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Day Trips from Apostle Islands

Day Trips from Apostle Islands

Apostle Islands Wisconsin, USA Travel Guide

Madeline Island

Accessible by the Madeline Island Ferry, which transports both passengers and vehicles.

A half-day to a full day visit is suggested.

Island Highlights

  • Accessible by Madeline Island Ferry.
  • Charming village of La Pointe with shops and restaurants.
  • Madeline Island Museum.
  • Big Bay State Park: beaches, boardwalk, and trails.

Explore Local Towns

Discover smaller communities near Bayfield, each with its own character.

Cornucopia, WI

A small, picturesque fishing village known for its charming harbor and quiet atmosphere.

Village Attractions

  • Local shops and galleries.
  • Nearby Roman Arch sea caves.
  • Fresh fish at a local eatery.

Washburn, WI

A quieter, more residential town compared to Bayfield, offering a relaxed atmosphere.

Town Features

  • Features a marina.
  • Scenic drive along Lake Superior.
  • Good for a calm afternoon stroll.

Further Afield

Ashland, WI

  • Largest city in the immediate area with more amenities.
  • Larger grocery stores, chain retailers, hospital.
  • Wider variety of dining options.
  • Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center for regional exhibits.

Duluth, MN / Superior, WI

  • Twin port cities for a more urban experience.
  • Duluth's Canal Park, Aerial Lift Bridge, Great Lakes Aquarium.
  • Explore historic waterfront, museums, and diverse dining.
  • Accessible by car (approx. 1.5-hour drive).

Travel Snapshot

  • Bayfield to Madeline Island Ferry25 mins
  • Bayfield to Cornucopia20 mins
  • Bayfield to Washburn15 mins
  • Bayfield to Ashland30 mins
  • Time for Madeline IslandHalf-day to Full Day
  • Time for CornucopiaHalf-day
  • Time for Washburn2-3 hours
  • Time for AshlandHalf-day to Full Day

Travel Tip

Independent travel via ferry for Madeline Island offers flexibility. For diverse day trip options and tours, consider exploring GetYourGuide day trips.

Natural Escapes

Beyond the immediate islands, northern Wisconsin features beautiful state parks and vast forests for outdoor enthusiasts.

Big Bay State Park

Mile of sandy beach, unique sandstone formations, and a boardwalk through a bog on Madeline Island.

Copper Falls State Park

Stunning waterfalls, deep gorges, scenic loop trail along Bad River.

Chequamegon-Nicolet Forest

Vast national forest surrounding Apostle Islands, extensive outdoor recreation.

Chequamegon-Nicolet Activities

Miles of hiking trails, fishing in numerous lakes and rivers, wildlife viewing.

Activities

  • Hiking trails.
  • Fishing in lakes and rivers.
  • Wildlife viewing.

Brule River State Forest

Home to the Bois Brule River, a famous trout stream.

Activities

  • Renowned for trout fishing.
  • Canoeing and kayaking.
  • Hiking trails and quiet reflection.

Park Visit Planning

Big Bay State ParkHalf-day to Full Day
Copper Falls State ParkHalf-day to Full Day
Chequamegon-Nicolet ForestFew hours to Multiple days
Brule River State ForestHalf-day
Copper Falls Drive Time1 hour from Bayfield
Brule River Drive Time45 mins from Bayfield

Green Tip

  • Always pack out everything you pack in.
  • Respect wildlife and stay on marked trails.
  • Use bear-resistant containers for food on islands.
  • Be mindful of water usage.
  • Consider a portable water filter for natural sources.

Cultural Excursions

Immerse yourself further in the region's human story with these cultural day trips.

Madeline Island Museum

Insights into the island's and region's history.

Themes

  • Native American history.
  • Fur trade era.
  • Early settlement periods.

Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center

Comprehensive exhibits on Lake Superior basin history.

Focuses

  • Native American cultures.
  • Logging industry.
  • Maritime history.

Ashland Cultural Hub

Ashland is a regional center with cultural points of interest.

Cultural Sites

  • Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center.
  • Exhibits on Native American cultures.
  • History of logging and maritime industries.

Duluth/Superior Heritage

These port cities enable a dive into regional heritage.

Heritage Points

  • Duluth's Aerial Lift Bridge.
  • Great Lakes Aquarium and waterfront.
  • Local museums and historical sites.

Regional Cultural Hotspots

Madeline Island Museum

Explore Native American, fur trade, and early settlement history.

N. Great Lakes Visitor Center

Exhibits on Lake Superior basin's natural and cultural heritage.

Bayfield Maritime Museum

Explore the maritime history of Lake Superior and Bayfield.

Multi-Day Extensions

For those with more time, extend your trip to explore larger regions connected by the Great Lakes.

Extended Great Lakes Exploration

1.

Minnesota's North Shore

Scenic drive along Highway 61 with charming towns and state parks.

2.

Minnesota's Iron Range

Explore unique landscapes and mining history south of Duluth.

3.

Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Discover stunning Pictured Rocks and remote wilderness parks.

North Shore: What to Explore

  • Charming towns like Grand Marais.
  • State parks with cliffs and waterfalls (Split Rock Lighthouse, Gooseberry Falls).
  • Scenic overlooks.
  • Hiking portions of the Superior Hiking Trail.
  • Accessible by car from Duluth.
  • 3-5 additional days for comprehensive exploration.

Michigan's UP: What to Explore

  • Stunning Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
  • Explore the city of Marquette.
  • Hike in remote Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.
  • Accessible by car via US Highway 2 East.
  • 3-7 additional days for diverse experiences.
  • Combine with Apostle Islands for comprehensive Great Lakes adventure.

Planning Your Extended Adventure

Transportation

Easily accessible by car for seamless travel between regions.

Accommodation

Consider booking lodging in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Activity Pace

Build in flexible time to explore hidden gems at your own pace.

Route Suggestion

Combine a visit to the Apostle Islands with explorations of the surrounding region for a comprehensive Great Lakes adventure.