The South Shore:
A journey rather than a destination

By: Paul Stein for The Duluth News Tribune

     As we find ourselves once again in the Fall Harvest Season, a trip along the South Shore of Lake Superior becomes an inviting event.  But one should consider this drive to be a journey rather than a destination.  Dotted along the route are towns and communities that have a vast array of offering to seduce the senses. The stimulation of sight, sound, and taste is ever changing as you journey along to wherever your intended destination may be.

As you travel along Wisconsin’s State Highway #13, you will be treated to a crossing of the Brule River.  This famous trout stream will caress the eyes with an explosion of colors as the sunshine dances throughout the hardwood trees.  The rushing river sounds collect in the ears, ever so slightly changing until the sound becomes a gentle lapping against the riverbank in areas of pools and gentler flows.  The soft breeze from Lake Superior may collect in your nose, allowing a peaceful sedation through its clean, crisp smell. Perhaps a picnic lunch is in store at the mouth of the Brule.

Further along this adventure one crosses the Iron River and then enters the community of Port Wing.  Don’t rush.  Explore the history rich area. Examples of horse drawn school busses and mail delivery carts are on display.  Look at the weathered wood of these conveyances.  Imagine a time when the sound of hoof beats announced the arrival of mail or children home from school.

Herbster and Cornucopia come up in the distance, rich in fishing heritage.  Stop by a marina, listen to the sounds of the mighty Lake Superior gently kissing the hulls of the boats in the marinas.  Listen to the tell-tale “clink” as hardware taps the masts of vessels begging to go upon the lake. Watch as birds gently glide through the currents of air as if dancing with the clouds. Think back to a time when raw-handed fisherman hoisted their daily catch from the holds of their boats to the waiting shores.

Onward again, through the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, to Washburn located on the north side of Chequamegon Bay. Another community with roots proudly established in the early days of Lake Superior fishing.  Stop in this community and enjoy a barrage of sights, smells and tastes.

Continuing, the traveler comes upon the Mt. Ashwabay Recreation Area, summertime home to Big Top Chautauqua. Just a bit further is the Les Voigt State Fish Hatchery.

Now, just up ahead, is the community of Bayfield.  On your journey, this destination is a bustling community that swells to over 30,000 people during the Bayfield Apple Fest.  With its eclectic collection of shops, restaurants, and attractions, one day will cause a visitor to miss many opportunities to satiate all their senses.  Take time to enjoy the offerings.

Perhaps a crossing to La Pointe, on the Madeline Island Ferry will entice you to sample one of the many restaurants, gift-shops, or parks on the island.  Maybe a trip to the museum in La Point will awaken a sense of appreciation or awe for the South Shore.  This 42 square mile island has much to offer the traveler.

A gentle drive to Ashland should be on your itinerary. This vibrant community offers all to visitors.  Marina’s, campgrounds, fine dining, and recreational opportunities abound in the home of the Oredockers.  West bound from Ashland, the road travelled gently undulates through corn fields, hayfields, and the occasional berry and pumpkin patch. During the Fall Harvest Season, look for farmers reaping their crops, the rhythmic clang of machinery resounding throughout the countryside.  Westward still, you will find woodcarvers, corn-mazes, a winery, and plentiful accommodations and amenities. Look for the roadside fruit and vegetable stands, watch for signs of various attractions.  Slow down and let the Fall Harvest Season on the South Shore be a journey, not just a destination.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

