Big Bay State Park
4.8(1.1K)google
4.3(17)yelp
IslandBeachForestHiking TrailCampingOutdoorOcean ViewSecluded & Uncrowded
Overview
Located on the sand-ringed shores of Madeline Island, the largest of the Apostle Islands, Big Bay State Park features a spectacular 1.5-mile long crescent sand beach and rugged sandstone sea cliffs. The park is a paradise for visitors looking to hike along boardwalk paths, kayak through quiet lagoons, fish, or camp under old-growth hemlocks and pines while enjoying peaceful, uninterrupted views across the vast waters of Lake Superior.
Practical Info
Every day6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Suggested Duration3-6 hours
Best TimeLocated on a remote island in Lake Superior, the optimal window is strictly limited to peak summer from July to September. Hike the dramatic boardwalk trails between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM when the northern sunlight hits the towering red sandstone sea caves and ledgerock shelves at a direct angle, transforming the vast cold waters of Lake Superior into a brilliant, deep arctic blue.
Getting ThereRequires an adventurous 'Drive + Car Ferry' sequence. Drive along WI-13 N to the coastal town of Bayfield, board the Madeline Island Ferry with your vehicle for a scenic 20-minute crossing to La Pointe townsite. Once on the island, drive east via Hagen Road continuously for 7 miles to arrive directly at the state park's main wilderness parking lot.
Travel Tips
- Located on Madeline Island, this park is the only island accessible via car. You must board the Madeline Island Ferry from Bayfield. Fees apply to both the chassis and passengers, creating high round-trip costs. Save cash by parking for free on the mainland, crossing as a pedestrian, and renting a bicycle on the island to pedal the 7 miles to the park gates.
- Madeline Ferry transit tickets do NOT cover the state park vehicle admission fees. Upon driving into the park perimeter, you must purchase a daily pass using cash at the self-registration kiosk or exhibit a valid WI DNR sticker. Rangers patrol beach and trail parking bays continuously to fine non-compliant vehicles.
- The iconic red sandstone Point Trail features zero safety guardrails. Spring thawing and heavy rains leave the ledges erratic and structurally crumbly. Lake superior winds cause shifting sand storms along the beaches; wear tight-rimmed eyewear and avoid sandals. Dogs must remain on a tight 6-foot physical leash at all times.
Reviews
Positive
- Unmatched scenic value, featuring miles of dramatic sandstone bluffs, serene forest trails, and endless Lake Superior sandy beaches with zero false advertising.
- Thoughtful and humane infrastructure; wooden boardwalks stretch along the shoreline, flat and well-fitted with accessible platforms, ample restrooms, and clean picnic spots.
- The raw natural ambiance is intensely tranquil with comfortable crowd density; sunbathing on flat rocks to watch waves and eagles offers a true soulful retreat.
- Trail signage is crystal clear and difficulties are highly family-friendly; the rangers are incredibly sweet and hand out multilingual ecological brochures.
Heads up
- Highly inaccessible; located on Madeline Island, drivers must head to Bayfield and pay for an expensive car ferry to cross, running up massive transit costs.
- Commercial amenities on the island and inside the park are scarce; no food concessions exist outside vending machines, leaving waterless families stranded if they forget supplies.
- During peak summer weeks, blood-sucking biting flies, gnats, and swarms of ferocious mosquitoes are rampant, severely damaging the hike experience even with repellent.
- As a state park, you must pay separate vehicle admission onsite alongside the heavy island ferry costs, making total spending unfriendly for budget travelers.