Big Bay State Park

Big Bay State Park is a protected area on Madeline Island covering 2,350 acres with red sandstone cliffs and caves. A 1.5-mile sand beach runs along Lake Superior, and the terrain includes forests, dunes, and wetlands.

The state created this park in 1963 to protect the natural landscape of Madeline Island. The island itself has older roots as a place where people lived and traded for centuries before the park was established.

The trails here lead through changing landscapes that reflect how Wisconsin's natural systems work together. These different environments show visitors the variety that makes this island ecosystem important to the region.

You reach the park by taking a 20-minute ferry from Bayfield to La Pointe, then driving 5 miles east on Highway H. Visit between May and October for the best conditions, as trails are easier to walk and weather is more predictable during warmer months.

The park sits on Lake Superior's largest Apostle Island and offers rare night skies with clear views of the Milky Way because light pollution is minimal. These dark skies make it a special spot for nature watchers looking for nights without city glow.

Location: Ashland County

Inception: 1963

Website: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/bigbay

GPS coordinates: 46.80000,-90.67280

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:06