SEPTEMBER

23 Sven's Architect Tour - Bayfield Heritage Tours, LLC

23 More Ghosts and Legends of Old Bayfield - Bayfield Heritage Tours, LLC

24 Superior South Shore Pottery Tour - Eckels Pottery and Fine Craft Gallery

24 Fall portraits at Sunset Valley Orchard - Stonehouse Photography

24 Ojibwe Artist In Residence at Madeline Island Museum

24 Dying to Get In - Historic Cemetery Walk - Bayfield Heritage Tours, LLC

24 A Light-Hearted Walk Thru Old Bayfield - Bayfield Heritage Tours LLC

25 Free Open House & Public Info Day at Big Bay State Park

25 Superior South Shore Pottery Tour - Eckels Pottery and Fine Craft Gallery

25 Ojibwe Treaty Day and Closing Reception - Madeline Island Museum

25 Sven's Architect Tour - Bayfield Heritage Tours, LLC

25 More Ghosts and Legends of Old Bayfield - Bayfield Heritage Tours, LLC

30 Sven's Architect Tour - Bayfield Heritage Tours, LLC

30 More Ghosts and Legends of Old Bayfield - Bayfield Heritage Tours, LLC

OCTOBER

1 Benton Lane Wine Dinner at Wild Rice Restaurant

1 More Ghosts and Legends of Old Bayfield - Bayfield Heritage Tours, LLC

2 The Gathering - Chequamegon Bay Arts Council

2 Sven's Architect Tour - Bayfield Heritage Tours, LLC

3-6 The Gathering - Chequamegon Bay Arts Council

6 Apple Festival Senior Social - Bayfield Chamber & Visitor Bureau

6 Community Apple Pie Social & Contest Results - Bayfield Chamber & Visitor Bureau

7 50th Annual Bayfield Apple Festival

7 The Gathering - Chequamegon Bay Arts Council

7 Nifty Fifty Friday (Apple Festival) in Bayfield - Bayfield Chamber & Visitor Bureau

8 50th Annual Bayfield Apple Festival

8 Pipes & Drums of Thunder Bay Wake Up Concert - Port Superior Marina

8 The Gathering - Chequamegon Bay Arts Council

8 Bayfield Fireman's Fish Boil

8 Apple Peeling Contest - Bayfield Chamber & Visitor Bureau

8 Andy Noyes and Stevie Matier jammin' live, Celtic to Blues and Beyond! at Keeper of the Light

8 Pictures of You & Yours - NP Studios & Sunset Valley Orchard

8 Venetian Boat Parade and Coronation of Royalty - Bayfield Chamber & Visitor Bureau

9 50th Annual Bayfield Apple Festival

9 Andy Noyes and Stevie Matier jammin' live, Celtic to Blues and Beyond! - Keeper of the Light

9 Apple Festival Parade - Bayfield Chamber & Visitor Bureau

10-13 The Gathering - Chequamegon Bay Arts Council

15 Whistlestop Marathon - Ashland Chamber of Commerce

14-15 The Gathering - Chequamegon Bay Arts Council

15 Dying to Get In - The Bayfield Cemetery Walk - Bayfield Heritage Tours, LLC

15 Whistlestop Blues & Brew Festival - Ashland Chamber of Commerce

17-20 The Gathering - Chequamegon Bay Arts Council

21 Bayfield Shores Harvest Trail Weekend - Bayfield Regional Food Producers Cooperative

21 The Gathering - Chequamegon Bay Arts Council

22 Madeline Island Fall Festival - Madeline Island Chamber of Commerce

22 Bayfield Shores Harvest Trail Weekend - Bayfield Regional Food Producers Cooperative

22 The Gathering - Chequamegon Bay Arts Council

22 Harvest Trail Dinner - Bayfield Regional Food Producers Cooperative

23 Bayfield Shores Harvest Trail Weekend - Bayfield Regional Food Producers Cooperative

24-25 The Gathering - Chequamegon Bay Arts Council

Press Release: Iron River Area Chamber of Commerce

Iron River, Wisconsin is surrounded by over 96 lakes and 12 trout streams. The Pike Chain of Lakes offers a lake experience not to be beat with great fishing, boating, camping and numerous resorts and vacation homes to accommodate you during your stay. Over 500 miles of ATV and Snowmobile well maintained trails, open up the beauty of the Chequamegon National Forest in all its summer, fall and winter glory. Iron River is Home to the Tri County Corridor, the North Country Trail and the Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA) bike trail system, as they travel thru this pristine Northern Wisconsin Region.

When its time to take a break from nature, take a trip into town where you will find delightful shopping, restaurants and cafe's, a bowling alley, golf course, White Winter Winery, Museum, Library and the Oulu Glass Studio located in Oulu.

Iron River considers itself the "Blueberry Capital of the World" and celebrates these flavor-packed little berries that grow along the roadsides and throughout the Chequamegon National Forest with a Blueberry Festival, hosted by the Iron River Lions Club, the fourth weekend of every July when the berries are ripe and ready for picking.

Iron River offers something for everyone. With the Fall Colors at there peek, its a wonderful day trip from the Duluth/ Superior Area. Just travel east on State Hwy 2 about 35 miles and you will find us nestled up against the Chequamegon National Forest.


Wanda Suo, Co-Director
Iron River Area Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 448
Iron River, WI 54847
715-372-8558