Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast Association

Artesian House

Bayfield is located in far northwest Wisconsin on the south shore of Lake Superior, the largest lake in the world.

As you might expect in a town of just over 600, everything is close. This 4-room Bayfield bed and breakfast is just 5 minutes from downtown, the Lake and Mt. Ashwabay. The latter is a junior-size hill just south of town that features downhill and cross-country skiing in winter, and the Lake Superior Big Top Chautquaua from mid-June to Labor Day. Affectionately known as "The Carnegie Hall of Tent Shows", the '07 schedule is available at www.bigtop.org.

Back at the inn, you'll discover that from the outside it resembles a very large A-frame. Step inside and you're treated to an intriguing mix of contemporary and eclectic...furniture, lamps, rugs, unusual enhancements and artwork, spanning several decades, but complementing one another nicely. In addition. guest rooms and great room are on the same level, so there are no stairs to climb.

The four guest rooms each measure 16x20, are creatively decorated, have private bath, luxurious guest robes, AM/FM radio, individually-controlled A/C and heat and a private entrance to the deck that surrounds the house.

Move into the great room and relax in one of its three distinct conversation areas. In the fall and winter--and we've had them in July--enjoy a fire in the wood-burning fireplace...play chess, checkers, cribbage or a board game...slip a CD in the Bose sound system and hear (and feel) sound bounce off the walls of the 25 ft. high great room with south-facing, floor-to-ceiling windows.


Step outside in any season and discover that you're totally surrounded by nature--trees, sky and not another home in sight. You're a few feet from the woods with easy access to a gentle trail that winds around most of the inn's 25 acres and takes you right past the running artesian well that gave the house its name. Or, stroll the deck and catch a view of Mt. Ashwabay (and, maybe, Lake Superior, if the leaves are off the trees).

So if you're in the area, please stop and say hello. Be sure to chat with the host and ask any questions that might help you decide to visit Bayfield and perhaps be a guest here. And as a guest, a full breakfast comes with your overnight stay. It will include coffee or tea, a lazy susan featuring granola and an array of enhancements, and a main course. Special arrangements can be made for guests with dietary restrictions. Guaranteed: You won't leave the table feeling empty.

We look forward to meeting you.