Located in Lake Superior just off Wisconsin's North Coast, Madeline Island is the largest of the Apostle Island Archipelago. It is 14 miles long and 3 miles wide and is the only one of the islands with commercial development.

WELCOME!

To reach Madeline Island, board one of the four steel-hulled car/passenger ferries that ply the waters between Bayfield, Wisconsin and the Island. It is a 20-minute, 2.6-mile trip over crystalline waters to the Town of LaPointe, on Madeline's southern shore. Not only is the ferry ride necessary to reach the island, it is a great scenic cruise on Lake Superior! During mid-summer days, the ferries run every half hour. Check the schedule for early morning, evening, and off-season hours of operation. Ferries typically operate from March to mid-January depending on weather conditions.

ISLAND LIFE

The year-round population of the Island is approximately 220, but swells to between 2500 and 3000 when the summer residents arrive - many of whom are descendants of early Island settlers who came to log, fish, and farm, while some came just to establish a summer retreat.

While school is in session, the Island's two-room, K - 5 school has between 15 and 20 students, while the older students travel to the mainland to attend other schools.

Islanders must adjust to seasonal changes in the mode of transportation between the Island and the mainland. The ferries operate from March through mid-January; the windsled (air-propeller driven boat, shown above) during freeze-up and break-up periods, and the "ice road" is available to travelers during the heart of winter.

GET AWAY FROM IT ALL

Though Madeline is small in size, its charm and abundant natural beauty make it the perfect spot for the vacationer who wants to "get away". Walk along beautiful wooded trails and focus your camera on breathtaking views. Bask in the relaxing beauty of our clean, sandy beaches, browse through our gift shops, picnic, bike or swim. Discover our fascinating past in the Madeline Island Historical Museum, the historic downtown Walking Tour, the Madeline Island Ferry Line Bus Tour, and the Heritage Center of the Madeline Island Historic Preservation Association.

The area offers some of the best fishing and sailing to be found. You could also try your hand at a game of tennis or a round of golf, rent a canoe or bike and get "up close and personal" with our birds and wild life.

Restaurants ranging from casual to gourmet tempt the pallets of islanders and visitors alike.

For Madeline Island's overnight guests, there is a wide variety of accommodations available including Bed and Breakfasts, condominiums, rental cottages, motels, apartments, or you can camp under the stars at the State Park or the Town Park.

Enjoy an intriguing glimpse of the past, as well as a renewal of spirit when visiting our special Island. Spring and Fall offer the beauty of the Island in bloom, or in all it's glorious color, a quieter time for a truly relaxing vacation.

For a unique change of pace, visit Madeline Island during the winter season. Bring your cross-country skis or ice skates; try snowshoeing, dogsledding, ice fishing or snowmobiling. For a real thrill, try the ice road, then relax by the fire and read a good book.

Madeline Island provides the true retreat, a chance to tune out the world in any season.