Bayfield Historic Waterfront
Eastern Waterfront / Ferry Dock
Bayfield’s history has been powerfully shaped by its location. Situated on the shores of a deep, natural harbor, the city is sheltered from Lake Superior’s notorious storms by the outlying Apostle Islands. Lighthouses, shipwrecks, and a historic waterfront still evoke the city’s rich maritime past.
Bayfield’s fresh air and spectacular setting have always attracted tourists. The city’s eastern waterfront and ferry dock have traditionally been a point of departure for tourists and summer residents seeking recreation in the Apostle Islands. Ferries have transported people and freight between Bayfield and La Pointe (on Madeline Island) since shortly after Bayfield’s founding in 1856. This tradition began with La Pointe’s enterprising Morrin brothers. The ferry was a bateau—a large, flat-bottomed rowboat.
“Chequamegon Bay, Bayfield harbor and the Apostle Islands are undoubtedly the most beautiful summer retreats in the United States.” -Ashland Daily Press, Annual Edition, 1893
Eventually, hotels were built near the docks to accommodate the influx of summer visitors. Some of those first hotels still survive. Gruenke’s First Street Inn, just a short walk downtown from here, has been accommodating guests for over 140 years. It was originally named La Bonte House.
Marker is at the intersection of Washington Avenue and North Front Street, on the left when traveling east on Washington Avenue.
Courtesy hmdb.org
