This Wisconsin Scenic Byway Is The Road Trip Of A Lifetime
Driving Wisconsin's Lake Superior Scenic Byway is one of the best ways to experience the Great Lake and its wonders. The 70-mile drive follows Lake Superior's southern shoreline, tracing the Bayfield Peninsula through harbor towns and villages. Waterfalls, beaches, and sandstone cliffs are some of the many points of interest along the way. For a longer detour, the byway is also a gateway to the Apostle Islands.
To get the most out of your road trip, this in-depth list explores the best stops and travel tips for driving the Wisconsin Lake Superior Scenic Byway.
Things To Know Before You Go
The Wisconsin Lake Superior Scenic Byway is toll-free, meaning your main expense will be fuel if you choose to drive straight through. In this case, the byway can be completed in about 1 to 2 hours. It begins near the town of Ashland and ends near the mouth of the Brule River in Cloverland in Douglas County. Although this route can be reversed, Ashland is a better starting point for last-minute essentials and amenities.
Optional excursions and overnight stays will extend your drive time, letting you see and experience more of the Great Lakes Region. This is a great weekend road trip, with enough time to see the sights without feeling rushed. Accommodations range from campsites to hotels, covering a variety of budgets.
The Best Time To Drive
This Great Lakes byway is open year-round, but driving conditions vary by season. Winter is when the highway is least busy, since snow and ice should be expected. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation website can be checked ahead of time for real-time road conditions and closures.
Seasonal attractions are another factor to consider. Summer is the preferred time to take this drive if you plan on stopping at beaches, especially if you intend to swim. Fall is another popular time to drive for leaf peeping and sightseeing. The byway is surrounded by trees, including Brule River State Forest on its western end, making fall a beautiful time to see the leaves change.
Top Stops Along The Byway
Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
The Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center is a great introduction to the region and a fun first stop. Located in Ashland, this free attraction is staffed with National Park Service workers who are happy to answer any questions you may have. The center also features a natural history museum with exhibits on Lake Superior's local history and origins. A five-story observation tower offers sweeping views of the distant lake and the center's 180-acre landscape. Outside, visitors can also wander along wetland boardwalks and interpretive trails.
Houghton Falls State Natural Area
Continuing to the city of Washburn, the Houghton Falls State Natural Area is all about sightseeing. The preserve encompasses a gorge and sandstone cliffs on the edge of Lake Superior. The upper canyon can be hiked for dramatic views of the lake and distant Apostle Islands. Further inland, the 1.3-mile Houghton Falls Trail leads through a hemlock and cedar forest. The wooded footpath passes the Echo Dells, a collection of water-sculpted canyons and caves. It also leads to the trail's namesake cascade. Active in the spring and early summer, the waterfall spills into reflecting pools on the gorge floor. From there, a path leads to Houghton Point, a rocky cape on Lake Superior.
Town Of Bayfield
Another 10 miles leads to Bayfield, a historic harbor town and "Gateway to the Apostle Islands." Before you begin an offshore adventure, take some time to explore the town. The Bayfield Maritime Museum is open from late May to late September and is free to visit. Sitting on the water's edge, it features maritime artifacts and interactive displays, including boats you can climb inside. Back outside, Hoop's Fish & Chips Dockside is right next door, serving boat-to-plate meals with waterfront views. A few streets up, Sweet & Salty is a cute ice cream shop for dessert.
The Apostle Islands
Apostle Island Cruises depart from Bayfield's docks, showcasing the famous Lake Superior archipelago. The Grand Tour is their most popular package, exploring 55 miles of island cliffs, caves, and beaches, with tours lasting 2.5 to 3 hours. For more lake views and history, their lighthouse tours are even longer, lasting 4 to 4.5 hours. This excursion allows passengers to tour and climb 19th-century beacons like the Raspberry Island Lighthouse at an additional cost.
For more island time, the Stockton Island Hiking Shuttle includes 2 hours on land. Stockton Island is the second-largest island in the Apostles, with 14.5 miles of trails to explore. Winding through boreal forests, the Andersen Loop Trail has panoramic viewpoints atop sandstone cliffs. The Julian Bay Trail also leads to a serene beach with "singing" sands that emit a high-pitched whistling sound when walked across. In the summertime, its border blooms with wildflowers like buttercups and Pink lady's slippers, making this a magical time to stop by.
Meyers Beach & Apostle Island Sea Caves
Back on the mainland, Meyers Beach is a gorgeous shore west of Bayfield. If you're driving the byway in a day, this is a fantastic place to spend a few hours. Road trippers often stop here to picnic, swim, and stretch their legs in the sand. If you have more time, the beach is also a gateway to the Apostle Island Sea Caves. Just over 2 miles away, these red sandstone formations are a centerpiece of the Apostle Island National Lakeshore. Located on the mainland, they can be reached by kayaking or hiking the Meyers Beach Sea Cave Trail. Paddling offers the chance to see the sea caves at eye level, while the clifftop trail features views from above.
Village Of Cornucopia
Cornucopia sits on the northern Bayfield Peninsula, making it a nice final stop before your road trip concludes. This quaint harbor village invites guests to match its slow pace in all the best ways. Operating since 1915, the Historic Ehlers General Store is a fun shop for souvenirs and picnic supplies, open seasonally from May to October. Back on the lake, Cornucopia Beach is the perfect place to unpack your snacks. The family-friendly shore is known for its shallow waters and beautiful sunsets. Next door, the Cornucopia Green Shed Museum is housed in a former fish house and exhibits centuries of maritime history. Quirky gift shops are also nearby, including Hestekin Pottery and The Sailor & the Farmer.
Overnight Stays Along The Byway
Book A Night In Bayfield
Bayfield is accustomed to visitors, so it has a wide range of accommodation options. For waterfront rooms, the Bayfield Inn is a historic stay right on the lakefront. The century-old hotel has modern amenities, a lakeside dining room, and Bayfield's only rooftop restaurant, The Deck. For a more casual and cost-effective stay, the Harbor's Edge Motel also overlooks Lake Superior nearby, just steps away from downtown.
Camp At The Apostles
Camping on the Apostle Islands is one of the coolest ways to extend your byway adventure. Of the 21 public islands, 18 allow overnight stays. Keep in mind that reservations and water travel are required and should be planned ahead of time. Since the sites are only accessible by boat, travel arrangements can be made through shuttle services and water taxis. Apostle Islands Cruises and Willigan's Adventures both offer specialized transportation for camping on the islands.
Campsite amenities also vary from island to island, so your choice depends on your needs. Individual campsites generally include picnic tables, food lockers, and fire rings, while primitive zones lack amenities. For instance, Sand and Oak Island campsites have all the aforementioned features, while Hermit Island is solely for primitive backcountry camping. As for fun and recreation, each island has something that sets it apart. Manitou Island is known for its beachside campsites, Stockton is a prime place to hike, and Sand Island features wheelchair- and stroller-accessible boardwalks.
Charting Your Course
Road trips are what memories are made of, especially when you plan ahead. This is especially true on the Wisconsin Lake Superior Scenic Byway, whose best attractions require foresight. The waterfall at Houghton Falls only runs in spring and early summer, something unprepared visitors often miss. Apostle Island camping also requires research if you want to find a site right for you. While the 70-mile drive itself rewards the windshield, this byway's roadside stops make the route truly special.
