The Bayfield Maritime Museum preserves, interprets, and presents artifacts that portray the dynamic nautical history of Bayfield and the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior.

Free Admission

Over 15,000 guests a season entertained entirely by volunteers.

Season & Hours

Open May 25th – Sept. 24th

Open Every Day 10am – 5pm

Fridays 10am – 7pm

Contact Us

ADDRESS:
131 S. First St. Bayfield, WI 54814

MAILING ADDRESS: 
P.O. Box 1271 Bayfield, WI 54814

How we power ourselves. 

Ways you can contribute to the continuing success and vibrancy of the Bayfield Maritime Museum. 

DON ALBRECHT 

Friends & Associates

Our sister museum – Ireland’s National Maritime Museum is housed in Dun Laoghaire’s 180-year-old Mariners Church. Haigh Terrace, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

The Bayfield Heritage Association (established in 1974) is dedicated to collecting, preserving and sharing the history and culture of Bayfield and our surrounding region through museum exhibits, educational programs, and archival research and continues to serve visitors and area residents.

The Apostle Islands Historic Preservation Conservancy is a non-profit organization devoted to preservation of the culturally and historically significant resources in the Apostle Islands region of northern Wisconsin, including the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and the surrounding communities.

Since 2014 Lake Superior Tall Ships Inc. has been providing positive, life-changing outdoor sailing adventures to kids and adults in the Apostle Islands/Chequamegon Bay area aboard the Schooner Abbey Road.

The Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore’s mission is to promote an appreciation for, and preservation of, the natural environment and cultural heritage of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

MUSEUM VIRTUAL TOUR

3D views of the museum

When you’re not here to visit us, or you’re planning your trip, see our Virtual Tour of the museum.

Listen to Dennis’ story

Tourists have flocked to Bayfield for more than a century. But it was fishing that brought settlers and prosperity to the area in the 19th century. Writer Dennis McCann tells us the story.

Brief Maritime Histories of the Region

There are twenty-two islands in the Apostles archipelago, which is located on the southwest shore of Lake Superior…

Boat Building Projects

A rich facet of the region’s maritime tradition is the building of boats. The museums boat-building program engages this tradition with the goals…

Cubby Lebel – Rocky Island Skiff

Raspberry Island Light Keepers Tender – “Don A”

St. Ayles Rowing Skiff

What’s Next?

Bayfield Maritime Museum