National Parks
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and Gaylord Nelson Wilderness Area
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is comprised of 21 islands and 12 miles of mainland shoreline. Dotting Lake Superior just off of the Bayfield County shoreline, the "Apostles" have been formed by centuries of freezing, thawing and wave action are a favorite travel destination throughout the year. The Islands can be accessed in a variety of ways...a guided cruise, an island shuttle, sailing or power boating, kayaking, or private boat charters. Madeline Island, the largest of the Apostle Islands and the only island with commercial development and a year-round population, is not a part of the National Park property, but can be accessed by ferry most of the year and via ice road in winter.
(715) 779-3397
Frog Bay Tribal National Park
The first ever Tribal National Park is now open to the public. This pristine 88.6 acre property encompasses nearly a quarter mile of sandy and pebble beach and offers views of 5 of the Apostle Islands. The Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has opened the site for public use and education on sustainable resource management, use of medicinal plants, nature based educational activities, for traditional/spiritual ceremony and to further the understanding that all land is sacred. in order to ensure the long term protection of the site, the Bayfield Regional Conservancy will hold a Conservation Easement on the property that will permanently restrict the property from uses that are incompatible with the protection of its conservation values. (715) 779-3700
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is comprised of 21 islands and 12 miles of mainland shoreline. Dotting Lake Superior just off of the Bayfield County shoreline, the "Apostles" have been formed by centuries of freezing, thawing and wave action are a favorite travel destination throughout the year. The Islands can be accessed in a variety of ways...a guided cruise, an island shuttle, sailing or power boating, kayaking, or private boat charters. Madeline Island, the largest of the Apostle Islands and the only island with commercial development and a year-round population, is not a part of the National Park property, but can be accessed by ferry most of the year and via ice road in winter.
(715) 779-3397
Frog Bay Tribal National Park
The first ever Tribal National Park is now open to the public. This pristine 88.6 acre property encompasses nearly a quarter mile of sandy and pebble beach and offers views of 5 of the Apostle Islands. The Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has opened the site for public use and education on sustainable resource management, use of medicinal plants, nature based educational activities, for traditional/spiritual ceremony and to further the understanding that all land is sacred. in order to ensure the long term protection of the site, the Bayfield Regional Conservancy will hold a Conservation Easement on the property that will permanently restrict the property from uses that are incompatible with the protection of its conservation values. (715) 779-3700
National Forest, Fish Hatchery and National Wildlife Refuge
Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest covers 268,700 acres of forests, streams, inland lakes and wilderness areas in Bayfield County. Northern sections of the forest can be easily accessed along the Byway. This includes the Moquah Barrens, a 8,700 acres area of open pine barrens that is excellent for bird watching. In winter, the Mt. Valhalla Recreation Area is a popular winter sports area with snowmobile trails, ski and snowshoe trails, a sledding hill and a chalet. (715) 373-2667
Iron River National Fish Hatchery
The Iron River National Fish Hatchery is situated on 1,200 acres of the picturesque headwaters of Schacte Creek with several miles of maintained trails for public use including bird watching, hiking, hunting snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Two million trout are produced annually for distribution in lakes Superior, Michigan and Huron. Self-guided tours are available 365 days a year, and staff-guided tours can be arranged.
(715) 372-8510
Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge
The Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1999, and ultimately will encompass up to 1,260 acres. The site is adjacent to the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, which houses exhibits educational events and a viewing platform. (715) 685-9983
The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest covers 268,700 acres of forests, streams, inland lakes and wilderness areas in Bayfield County. Northern sections of the forest can be easily accessed along the Byway. This includes the Moquah Barrens, a 8,700 acres area of open pine barrens that is excellent for bird watching. In winter, the Mt. Valhalla Recreation Area is a popular winter sports area with snowmobile trails, ski and snowshoe trails, a sledding hill and a chalet. (715) 373-2667
Iron River National Fish Hatchery
The Iron River National Fish Hatchery is situated on 1,200 acres of the picturesque headwaters of Schacte Creek with several miles of maintained trails for public use including bird watching, hiking, hunting snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Two million trout are produced annually for distribution in lakes Superior, Michigan and Huron. Self-guided tours are available 365 days a year, and staff-guided tours can be arranged.
(715) 372-8510
Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge
The Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1999, and ultimately will encompass up to 1,260 acres. The site is adjacent to the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, which houses exhibits educational events and a viewing platform. (715) 685-9983
State of Wisconsin Natural Areas
Adjacent to and along the Wisconsin Lake Superior Byway are numerous natural areas including:
Bark Bay Slough State Natural Area
Bibon Swamp State Natural Area
Cranberry River State Fishery Area
Flag River State Fishery and Wildlife Area
Houghton Falls State Natural Area
Lost Creek Bog State Natural Area
Moquah Barrens State Natural and Wildlife Area
Port Wing Boreal Forest State Natural Area
Bark Bay Slough State Natural Area
Bibon Swamp State Natural Area
Cranberry River State Fishery Area
Flag River State Fishery and Wildlife Area
Houghton Falls State Natural Area
Lost Creek Bog State Natural Area
Moquah Barrens State Natural and Wildlife Area
Port Wing Boreal Forest State Natural Area