Outfitters Good Earth Outfitters, located in Cornucopia, WI, offers affordable, semi-private tours of the legendary Sea Caves. Experience the cave formations up close and personal with Captain Mike and Good Earth Outfitters. Be sure to join us for our next podcast, where we will be speaking with John Hamilton from White Winter Winery. Get into nature at travelbayfiedlcounty.com, and don’t forget to explore our interactive map. Affiliate Links Ericson Orchard - Erickson Orchard is a family owned apple orchard and strawberry farm in Bayfield, WI that has been in business since 1954. Together we have kept the farm growing – planting and selling apples & strawberries for pick-your-own and ready-picked. Old Rittenhouse Inn -  Old Rittenhouse Inn is Bayfield, Wisconsin’s first Country Inn and gourmet restaurant offering 20 guest rooms in 2 Victorian homes and a private cottage with fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, and spectacular Lake Superior views.  North County Vacation Rentals - North Country Vacation Rentals offers comfortable vacation home rentals and cabins conveniently located on or near ATV/snowmobile trails in Drummond, Grand View, Cable, Barnes, Cable, Delta and Iron River, Wisconsin.