Big Bay State Park in Wisconsin, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-27. Check linked official notices before travel.

Big Bay State Park occupies the eastern shore of Madeline Island in Wisconsin’s Apostle Islands, with Lake Superior bluffs, a sandy beach and wooded trails. The park remains open during construction, but its campground and beach parking lot are closed until approximately June 30, 2027. Plan this as a day visit and check ferry access first.

An island shoreline beyond the ferry landing

Sandstone bluffs line part of the park’s 4-mile shoreline. The boardwalk gives a different view of the bay from the bluff trails, with benches and interpretive signs along the accessible route. More than seven miles of hiking and nature trails give walkers several ways to explore the park.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Treat Lake Superior as open water

High waves and dangerous currents can occur at Great Lakes beaches, including near outlets and shoreline structures. There are no lifeguards at Wisconsin state park beaches. Never swim alone, closely supervise children and use appropriate life jackets. Read the DNR beach-safety guidance and check lake conditions before entering the water.

Beach and seasonal-use rules

Pets and fires are prohibited on the beach. Elsewhere, keep pets attended and on a leash no longer than 8 feet. Hunting and trapping occur in designated open areas during the applicable state park seasons; trapping is prohibited within 100 yards of designated use areas, including trails, and in mapped closed areas. The park also has an archery deer season from October 15 through the Sunday nearest January 6.

Camping during construction

The construction closure overrides the usual campground and winter-camping arrangements. Reservations for 2027 will open when a reopening date is known. Follow the park construction and reservation updates before planning an overnight stay.

Reach Madeline Island first

The park is on Madeline Island’s east side. A ferry from Bayfield provides the island connection; its schedule is a separate part of the journey from the park’s opening hours. Contact Madeline Island Ferry Line at 715-747-2051 for rates and schedules, then plan for the reduced parking available during construction.

Nearby parks

Big Bay Town Park is another Madeline Island park, at 2305 Big Bay Road, with road access from La Pointe and year-round public access to the lagoon. It is separately managed by the town. Copper Falls State Park, northeast of Mellen, is a mainland option after returning by ferry; its entrance is on Copper Falls Road and the park is open year-round. It is not an island road connection.

Walk, picnic and explore the shoreline

Choose a bluff or nature walk, or use the boardwalk for a flatter route with places to rest. The day-use area has picnic tables and grills. Swimming and carry-in paddling are possible shoreline activities when conditions and current construction access permit; there is no boat launch at the state park. Do not assume a beach parking space will be available.

Accessible features with access limits

The Boardwalk Trail is described by DNR as flat and accessible, with benches and interpretive signs. A beach wheelchair is available; ask the park about collection and the usable approach during construction. Restrooms are provided in the day-use area. The accessible campsite is part of the campground affected by the closure, so it is not an overnight option during that work.

An island state park

Ojibwe connections

DNR identifies the Ojibwe as the original inhabitants of this area. Big Bay is now a 2,350-acre state park managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, alongside a separately managed town park on the island.

Lagoon and lake habitats

The sheltered lagoon and Lake Superior support different fish communities: DNR lists northern pike in the lagoon and several trout species in the lake. The contrast between wooded trails, bluffs and beach gives the park more variety than a single shoreline stop.

Contact

Call Big Bay State Park at 715-747-6425. The official park page links to maps and property information.