Big Bay State Park, State park on Madeline Island, Ashland County, Wisconsin, US
The 2,350-acre park features red sandstone cliffs and caves alongside a 1.5-mile sand beach on Lake Superior's largest Apostle Island.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources established Big Bay State Park in 1963 to protect the natural heritage of Madeline Island.
The park's trails guide visitors through diverse ecosystems including lakeside dunes, sphagnum bogs, and old-growth forests that reflect Wisconsin's natural heritage.
Access to the park requires a 20-minute ferry ride from Bayfield to La Pointe, followed by a 5-mile drive east on Highway H.
The park's location on Lake Superior's largest Apostle Island provides exceptional views of the Milky Way due to minimal light pollution.
Location: Ashland County
Inception: 1963
Website: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/bigbay
GPS coordinates: 46.80000,-90.67280
Latest update: March 4, 2025 11:47
Apostle Islands Lighthouses
22.3 km
Michigan Island Light
15.5 km
Gaylord Nelson Wilderness
18.4 km
Raspberry Island Light
21.5 km
Ashland Harbor Breakwater Light
24.3 km
La Pointe Light
11.7 km
Kakagon Sloughs
16.2 km
Madeline Island Historical Museum
9 km
Bass Island Brownstone Company Quarry
7.3 km
Chequamegon Point Light
13.1 km
Manitou Camp
17.3 km
Frank Boutin, Jr. House
10.9 km
Bayfield Fish Hatchery
14.6 km
Christ Episcopal Church
11.2 km
Ellis School
27.8 km
Bayfield County Courthouse
21.6 km
Hadland Fishing Camp
27.2 km
City of Ashland
17.3 km
Rocky Island Historic District
27.4 km
Security Savings Bank
28.4 km
Ashland County Courthouse
28.4 km
Grand Opera House
28.4 km
Sevona Cabin
27.1 km
Washburn Public Library
22.1 km
East Third Street Residential Historic District
21.6 km
Bayfield Historic District
11 km
Madeline Island
9.1 km
Madeline Island Public Library
9 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes