Point to La Pointe

Doubles Local Swimmer Population

What began in 2006 with just 24 friends swimming across the channel to raise money for the Bayfield Recreation Center has grown into one of the Midwest's premier open water swimming events. Today, the race is capped at 650 swimmers and attracts participants from across the country. In 2025 we had 22 local swimmers participate and this year we have 44 registered swimmers from the Chequamegon Bay!

Dave's Story

As a collegiate swimmer Dave burned himself out on chlorine fumes and endless flip turns. But this year, Point to La Pointe gave him a reason to try open water swimming. This was a recreational revelation, immersed in natural waters, inhaling fresh air, and witnessing underwater mysteries (like underwater stumps just offshore at Bayview Beach, wow!).

"This pool is so essential for community health recreation, and education in our region I am so honored to pair my training with fundraising for the Bayfield Rec Center."

Dave has raised $880 for the Bayfield Rec Center. Cheer him on for his first P2LP!

Val's Story

Val volunteered for the P2LP in 2024, a great way to get up close and scope out the action and be inspired by the swimmers. She didn't think she would be able to swim the P2LP her self, but through our Adult Swim Team has built the endurance and skill to swim the 2.1 miles with confidence.

"I’m grateful for the opportunity to support the Rec Center and promote a great asset in our community, while the Rec Center supports me in meeting and achieving a goal that I didn’t think was possible. "

Val has raised $770 for the Bayfield Rec Center. Cheer her on for her first P2LP!

Grace's Story

Bayfield and Madeline Island are both home for Grace and for the last 18 years she has made the swim across, appreciation for the lake growing each year.

Grace remembers the uncomfortable wetsuit years, swimming with her sister and brother-in-law, swimming in honor of loved ones, and the summer her son was born.

"I gladly support this valuable resource and will continue to swim and volunteer, as they in turn support health and wellness for our community and beyond."

Grace has raised $500 for the Bayfield Rec Center. Cheer her on for her 18th P2LP!

Donn's Story

Donn loves having the yearly challenge of the P2LP to look forward to. As one of the original 24 to swim the event, he's seen it grow from a few kayaks and a power boat to the event that it is today.

"I really enjoy the Bayfield Rec Center. It provides a place to swim and exercise year round. It also provides classes for all ages and provides swimming and sailing instruction for children."

Donn has raised $556 for the Bayfield Rec Center. Cheer him on for his 15th P2LP.

Lisa's Story

Lisa was among the original 24 swimmers and has swam the event every year - she has the hoodie collection to prove it! She loves the distinct sense of accomplishment in knowing she crossed to Madeline Island by swimming rather than taking the ferry.

"If you live in the Chequamegon Bay area and enjoy swimming, the Point to La Pointe Open Water Swim is a unique experience you should not miss. The energy on race day is electric, driven by the excitement of the swimmers and the dedication of the volunteers."

Lisa has raised $865 for the Bayfield Rec Center. Cheer her on for her 19th P2LP!

The event's continued popularity is evident in this year's registration. More than 350 swimmers earned their entry through fundraising, while the remaining registration spots sold out in just eight minutes when they opened last August.

The Point to La Pointe has become the largest annual fundraiser for Recreation and Fitness Resources, the nonprofit organization that operates the Bayfield Rec Center. The 2026 event is expected to raise nearly $250,000, providing critical support for programs and services that benefit the entire community.

You can contribute to an individual swimmer's fundraising page. Top fundraisers get a special prize!

What's going on at the Rec Center?

Youth Swim Lessons - Sundays in October, level 1-6 and Little and Big Fish

CPR Trainings - August 21st, 10am-2pm

Adult Swim Team - Returning in October!

Swim Instructor Training (WSI) - September 19th, 20th, 26th, and 27th

Lifeguard Certification - September 11-13th

Bay Area Swim Team - August 10&12 Clinic - introduction to swim team!

Maker Space - Summer Featured Activities. Thursdays 4-6pm. Under 7 with a parent in the Maker Space, 7-12 y/o with parent in the building, 12+ welcome

Bayfield Rec Sailing - Youth Sailing ages 8+, Adult sailing class available too!

Strategic Planning Survey

The Bayfield Rec Center turns 40 this year! We want your input to help shape the next 40 years. Take the (very short) strategic planning survey now

Click here for the Survey

The Barn Party

Join us Saturday August 15th 6-10pm for an unforgettable summer evening featuring the album release celebration of the The Truth Is by Yazmin and Beat Zero! And don't miss the special opening performance by local favorite Javier Trejo!

More than a concert ticket, this is an opportunity to support local creativity and community well-being through the album release celebration of Yazmin & Beat Zero and the future vision of the Bayfield Recreation & Fitness Center.

Get your Tickets

Fall Pool Schedule

The pool will return to our normal fall and winter schedule starting on Monday August 3rd. During the summer we work with summer school programs which limits morning swim time. We are now returning back to normal.

Save this link and check the calendar before you come in.

Full Rec Center Calendar

Raffle Tickets on Sale

Buy your tickets in person at the

Bayfield Rec Center

$50 per ticket, only 250 tickets sold

Over $2,500 value with

3 night stay at Wild Rice Retreat, 2 entries into the 2027 P2LP, & local gift certificates.

Summer Maker Space Schedule

Register for any and all weeks of Maker Space you plan to attend!

Kids under 7 accompanied by a parent. Ages 7-12 require a parent in the facility. Ages 13+ welcome!

Drop in Tinkering 3:30-6:45pm (no registration required)

Featured Activity - 4-5pm (Space is limited, we encourage pre-registration)

This program is included with your RFR Membership, or you may attend with the use of a day pass. Youth day passes - $8.00 and Adult passes - $11.00

BAST Swim Clinics

Summer Opportunity to refine your stroke or learn more about swim team. Lead by Coach Taylor with assistance coaches on the pool deck.

Swim Team Basics

August 10th & 12th (4:30-6:30)

Upcoming Facility Closures

July 27, 28, 29, 30th

10am-3pm Facility Closed. 24 hour access available.

Regular Pool Hours

July 31st and August 1st

Facility Closed all day for Point to La Pointe.

24 hour access available.

Third Thursday of the Month - Hot Tub Closed for Cleaning

August 20th 3:30pm-6:30pm Hot Tub Closed

September 7th - Labor Day

Facility Closed. 24 hour access available.

September 28- October 4th Apple Fest Deep Clean

Facility Closed. NO ACCESS AT ALL!

We close due to weather conditions at the discretion of our staff. If the Rec Center is closed, all programming will be canceled. 24 Hour Access will remain open to the best of our ability. Check our calendar and Facebook for updates. Closures due to weather will also be announced on WDIO TV Channels 10/13.

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Membership Policy Updated March 2025

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PO Box 1146
140 S. Broad St
Bayfield, WI
USA