The Bayfield Fruit Loop provides family-friendly experience and gobs of berries

August 1, 2021 | Explore the Shore
​Tags:  Bayfield Wisconsin Rentals | The Bayfield Buzz | Bayfield Fruit Loop

Bayfield Wis -- As an avid visitor of Bayfield Wisconsin and the owner of the Lake Superior Lodge hotel on the shores of Bayfield Wisconsin, I cannot express enough how much there is to see and experience in Bayfield Wisconsin, and the Chequamegon Bay.  

We have been coming up weekly, and trying something new each time we make the visit.  This is a personal story of my family and our experience doing the Fruit Loop.  

It was a beautiful day with temperatures in the high 80s, more than enough sun to ask for.  We typed, "Berry Farms Bayfield Wisconsin" into Google Maps, and away we went.  The timing wasn't the best, as we were just finishing checking-in guests at the Lake Superior Lodge, helping people unload their bags, luggage, and sharing some of the "Best 3-Day Getaway Ideas in Bayfield WI."  

One of our staff members had missed the bus and needed a ride to neighboring town, Ashland Wisconsin, so we took to Hwy 13 towards Ashland so our staff member could get home for dinner.  

As we return, we notice of only of the farms were still open, Rocky Acres Berry Farm.  Rocky Acres Berry Farm is located on what is known as the, "Fruit Loop" in Bayfield Wisconsin on Hwy J.  ​

Brenda Erickson, proprietor of Rocky Acres Berry Farm, came out of the fields greeted us with a smile, and appeared to be exhausted from picking the massive amounts of blueberries in her berry baskets.  She provided us with a layout of the property.  She explained, "You pick your own berries, the right side of the property are raspberries, and the left are blueberries."  She was more than helpful.  

While it appeared to be both laborious and time-consuming to my 11-year old, and 13-year old children, they're not stranger to work.  We took to the fields around 5:00pm, and before we knew it, we were carrying 10 lbs of berries and it was nearing 7:30pm.  There are rows upon rows of well groomed walking paths and more than enough berries to pick for one visit.  

As we concluded our day, Brenda helped us weigh our harvest, and pay for what we thought was an affordable pick.  We buy raspberries and blueberries from the grocery store often, and these were definitely way more affordable going direct to the farm, and provided us a great experience together.  

The real story behind the berry picking wasn't the 10 lbs of berries, the beautiful farm or giving credit to Brenda Erickson for her fantastic operation - but - it was in the 2.5 hours spent with my family that included an experience we had never had prior.  This is a great family-friendly experience, I invite anyone visiting the Bayfield area to try.  

Just be prepared to squat, kneel down, sweat a bit, and let's not forget the unlimited amount of sampling that takes place.  Bring clothing that you wouldn't mind having a few berry juice stains.  ​

Variety is Key

Bayfield's unique climate ensures that apples or some variety of berry prolifically produce sweet, succulent fruit during any given year.  The berries are followed, generally in this particular order; currants, juneberries, cherries, raspberries, gooseberries, blueberries, blackberries, grapes, pears, and then plums.  The grand finale to the harvest season is the apple.  The apple is celebrated in style with the annual Bayfield Apple Festival, held every October.  While all of the farms, and orchards have a great deal of apples, berries, and fruits - the key to the excellent selection is most definitely variety.  
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To learn more about the Bayfield Fruit Loop, and the 12 other orchards and farms, consider checking our resource, "The Ultimate Guide to the Bayfield Area Orchards and Farms" by clicking the link.

The Ultimate Guide to the Bayfield Area Orchards and Farms

he Ultimate Guide to the Bayfield Area Orchards and Farms comes complete with a list of 13 orchards and farms included on the Fruit Loop, as well as an interactive map that provides turn-by-turn directions to each farm.  We do recommend that you check the hours, as some of the orchards and farms have week-day hours, weekend hours, and earlier closure than others.  

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Bayfield Wisconsin Rentals
225 E Lynde Ave, Bayfield WI 58414
(612) 564-5271 Message Line
www.BayfieldWisconsinRentals.com 

Things To Do in Bayfield