Food Lover’s Guide to Madeline Island

Want to know ALL the great places to eat and drink on – and around – Madeline Island… And them some? Here’s your guide, my travel-hungry friends!

After 13 years (and counting!) in the Bayfield and Madeline Island Area, living aboard our boat during most of the summer months and visiting during every season beyond that, I’ve enjoyed a few good meals on the Island and in the surrounding communities.

As friends make travel plans each season, I’m often asked for recommendations about where to eat, the best place to enjoy a cocktail at sunset, and what options there are for provisioning camping and boating trips. I’m always happy to help and wanted to take things a little further by creating a fresh resource (because there’s a lot of old information out there) with everything in one place. So, I teamed up with the fine folks at the Madeline Island Chamber of Commerce to put together a “guide” for those interested in the culinary side of this incredible Island destination.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of every restaurant in the Bayfield Area. This post is graciously sponsored by the Madeline Island Chamber of Commerce, and many of the businesses featured are members of the chamber. All thoughts, opinions, stories, and photos are my own.

There is A LOT of information here for several reasons:

1. For those who are in a hurry, I wanted this to be a one stop source. Check in. Find all the info you want. Then go!
2. For those who want to plan a few stops and are trying to decide where to go first, or where to go for breakfast versus dinner, etc., hopefully the personal recommendations will help.
3. Without trying to tell you what to do, my goal here is to provide just enough information for you to feel like you know exactly what you want to do when you get there.

So here you go, from a seasoned foodie and Bayfield & Madeline Island Area “local” at heart:

PRO TIPS:

The “busy season” is generally Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. A list is included below, outlining notable events in Bayfield and on Madeline Island throughout the summer months – specifically the annual foodie event in June! – that may help you decide when to visit.

For more event info and trip inspo, follow @MadelineIsland on Facebook and Instagram, and tag #MadelineIsland and #BayfieldEats (a hashtag I started in 2012 to share all the “eats” in the area) in your posts! I’d love for you to follow me too, and tag me @baconfatte and #baconfatte when you travel so I can share in your adventures!

While businesses in larger cities are often very active on social media, businesses in smaller communities aren’t always as active. Don’t judge a business by its Facebook cover!

#IslandTime is real, and it’s a good thing (you’ll see)! Most of the businesses in the Bayfield and Madeline Island areas are small, independent, family-run businesses. Hours of operation are often adjusted based on weather, events, or the direction of the wind (literally!), so double check before you go if you’re on a schedule. Business hours and all contact sources currently available are included below so you can plan your visit accordingly.

Dog-friendly? Yes, most businesses in the area are dog friendly. Common sense rules apply: Make sure your dog is on leash at all times; attended to, well-behaved, and cleaned up after in all public places. Dogs are generally allowed on outdoor patios, but not indoors. Politely inquire with establishments, and double-check pet rules at camp grounds and parks before you go.

Expect the unexpected! There are crazy-beautiful sunsets to witness, and so much #IslandLife to embrace… Go with the flow. Breathe. Enjoy!

MADELINE ISLAND EATS 

The Beach Club

817 Main Street, La Pointe, WI 54850 | 715-747-3955
Chamber Listing | Facebook
Summer Hours: Open daily, 11:00am – Closing
Located right next to the ferry dock (so it’s a great place to grab the first – and last – cocktail on the Island just as you arrive, or just before you leave). They have a large front patio + a lakeside patio right on the water, and lots of indoor seating. Arrive by boat (they have first-come, first-served dockage with up to 4½ ft. draw) and walk right in. Perfect sunset views! Place your food orders at the window inside by the bar. Their large, casual menu includes burgers, sandwiches, salads, tacos, fries, cheese curds, etc.

Personal Faves: The Beach Club sandwich – I’m a huge Club sammie fan, and theirs is fresh and nicely stacked! The spicy Devil’s Burger – There are burgers named after several of the Apostle Islands on the menu, and this one has plenty of attitude. The Nachos – I credit the delicious molten white cheddar and extra jalapenos that we add. The Beach Club Bloody Mary – Because there’s nothing better than sipping a bloody on Island Time. Vodka Soda with a Lemon – it’s my summertime standard, and they pour them well! Watching the sun set just beyond the docks – because living my best life is a priority.

Bell Street Gallery & Artbar – Wisconsin’s Smallest Bar

127 Middle Road, La Pointe, WI 54850 | 715-747-2801
Website | Chamber Listing | Facebook | Instagram
Summer Hours: Monday, Tuesday 11-6; Wednesday 11-8; Thursday & Friday 11-6; Saturday 10-8; Sunday 11-4
Located across the street from Tom’s Burned Down Café. Just look for the bright colors & red patio umbrellas. It’s an art gallery, yes, but they also serve wood fired pizzas (several kinds) Wednesday evenings and Saturday afternoons! Enjoy live music in the outdoor gallery. This is truly a hidden gem!

Personal Faves:  Thin crust Cacio e Pepe Pizza topped w/ micro greens paired with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc, and all of the amazing local art! If you can get a little gallery tour from one of the lovely staff members, even better!

Bell Street Tavern

751 Bell Street, La Pointe, WI 54850 | 612-964-1059
Website | Chamber Listing | Facebook |
This is an amazing special event venue, but not a restaurant or bar that you can visit outside of events.

Café Seiche and Blue Ghost

794 Main Street, La Pointe, WI 54850 | 715-747-2033
Website | Chamber Listing | Facebook
Summer Hours: Café Seiche serves dinner only, Wednesday – Saturday, 5 – 9pm. Sunday, lighter fare, 5 – 8pm. Blue Ghost serves grab-and-go lunch items Monday thru Saturday, 11:00am – 2:00pm — just look for the yellow door.
Outdoor and screened-in patios. Indoor seating and full bar. Beautiful, locally sourced farm-to-table fare. The chef-driven menu changes daily. Incredible “signature” steaks, fish, salads, desserts.

Personal Faves: Everything… The Fresh-Squeezed Margarita – So refreshing! The Seiche Manhattan – A serious sundowner. The Savory Citrus Trout Cake w/ Organic Greens – So, so delicious! The Grilled Beef Tenderloin – Seriously delicious. Café Seiche is known for their steaks… Now that you know, you have to go! The heavenly Lemon Cake with Strawberry Sauce & Fresh Strawberries – Heavenly.

Dockside Gifts

190 Colonel Woods Avenue, La Pointe, WI 54850 | 715-747-2314
Website | Chamber Listing | Facebook | Instagram
Summer Hours: Open daily, 9am-6pm
Step off the ferry and look to your left, and you’ll see a brown “cabin” punctuated with colorful accessories. Go there for anything branded with Madeline Island as well as countless culinary items and tasteful gifts galore. There’s a Coca-Cola vending machine outside for emergency beverage situations (which comes in amazingly handy really early in the morning, and really late at night).

Personal Faves: No visit to the Island is complete without a stop here – there’s too much fun stuff, and it’s all beautifully curated.

Farmhouse Restaurant and Hayloft Inn (a six room Inn)

858 Main Street, La Pointe, WI 54850 | 715-747-3276 (FARM)
Website | Chamber Listing | Facebook | Instagram
Summer Hours: Monday thru Friday, 8am -1pm; Saturday & Sunday, 8am – 2pm
Located just a block off the ferry dock, to the left. Outdoor patio. Breakfast, Lunch, catering, and take away restaurant. Eclectic scratch menu: salads, hashes, sandwiches, toasts… whatever they’re called to create each day with the freshest, local ingredients. Sustainable, local ingredients. In fact, they grow much of what they serve. Order at the counter, and go pick a table with plenty of room for all the deliciousness to come.

Personal Faves: Everything I’ve ever had here has been amazing. Fresh flavors and ingredients, all beautifully presented. Exceptional espressos, lattes, cappuccinos, americanos, etc. The house-brewed Pine Needle Tea is uniquely refreshing. The Sweet & Savory Waffle Plate is a House Special, and a wonderful one, at that. The Thai Toast – crazy delicious. All the breads are baked in house, and they’re amazing. The Tempura Chicken Sandwich – quite possibly the crunchiest, juiciest chicken sandwich ever. The (special) Pickled Whitefish with heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, radish, buckwheat krumkake, sauce gribiche & lemon balm pistou: This was amazing! Definitely one of Best Things I’ve had this Summer!

Friday Morning Farmer’s Market

Main Street at Le Seuer, La Pointe, WI 54850 | 715-765-4298
Hours: Fridays only, Memorial Day weekend thru Fall Fest weekend (late Oct.), 9:15am-1pm.
A seasonal collection of local farm produce, meats & baked goods. Angel Acres Farms: Organic Meats. North Wind Farms: Berries & Veggies.

Grandpa Tony’s

814 N. Main Street, La Pointe, WI 54850 | 715-747-3911
Website | Facebook
Summer Hours (Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day Weekend): 8:00am – 9:00pm
If you haven’t taken a selfie by the big, brightly-colored ice cream cone wood carving, were you even on the Island?! Just kidding. But you can hardly miss the ice cream cone or the pretty yellow building right on the main drag. Grandpa Tony’s serves all kinds of delicious ice cream. That’s all I’ve personally had there, but there’s always next time. They also serve breakfast, pizzas, wraps, salads, hot sandwiches (with housemade buns), and kids meals. There’s an upper level patio with lake views, and all kinds of room to spread out on the lawn and enjoy your Island eats. And the giant ice cream IS one of the coolest spots for trip pics for kids of all ages!

