Big Bay State Park
Madeline Island in Lake Superior
Big Bay State Park is on Madeline Island, the largest of Lake Superior's 22 Apostle Islands.
Driftwood, sand, and cliffs glowing in evening sun make a serene vacation
setting.
Photo © Dave Miess
The park, established in 1963, has picnic areas with tables, grills, water and toilets; a campground with drinking water, showers and toilets; an indoor camp for nonprofit groups; an outdoor group camp; and more than nine miles of trails, including interesting nature trails.
The 2,350-acre park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Admission stickers are required for all motor vehicles.
Things to See and Do at Big Bay
Picnicking
The day use area is equipped with picnic tables, grills, drinking water, and rest rooms
Beach Exploring
The 1.5-mile beach is a great place to rock hunt and bask in the sun. The Lake Superior reputation for cold water is challenged every summer by the delighted waders and swimmers using the beautiful mile-and-a-half long sand beach at Big Bay.
The hardiest swimmers start their summer with a refreshing and memorable Memorial Day dip. The most popular swimming is from late June until mid-September. The term "cooler by the lake" refers to spring and summer. But it is "warmer by the lake" in fall and winter.
In fall, enjoy the leaf color as you walk on the beach.
DNR Photo
Pets and fires are prohibited on the Big Bay beach.
Fishing
Anglers can catch northern pike in the park's lagoon and several species of trout in Lake Superior.
Bird and Wildlife Watching
Bird watchers are intrigued with the island park. A list of 240 species of birds seen in the park is available at the office.
A spider web in the grass captures dewdrops as well as insects.
Photo © Dave Miess
There's a wildlife observation deck along the east shore of the lagoon.
Naturalist Programs Naturalist/environmental programs are provided periodically through the summer. Contact the park for more information.
Winter Activities
Winter users are welcome to camp, snowshoe, and cross-country ski. The park has a new trail groomer and plans to groom cross-country ski trails starting the winter of 2003-2004.
How
to Get There
Ferry boats [exit DNR] operate on regular schedules between Bayfield and La Pointe from April to December.
County Highway H loops around Madeline Island from La Pointe. To get to Big Bay State Park, take Highway H counterclockwise (Middle Road) from La Pointe about 4 miles to Hagen Road and continue east on Hagen Road about 2 miles to the park entrance.
No launching facilities are available at the park, but boats can be launched at the public landing in Bayfield or at a privately operated landing on Madeline Island. (Consult the Coast Guard at Bayfield for Lake Superior navigation information.)
For more information, ask Mark Eggleson, park manager, 141 S. 3rd St., P.O. Box 589, Bayfield WI 54814, phone(715) 747-6425.
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