Madeline Island is hard to categorize. It is relatively undeveloped, a weekend retreat for those who really do want to get away from t-shirt shops and gift shops. It is beautiful, no doubt, the clear, cold Lake Superior water crashing onto rocky shores. Yes, there is a beach, but the water is too cold for swimming most of the time.... More

Take the ferry over to Madeline Island. It runs quite often and leaves from the heart of Bayfield. Great for the outdoor person. Visit the 2 parks on the island. The views are spectacular. Rent a bike or a kayak and have fun...even if u have never tried it before, Remember there is a first for everything!. Great restaurants and... More

We recently visited Madeline Island as an extended family group. It is a beautiful area; if you are looking for a shopping attraction however go elsewhere. The town of La Pointe is small but does have a grocery (with a rather comically grumpy proprietor ) and a choice of a few restaurants . The allure of the island is not... More

I worked on the island numerous times over three years from March, when I drove over on the ice road, 'til October, when they held the apple festival across the channel, in Bayfield. Everyone I ever met who lived and/or worked there is super cool. Sometimes outsiders come in and expect a tourist town full of antique shops. You will... More

I enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the bay with the kids. It's not too deep and there's lots of sand for them to play in. I went there with my 9-year-old nephew and he loved it. I liked that there wasn't an over-developed business atmosphere. It's a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere. More

Madeline Island is an interesting place. I've read the disappointed reviews and understand what they are saying. If you are just taking the ferry over for a few hours and are expecting another Bayfield you will be disappointed. There are really only a couple of shops worth visiting in La Point, a decent museum if you like history, and a... More

I agree with other posters. When we exited the ferry to the island, I was expecting a vibrant downtown area to La Pointe. We were disappointed to see how drab and dreary the downtown was. Almost all of the restaurants were shut down. I know the economy is tough, but there wasn't much to choose from as far as places... More

We had looked forward to our visit to Madeline Island for some time, and boy were we disappointed. First off, the ferry ride is expensive ($36 each way for car, driver and 3 passengers). Secondly, the town of La Point isn't much. And lastly, the house in which we stayed "Mary Ann" (under the management of the Inn on Madeline... More

My husband and I camped one night on Madeline Island during a recent trip in late May. We were a bit disappointed. Big Bay State Park is nice, that is where we camped, but outside of that, there is not much to see or do. The town is small, with not much going on, even all the shops were closed.... More