Island Market (grocery store)

804 Main Street, La Pointe, WI 54850 | 715-747-6635
Facebook |  Chamber Listing
Summer Hours: 8:30am – 7pm
Hand-scooped & take-home ice cream. Fresh Lake Superior dish and smoked whitefish and lake trout. Quality Vollwerth’s meats such as BBQ ribs and Ribeye steaks, bacon, summer sausages, and brats. Chicago-style Italian Beef Sandwiches, locally baked breads, brownies and cookies, Wisconsin cheeses, produce, dairy, wine, beer, spirits, ice, and more!

Personal Faves: The Chicago-style Italian Beef Sandwiches, ala Ed – a butcher, a teacher, and a gentleman. Grabbing some gorgeous steaks to grill on the boat later that evening. And being able to bring smoked fish bring home to add to our cheese boards to get through the long week ahead. If you’ve known the Island a while, you’ll surely catch yourself looking twice at the patio chair where Ed used to sit and greet everyone as they came to the market. And you’ll also know why the stories (his stories) make this foodie’s market such a special place. Also, can you ever have too many big, colorful ice cream cone sculptures to take pictures of? I think not.

Lori’s Store (grocery store)

284 Middle Road, La Pointe, WI 54850 | 715-747-5200
Facebook | Chamber Listing
Summer Hours: Monday – Thursday, 9am – 6pm; Friday & Saturday, 9am – 7pm; Sunday, 9am – 5pm.
Year-round grocery/convenience store. All the basics/general grocery and then some: ATM, ice, beer, wine, liquor, frozen foods/meats, sandwiches, ice cream. Local brands: Meats from Sixth Street Market. Dairy, ice cream and cheese from Up North Foods. Cedar Crest ice cream, Coco’s Bakery, and Arctic Ice. Rocky Acres Orchards Strawberries, Raspberries & Blueberries (seasonal). Erickson’s Orchard’s fresh Apple Cider (seasonal). Midwest Roasters Coffee, Morning Star Apiary’s Honey, and fresh/smoked fish (seasonal) from Everett’s Fisheries. Nice Dry Firewood. EBT also accepted.

Personal Faves: There IS life after Tom’s! Really, this store is located just behind Tom’s Burned Down Cafe. It’s a provisioner’s paradise. Whether you’re stocking your boat or your camp site, there’s a lot of great stuff to choose from here (as you can see above). And if you’re really feeling lucky, you can even get lottery tickets here!

Madeline Island Candles

219 Colonel Woods Avenue, La Pointe, WI 54850 | 715-747-3090
Website | Chamber Listing | Facebook | Instagram
Summer Hours: Monday – Saturday 9:00 – 6:00, Sunday 12:00 – 6:00
Candles (often) go on tables. And tables are where we gather to enjoy some of the best moments in life. That’s one reason I’m including this beautiful spot (located straight off the ferry dock) in a food lover’s guide. The other reason is that this place is “food for the soul.” The candles themselves are truly wonderful… Beautiful natural fragrances and colors available in a large variety of styles. But the gardens surrounding the candle shop are their own little paradise! Nothing short of magnificent in any season, but most notably, during the summer months when they are in full, glorious bloom. It’s picturesque to say the least. Named Lake Superior Magazine’s Best of the Lake 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 – Wisconsin – Best Shop. Madeline Island Candles designs and creates handmade candles from natural, sustainable materials – including beeswax, soy wax and cotton wicks.

Personal Faves: Standing beneath the vine-covered pergola just outside the candle shop, soaking in the Island blooms, and pretending – just for a moment – that I live there. As someone who very much appreciates beautiful fragrances, I love having these candles in my home. And I’m also very glad that I can re-order candles from their website whenever I need a pick-me-up!

Madeline Island Yacht Club

633 Fort Rd., La Pointe, WI 54850 | 715-747-2655
Website | Chamber Listing| Facebook | Instagram
Summer Hours: 8am – 6:15pm. Open year-round. Visit their website for seasonal hours.
Why is a marina on a “foodie” list? Because if you’ve arrived at Madeline Island by boat as many times as I have in need of bags of ice, grab-and-go ice cream treats for the kids, and cold (n/a) beverages, you’ll be glad to know that they have all of the above. It’s a beautiful full-service facility. The Ship’s Store has everything imaginable – including fun nautical gifts, trinkets, and apparel. If you’re a marina guest or resident, you’ll enjoy their clean, well-kept bathrooms and showers. Madeline Island Yacht Club offers transient dockage with water and electrical service. It’s best to make arrangements as soon as you know you’ll be there to make sure they have a slip for you, but you can always hail them on the way in like most visitors do. Just know that those monitoring Channel 16 will chuckle as you attempt to say “Madeline Island Yacht Club” three times fast, per proper hailing technique. And if you, or your First Mate can make contact without tripping over your tongue, we’ll drink to that! (Aaaah, boat humor!)

