
Memorial Park Bayfield
Scenic waterfront park in Bayfield, WI, offering stunning marina views and serving as the gateway to the Apostle Islands and Madeline Island.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Live music & cool breezes

Memorial Park Bayfield
Best Time
Live music & cool breezes
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Scenic waterfront park in Bayfield, WI, offering stunning marina views and serving as the gateway to the Apostle Islands and Madeline Island.
"Gorgeous view. Sat on the bench in the shade and enjoyed the cool breeze. Saw a few muskrats swimming. Clear waters."

🚢 Ferry to Madeline Island
Book ferry tickets ahead of time, especially in summer, to secure your spot and avoid queues.
🎶 Free Live Music
Check for free concerts and events, often held in the evenings. Great way to enjoy the park!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bayfield Marina Views
Waterfront
Enjoy picturesque views of the marina, sailboats, and the clear waters of Lake Superior. Perfect for a moment of relaxation.

Apostle Islands Gateway
Near ferry dock
The starting point for ferry trips to Madeline Island and boat tours of the famous sea caves.

Picnic Pavilion
Shaded area
A great spot for a picnic lunch with a pavilion offering seating and lovely shore views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ferry to Madeline Island
Event Check & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Ferry to Madeline Island
Book ferry tickets ahead of time, especially in summer, to secure your spot and avoid queues.
🎶 Free Live Music
Check for free concerts and events, often held in the evenings. Great way to enjoy the park!
🎨 Family Art Fun
Look out for free craft activities, especially during local festivals. Kids love it!
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Bring a picnic to enjoy at the pavilion with beautiful harbor views. Remember no restrooms on-site.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Ferry to Madeline Island
Book ferry tickets ahead of time, especially in summer, to secure your spot and avoid queues.
🎶 Free Live Music
Check for free concerts and events, often held in the evenings. Great way to enjoy the park!
🎨 Family Art Fun
Look out for free craft activities, especially during local festivals. Kids love it!
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Bring a picnic to enjoy at the pavilion with beautiful harbor views. Remember no restrooms on-site.
🚶♀️ Scenic Strolls
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the shore and watch for wildlife like muskrats.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Memorial Park for its gorgeous views of the harbor and clear waters, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing picnic or a moment of quiet enjoyment. Its prime location as a gateway to the Apostle Islands and Madeline Island is a significant draw. However, the lack of on-site restrooms is a recurring point of inconvenience for some.
"Gorgeous view. Sat on the bench in the shade and enjoyed the cool breeze. Saw a few muskrats swimming. Clear waters."
Joel Collishaw
"Absolutely amazing!"
Md. Al-Amin
"Great park for a picnic! A pavilion is there for seating with great views of the shore. It is located right near the sailing company docks and a short walk from the ferry. No bathrooms on site."
Aaron Willey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Memorial Park is conveniently located in Bayfield, Wisconsin, right by the marina and ferry dock. It's easily accessible by car and is a short walk from many local accommodations. If you're arriving by boat, it's adjacent to the sailing company docks.
Parking is generally available in the vicinity of the park, especially near the marina and ferry terminal. During peak event times or busy summer days, it might be more challenging to find a spot close by, so arriving early is recommended.
While there isn't a direct bus stop at Memorial Park itself, Bayfield is served by regional bus services. You would likely need to take a bus to the main Bayfield area and then walk or take a short taxi ride to the park.
The park is generally flat and well-maintained, making it accessible for wheelchairs. The paved paths and open spaces allow for easy navigation. However, specific accessibility details for the pavilion or surrounding areas should be confirmed if needed.
Memorial Park is the primary departure point for the ferry to Madeline Island and many Apostle Islands boat tours. You can book tickets for these excursions directly from the park's vicinity.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Memorial Park itself is a public park and does not have an entrance fee. Access to the park grounds is free for everyone to enjoy.
Yes, you will need to purchase tickets for the ferry to Madeline Island. It's highly recommended to book these in advance, especially during the busy summer months, to guarantee your spot.
The cost of Apostle Islands boat tours can vary depending on the duration and specific route. Prices typically range from $40 to $80 per person. Booking in advance is advised.
