Destination Bayfield, Wisconsin

by Dave Weiman

Major Gilbert Field - Madeline Island, Wisconsin

A re-cap of some of the sites noted in the article published in the February/March 2012 issue of Midwest Flyer Magazine. https://www.midwestflyer.com/?p=4329

The Bayfield County peninsula and the Apostle Islands are located in Wisconsin, between the Upper Michigan Peninsula to the east, and northern Minnesota to the west, with Lake Superior on both east and west shores.

John F. Kennedy Memorial Airport - Ashland, Wisconsin

There are two airports in the area to choose from: Madeline Island Airport, recently renamed Major Gilbert Field (4R5) in La Pointe, Wisconsin, across the bay from Bayfield; and John F. Kennedy Memorial Airport (ASX) in Ashland, Wisconsin (Ashland County), 23 miles south of Bayfield. Fuel is available in Ashland, but not on Madeline Island.

You can actually get around quite well if you fly to Madeline Island – one of 22 Apostle Islands – by utilizing the shuttle services that are available from local businesses, renting a bicycle or moped, or walking. If you want more convenience and flexibility, car rental is available in Bayfield with advanced reservations.

Today, the tourist attractions to Bayfield County are many. There are splendid and lavishing bed and breakfasts, sea kayaking and boat cruises, and wonderful restaurants and entertainment by big-time performers. Kayaking the sea caves along the Apostle Islands National Park lakeshore is a must! There are also many waterfalls in the area worth exploring.

For evening entertainment, try the  “Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua (sha-ta-qwa) Tent Show,” nestled at the base of Mt. Ashwabay Ski Hill, 3 miles south of Bayfield, Wisconsin, overlooking Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

Car rental is available through “Red’s Auto” in Ironwood, Michigan, 46 miles from Ashland and 69 miles from Bayfield. Red’s Auto will deliver a car to either John F. Kennedy Memorial Airport in Ashland, or to Bayfield, across the bay from Major Gilbert Field (4R5) on Madeline Island, but there is a delivery charge in addition to the weekly rental rate. For rates and reservations call 906-932-4449.

If you fly directly to Madeline Island, and do not feel like walking the 2 miles from Major Gilbert Field (4R5) to La Pointe, contact either your lodging host, or airport manager Michael Dalzell at 715-747-2785.

For information on bicycle and moped rentals on Madeline Island, contact “Motion To Go” at 715-747-6585. Call them when you arrive, and they will pick you up at the airport, providing you rent a bike or moped. Bicycle rental is also available in Bayfield at “Bayfield Bike Route.”

For additional information on Bayfield and Bayfield County, refer to www.bayfield.org and www.bayfieldcounty.org.