Madeline Island Winter Getaway

Madeline Island's winter is the perfect complement to summer. It's a season that brings fresh outdoor adventure - a new playground of snow and ice. For snowy outdoor winter fun, we've got it all: dog sledding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, snowshoeing, ice skating and spectacular snow-coated scenery..

Big Bay State Park features picturesque sandstone bluffs, 1.5 miles of shoreline and 5 miles of cross-country ski trails. SnowRyder Dog Sled Adventures offers a variety of mushing experiences through the forested trails of Madeline Island, or out onto Lake Superior among the Apostle Islands.

Transportation to and from the island in winter varies with the weather. The Madeline Island Ferry Line services the island until the ice is thick enough to support the Windsled - a flat-bottom vessel with an airplane propeller in the back that glides across the bay. The Windsled is for passengers only. If the bay freezes enough - the ice road opens, and a plowed road is lined with left-over Christmas trees to mark the path. You can drive the icy lane over deep Superior's waters for a winter adventure!

The Island Inn is open year 'round, and The Inn on Madeline Island also offers winter lodging. The rooms in the Lightkeeper's Lodge come equipped with cozy fireplaces, flat screen TV's and whirlpool tubs with views of the icy shores outside. For adventurers seeking a unique camping experience, Big Bay State Park is open for winter camping. Lodging is also available on the mainland at The Bayfield Inn and The Winfield Inn.

Plan to hit the links ON Lake Superior! Big Ice Golf is fun for all ages, and the only time you won't have to worry about a water hazard - because it's frozen, and you're standing on it! Big Ice Golf takes place on Saturday, February 20th, 2010.

After your outdoor escapades, grab a hot toddy and warm yourself in front of the stone fireplace in a big leather club chair at The Bell Street Tavern. The Bell Street features lunch served Monday through Saturday. Full dinners are available Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Mission Hill Coffee House serves hot gourmet coffee and bakery goods.

Whether enjoying the outdoors, or relaxing by the fire, Madeline Island is a tranquil and idyllic destination for your winter getaway.