If you are looking for a laid-back and cozy Midwestern getaway, then Madeline Island is for you! Located in Lake Superior, Madeline Island is the largest of the famous Apostle Islands. I recently visited to run my very first half marathon, but of course, I had to turn it into a fun weekend trip as well! So without further ado, here’s exactly how I spent one weekend on Madeline Island!
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Table of Contents
Quick Madeline Island Weekend Trip Itinerary
Who woulda thunk that the Midwest was home to so many gems?! I grew up there and didn’t appreciate it until moving away. ANYWHO, Madeline Island makes for a peaceful getaway!
Here’s a quick overview of how to spend your weekend!
- Day 1: Ferry to Madeline Island, window shop, beach day
- Day 2: Morning bike or moped rentals, Big Bay State Park
- Day 3: Ferry back to Bayfield, Kayak to the Sea Caves, Meyers Beach Cave Trail
Getting there: Madeline Island Ferry
Madeline Island can only be reached via ferry from Bayfield, WI. If flying, you will likely start your journey in Duluth, MN (which is a fun city to spend 3 days as well), and then make the 1-hour 45-minute drive to Bayfield.
The Madeline Island Ferry Line operates regular trips across the sparkling waters of Lake Superior, offering stunning views of the Apostle Islands along the way. The ferry accommodates both passengers and vehicles, making it convenient to bring your car for easy island exploration.
The schedule differs based on the month and ranges from departing every 1/2 hour to every other hour. Be sure to check the schedule before planning your trip as well as their Facebook page for any weather cancellations.
On a typical year, the ferry runs from the beginning of May to the beginning of January. This of course could change depending on if the Lake freezes over sooner or later.
The ride itself takes about 20-25 minutes, during which you can relax on deck, soak in the fresh lake breeze, and marvel at the panoramic vistas.
Once you arrive at La Pointe, the island’s charming main village, you’re perfectly positioned to begin your Madeline Island adventure, whether you’re headed to the beach, hiking trails, or local shops and eateries.
Should we bring our car on the ferry? We did bring our car over (and it was pretty easy to do so), but it’s not completely necessary for this itinerary as long as you pick a stay within walking distance of the ferry landing!
Best time to Visit
Midwest weather can be crazy (and a bit intense). Therefore, the best time to visit Madeline Island is during the late spring to early fall months, from May through October. During this period, the weather is typically mild, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and exploring the island’s beautiful beaches and nature trails.
Summer months, especially July and August, offer warm temperatures ideal for swimming and boating, along with a vibrant calendar of local events and festivals that bring the island community to life.
Fall, with its crisp air and stunning foliage, provides a picturesque and tranquil setting for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. You can expect the colors to peak from the end of September to the beginning of October.
Average Madeline Island Temperatures by Month
- Winter: 24/10
- Spring: 49/27
- Summer: 73/53
- Fall: 54/37
As you can see by the average temperatures, it’s never that hot and can vary greatly depending on the day. Be sure to pack plenty of layers!
Where to Stay on Madeline Island
Although there aren’t a lot of options, there are a few hotel choices right on Madeline Island. For a unique and comfortable stay, consider booking a room at one of the island’s quaint inns or lodges, such as The Inn on Madeline Island, which boasts beautiful lake views and modern amenities.
For those who prefer a more rustic experience, Big Bay State Park and Big Bay Town Park offer campgrounds nestled in nature, perfect for camping under the stars.
Additionally, vacation rentals and cottages provide a home-away-from-home feel, ideal for families or larger groups seeking more space and privacy.
Important! The hotel/vacation rental you choose will dictate if you need to bring your car over to the island or not. Our Airbnb was about 2.5 miles from the ferry landing, so therefore we thought it was best to bring a car over:)
Book the vacation rental we stayed at (pictured above) HERE!
Madeline Island Weekend Trip Itinerary
Woo Woo! It’s time. I know you will LOVE your weekend on this relaxing island full of things to do.
Happy planning!
Day 1 on Madeline Island
Morning:
After arriving in Bayfield, WI, you’ll have to first hop on the ferry. As stated above, you can choose to bring your car with you or walk on. I suggest getting to the ferry landing a bit early to ensure you don’t miss your preferred time. Each ferry can fit around 25 cars!
Enjoy the views during the 25-minute ferry ride, and then you’ll deboard right in downtown LaPointe, WI. From here, you can take a stroll around the downtown galleries and shops! It’s a fun way to spend a morning (and all within walking distance from the ferry landing).
Afternoon:
After a morning of window shopping, pack a picnic lunch and head to Joni’s Beach (also within walking distance from the ferry landing and shops). Then, spend your first afternoon soaking up the rays with a relaxing beach day.