Memorial Park is generally open from dawn until dusk, offering public access throughout the day. Specific event times will vary, so check local listings for concerts or festivals.
While the park itself is free, you can often purchase ferry and boat tour tickets from kiosks or offices located very close to Memorial Park, near the marina and ferry dock.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Memorial Park is ideal for relaxing, picnicking, and enjoying scenic views of the harbor. It's also the departure point for ferry and boat tours. The park frequently hosts free live music and art festivals.
Unfortunately, there are no restrooms directly within Memorial Park. Visitors are advised to use facilities at nearby businesses or the ferry terminal before or after their visit.
You can expect beautiful views of the Bayfield Marina, sailboats, the clear waters of Lake Superior, and the surrounding shoreline. It's a very picturesque spot.
Yes, families can enjoy picnics and the open space. During festivals, there are often free craft activities specifically for kids.
While the water is clear, Memorial Park is primarily a harbor area and not designated for swimming. It's best to enjoy the views from the shore or take a boat tour to swim in other areas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants located directly within Memorial Park. However, Bayfield has a charming downtown area with numerous dining options just a short walk away from the park.
Absolutely! Memorial Park is a perfect spot for a picnic. You can bring your own food and drinks to enjoy at the pavilion or on the benches.
You'll find several cafes, ice cream shops, and restaurants in the immediate vicinity of the park and along the main streets of Bayfield, offering a variety of cuisines.
During special events like art festivals or concerts, food vendors are often present, offering snacks and meals. It's best to check the event schedule for details.
Yes, several coffee shops are located within walking distance of Memorial Park in downtown Bayfield, perfect for grabbing a morning brew or an afternoon pick-me-up.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the marina, sailboats, the lake, and the surrounding natural beauty. The park offers great vantage points for sunrise and sunset photos over the water.
Yes, the western-facing views over the water make Memorial Park an excellent location for capturing beautiful sunset photographs.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most flattering light for photography. Midday can be bright, but the shaded benches offer relief.
You cannot see the sea caves directly from Memorial Park. You'll need to take a boat tour or ferry to get close enough to photograph them.
Drone usage is typically regulated in public parks and near marinas. It's advisable to check with local authorities or park management regarding drone policies before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there are no restrooms directly in the park, planning ahead by using facilities at the nearby ferry terminal or local businesses will make your visit smoother. The park's role as a departure point for the ferry to Madeline Island also offers a fun, short adventure for kids, and boat tours can be a memorable experience for the whole family.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Look for free live music events that are often held in the park during evenings, providing entertainment at no cost. While ferry and boat tours have associated costs, they offer significant value for experiencing the Apostle Islands.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Apostle Islands
These tours provide opportunities for kayaking around the sea caves, hiking on the islands, and learning about the area's rich history and ecology. The park's proximity to these excursions makes it an ideal starting point for any Apostle Islands adventure. Remember to pack accordingly for varying weather conditions on the water, even during summer months.
For those interested in a more independent exploration, renting a kayak from Bayfield allows for closer access to the sea caves, though this requires experience and awareness of lake conditions. Always check weather forecasts and water conditions before setting out on any water-based activity.
Events and Community Gatherings
Bayfield also holds art festivals and other community celebrations in Memorial Park. These events are a fantastic opportunity to experience local culture, browse artisan crafts, and enjoy family-friendly activities. For instance, the park has been a venue for free crafts for kids during the Bayfield Art Festival, making it a destination for families looking for engaging activities.
Checking the local Bayfield event calendar before your visit is highly recommended to see what's happening at Memorial Park. These events add an extra layer of enjoyment to a visit, offering entertainment and a chance to connect with the local community.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit