Welcome To Madeline Island!
A short 2.6 mile ferryboat ride from the Bayfield, Madeline Island is the only one of the 22 Apostle Islands that has permanent residents and not designated as wilderness preserve. A lively tourist area known for its physical beauty, complete access to Lake Superior and a large variety of wildlife, population in the summer reaches almost 2,000, while in the winter only about 150 regular residents remain. When the ice road isn't safe for driving, islanders come and go on a wind sled.
In the height of the summer season, visitors can access many local shops that sell regional arts and crafts, a Robert Trent Jones golf course, Apostle Island Yacht club, several restaurants, many lodging facilities and a small airport. Autumn includes enjoying the colors, celebrating Apple Fest and Madeline Island Fall Fest in October and hunting season in November. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and the local theater troupe's "The Ice Road Show" highlight some of the winter activities while spring brings the island in bloom with lupines and lilacs, and the return of ferry service. Year-round services include a police department, a full-time ambulance and fire department.
Big Bay Town Park and Big Bay State Park are maintained by the town of La Pointe and the State of Wisconsin. Connected by 1.5 miles of beauty sand beach, Town and State park offer world class camping, swimming and hiking on the shores of Lake Superior.
Whatever your pleasure, Madeline Island offers activities all year long, always giving you a choice between solitude and social event.