Beware! Lake Superior is known to be CHILLY (but oh-so-refreshing).
Insider Tip! You can grab snacks from Darling’s Grocery store (small selection, but open year-round) or make sure to stop at the grocery store before leaving Bayfield if you want more options!
Evening:
End your first day on Madeline Island with dinner with a view! The Beach Club has picnic tables overlooking the lake. I enjoyed the fish fry! Then, head back to your Airbnb for a bonfire or some board games!
Day 2 on Madeline Island
Morning:
Rise and shine for some more island exploration! Head back downtown for a coffee and breakfast sandwich at Mission Hill Coffee House.
Now, that you are full and caffeinated, walk next door to Motion To Go. Here, you can rent Mopeds, bikes, or e-bikes to help cover more island ground. They have hourly or daily rentals and operate on a first-come-first-serve basis.
It’s only open seasonally (May-October), so be sure to check the website before planning this into your agenda.
Your routes can differ depending on the time of your rentals. Some popular points of interest could include the Madeline Island Library, The Casper Trail (right in town), the Golf Course, or the Marina.
If you have more time, you could ride the bike or moped all the way to Big Bay State Park (below).
Afternoon:
Perhaps the highlight of the entire island, Big Bay State Park is a must-stop during your weekend getaway. This state park is 6 miles from downtown and is home to epic rock structures, trails, and Lake Superior views.
We enjoyed the Bay View trail which is an easy 3.1-mile hike with amazing views and unique rock formations along the way. Make sure to save some time for agate hunting by the shore!
I would also recommend packing a picnic lunch today as well!
Evening:
Once you’ve soaked up all the views at the state park, head back downtown for dinner and drinks. For dinner, you can choose from Grandpa Tony’s (there’s delicious ice cream here), or, if you are feeling a little fancy you can grab dinner and wine at the Pub Restaurant.
After din din, head to the infamous Tom’s Burned Down Cafe for some camaraderie and laid-back drinks. Yes, it did actually burn down in 1992, so it’s quite the unique atmosphere!
Day 3 on Madeline Island
Morning:
Say farewell to Madeline Island by hopping on an early morning ferry back to Bayfield.
Then, drive to Meyers Beach for your next bucket list experience…kayaking to the Lake Superior Sea Caves! There are several different tour companies to choose from, just be sure to reserve your trip in advance!
Most of the trips last anywhere between 3-4 hours and will include the use of wetsuits! I
Safety Tip! It’s HIGHLY recommended that you do this trip with professional guides. Lake Superior can be extremely unpredictable and unforgiving. Your guides are equipped with the right skills and knowledge to make your trip as seamless as possible.
Afternoon:
If you have any energy left after your kayak trip, spend some time eating a picnic lunch on the beach. Then, take off exploring the caves by foot via the Meyers Beach Sea Caves trail. It’s a 4.3-mile trail that will lead you to views of the sea caves from above!
Evening:
What a weekend!
Depending on the time, you can either head back to Duluth (or wherever you started from) or take some time to window shop around Bayfield. Some delicious restaurant recommendations include Greunke’s First Street Inn & Dining, Pier Plaza, or The Deck.
Planning a Trip to Madeline Island FAQs!
Yes! In my opinion, it’s the perfect amount of time. It gives you enough time to relax, explore the island, and also spend some time in Bayfield.
The closest airport to Madeline Island is the Duluth International Airport (DLH) in Duluth, Minnesota. Located approximately 90 miles southwest of Bayfield, Wisconsin, where you can catch the ferry to Madeline Island. If you can’t find a flight that works to Duluth, you could check out Minneapolis as well (MSP) which is about 215 miles from Bayfield.
Madeline Island can be as affordable or as expensive as you make it, depending on your travel choices and preferences. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly campgrounds and modest inns to more upscale lodges and vacation rentals.
Dining on the island also offers a range of options, from casual eateries and cafes to fine dining restaurants. Activities such as hiking, biking, and exploring the natural beauty of the island are generally low-cost or free, while guided tours, boat rentals, and other specialized experiences can add to the expenses.
Overall, with careful planning, you can enjoy a visit to Madeline Island without breaking the bank.
The Madeline Island Ferry typically stops running in January due to the icy conditions on Lake Superior. Instead, during the winter months, access to Madeline Island is provided by an ice road when the ice is thick enough to support vehicles. The ice road usually opens from mid-January to late February or early March, depending on weather conditions. Before planning your trip in the winter, it’s essential to check current conditions and access options to ensure safe travel to the island.
Depending on where you are staying on the island, a car is not always necessary. Most of the attractions are within walking distance from the ferry and there are bike and moped rentals available if you want to venture further. We did bring our car over, and I appreciated the flexibility it brought!
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