Bayfield Apple Picking Weekend
Experience Wisconsin's premier apple region with 16 orchards, the legendary Apple Festival, and stunning Apostle Islands adventures.
Bayfield's rolling hills produce some of Wisconsin's finest apples across 16 family-owned orchards. The Fruit Loop self-guided tour takes visitors through scenic County Highway J, where over 40 apple varieties grow alongside spectacular Lake Superior views.
Time your visit during peak apple season (mid-September to mid-October) to experience the legendary Apple Festival, fresh-pressed cider, and the stunning fall foliage that makes this region Wisconsin's premier autumn destination.
Friday: Arrival & Evening Relaxation
Afternoon Arrival
Explore Downtown Bayfield: Stroll charming downtown, visit Stone's Throw for pottery and jewelry, Sweet Sailing for local fudge and jams.
Apple Picking Kickoff: Head to Erickson Orchards (86600 Betzold Rd, 715-913-0717) for quick pick-your-own session. Try their famous apple cider donuts.
Evening Activities
Dinner Options: Copper Trout (American/Italian, signature pasta) or Manypenny Bistro (Turkish-inspired, try the Döner). Local craft beer at Morty's Pub.
Sunset at Marina: Watch sunset over Lake Superior with vibrant fall color reflections.
Optional Nightcap: Copper Crow Distillery (37395 State Hwy 13, 1-7 PM) for unique whey-based vodka or gin cocktails.
Saturday: Apple Picking & Outdoor Adventures
Morning: Fruit Loop Tour
Breakfast: Wonderstate Coffee (117 Rittenhouse Ave) - scone and locally roasted coffee.
Follow County Hwy J for the self-guided Fruit Loop tour of 16 orchards:
Hauser's Superior View Farm (86565 County Hwy J, 10 AM–5 PM, 715-779-5404): Pick heirloom varieties, sample hard cider at Apfelhaus Cidery. Climb barn for Lake Superior views.
Bayfield Apple Company (87540 County Hwy J, 715-779-5700): Pick apples, pears, berries. Try exclusive hard cider from 17 apple varieties. Stock up on jams, jellies, syrup.
Snack Break: Fresh-pressed cider from Sunset Valley Orchard (87340 County Hwy J) or apple cider donuts from Erickson's.
Afternoon: Nature & More Orchards
Picnic Lunch: Enjoy cider, apples, and baked goods at Houghton Falls Natural Area - scenic hike with caves, mossy trails, waterfalls (free parking).
Blue Vista Farm (34045 S County Hwy J, 715-779-5400): Organic apples, stunning flower gardens, barn shop with frozen berries and crafts.
Hillcrest Orchards (87640 County Hwy J): Homemade pies, giant cookies, antiques.
Apple Hill Orchard (87420 County Hwy J): Pick apples, pears, or plums.
Evening Entertainment
Dinner: Wild Rice Retreat (84860 Old San Rd) for seasonal menu (bison meatballs with zucchini noodles) or Old Rittenhouse Inn for gourmet experience.
Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua: 900-seat tent at Mt. Ashwabay base hosts concerts and performances through September, sometimes into October.
Sunday: Apple Festival & Apostle Islands
Morning: Festival or Final Orchard Visits
Breakfast: Pastries from Erickson Orchards' Country Store or return to Wonderstate Coffee.
Bayfield Apple Festival (First full weekend of October):
Join downtown festivities with live music, parade, apple-peeling contests, Apple Festival Queen crowning. Sample treats from local vendors and festival booths at orchards.
Non-Festival Weekend: Visit Sunset Valley Orchard (87340 County Hwy J) to tour apple grading barn, pick apples or pears. Their cider is exceptional.
Afternoon: Apostle Islands Adventure
Madeline Island Ferry: 25-minute ride to La Pointe. Explore sandy beaches, bike trails, Big Bay Town Park. Rent moped for island cruise.
Alternative: Apostle Islands Cruise - 55-mile Grand Tour (~3 hours) to see sea caves, lighthouses, wildlife. Book in advance for fall tours.
Lunch: Island café or pack orchard goodies for beach picnic. Morty's Pub for Lake Superior whitefish or burgers if staying in Bayfield.
Late Afternoon: Final Stops
Connell Family Orchard: Historic pick-your-own experience (established 1858) or grab pre-picked apples for the road.
Souvenirs: Blueberry-lavender jam at Blue Vista Farm, apple pie sticks at Erickson Orchards.
Scenic Drive: Wisconsin Lake Superior Scenic Byway with vibrant fall foliage views.
Tips for Your Trip
Orchard Options
Hauser's Superior View Farm
86565 County Hwy J • 715-779-5404
Heirloom varieties, hard cider, Lake Superior views
Bayfield Apple Company
87540 County Hwy J • 715-779-5700
17-variety hard cider, jams, jellies, syrup
Blue Vista Farm
34045 S County Hwy J • 715-779-5400
Organic apples, flower gardens, barn shop
Erickson Orchards
86600 Betzold Rd • 715-913-0717
Famous apple cider donuts, Country Store
Betzold's Orchards
87380 Betzold Rd • 715-779-3207
Cortland, McIntosh, Honeycrisp varieties
Goodness Orchard
34680 County Hwy J • 715-779-3739
Honeycrisp, Cortland, McIntosh varieties
Rabideaux's Apple Orchard
34479 County Hwy J • 715-779-5506
Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Cortland varieties
Where to Stay
Bayfield Area
- • Historic lodging: Old Rittenhouse Inn, Bayfield Inn
- • B&Bs: Apple Tree Inn, Cooper Hill House
- • Vacation rentals: VRBO, Airbnb options
Nearby Options
- • Washburn: 15 minutes south, budget-friendly
- • Cable/Hayward: 45-60 minutes, more dining options
- • Camping: Apostle Islands area state parks
Tip: Book early for Apple Festival weekend (Oct 3-5) as accommodations fill quickly.
Quick Facts
- Distance from Hayward: 65 miles (1.5 hours)
- Apple Festival 2025: October 3-5
- Fruit Loop Route: County Highway J
- Apple Varieties: 40+ including heirlooms
- Best Photo Spots: Hauser's barn view, orchard rows
- Peak Season: Mid-September to mid-October