Personal Faves: Just being there. Walking the docks in the early evening… Watching the sun set through the masts. Bliss.

Mission Hill Coffee House

105-106 Lakeview Place, La Pointe, WI 54850 | 715-747-3100
Chamber Listing
Hours: Sunday thru Thursday, 7:00am – 2:00pm; Friday & Saturday, 7:00am – 3:00pm
Open year-round. Coffee, breakfast sandwiches and pastries. Deli case and wine selection. Adjoining gift shop with t-shirts, gifts and jewelry.

Personal Faves: Always a friendly “Hello!” and neighborhood update. They don’t even bat an eye when I order two iced lattes at once (because sometimes, one latte is just the beginning when you’re on Island Time)!

The Pub Restaurant & Wine Bar

643 Main St, La Pointe, WI 54850 | 715-747-6315, ext. 2
Website | Chamber Listing | Facebook | Instagram #TheInnOnMadelineIsland
Summer Hours (June 16 – Sept. 2): Bar 11:30am – Closing; Lunch 11:30am – 3:00pm; Dinner 5:30pm – 9:30pm
Casual poolside bar and beachfront patio. Lake views. Extensive wine lists; beer and cocktails. Lake Superior trout and whitefish, seafood, steaks, pasta, and stone hearth pizza.

Personal Faves: The Lobster Caprese – what’s not to love? The Margherita Pizza – so fresh and perfectly cooked. The Pub’s pizzas are really good. Any seafood dish with their Champagne sauce is a Win in my book. The wine lists are always lovely, and so are the seasonal cocktails. If you’re the romantic type, here’s a story for you: My husband and I were married on the waterfront just outside The Pub in September 2013. And, yes, the sunsets from that spot are epic!

Q & Z’s Bakery Café (aka, Quinn & Zayda’s Bakery)

794 Middle Road, La Pointe, WI 54850 | 218-382-4152
Facebook | Chamber Listing
Summer Hours: Thurs, Fri, and Sun, 8am – 2pm; Saturday, 8am – 3pm
Beautiful freshly baked goods. Decadent sweet tarts, seasonal fruit-filled turnovers, scones, coffee cakes, bars, muffins, cupcakes, and cookies. Citrus Danish Cups w/ Berries, Chocolate Hazelnut Croissants, and Mini Chocolate Cheesecakes. Amazing savory Cheddar-Bacon Scones (a local fave!), Spanakopita Scones, and Quiches. Hot coffee and a variety of beverages are also offered.

Personal Faves: All of the above, and Nicole’s Island Granola – it’s wonderfully addicting! Grab some deliciousness to go enjoy on the beach (because calories don’t count while your toes are buried in sand)!

Rock House Food Truck and Catering

730 Main Street, La Pointe, WI 54850 | 715-747-2325
Chamber Listing | Facebook
Summer Hours: 11:00am – 6:00pm
Look for the orange food truck right on Main Street next to Woods Hall. Everything is cooked to order. Take it to go, or enjoy the outdoor seating provided. Check the Facebook link (above) for daily specials!

Personal Faves: The Rock House Double Smash Cheese Burger and the Gyros. Both are incredibly fresh, juicy and flavorful! On My List: Someday I hope to score the Blackened Lake Trout Po’Boy with remoulade slaw and tomatoes that I recently spotted on their menu… Sounds absolutely amazing!!

Tom’s Burned Down Cafe

234 Middle Rd., La Pointe, Wisconsin 54850 | 715-747-6100
Facebook |  Instagram
Located in the “middle” of town – just follow the sounds and lights. Known as a Madeline Island institution, Tom’s has had several incarnations over the years – each more colorful than the last. It’s not really a café anymore, although frozen pizzas are generally available to accompany the many long-pours you’ll inevitably enjoy there. Tom’s is THE place to let your hair down, hang out, and people watch. Meander around and read the many quips and quotes that decorate every nook and cranny as long as you can. Find a perch and stay a while. You’re among friends. Enjoy!

Sap Alert: Tom is a hopeless romantic, and he loves it when wedding parties close down the night at his establishment. On our wedding night, he bought us a bottle of bubbly that we sipped from fine, Tom’s Burned Down Café plastic bar glasses. We still have the glasses, and will always treasure the wedding night memories made with them in hand.

ON THE MAINLAND

The Bayfield Inn, Lakeside Dining Room, Deck Bar, and The Creamery Bar

20 Rittenhouse Ave., Bayfield, WI 54814 | 715-779-3363 | 800-382-0995
The Bayfield Inn | Chamber Listing | Facebook | Instagram
Summer Hours: Open year-round.
If you’re looking for a really nice hotel or a unique property to stay in while you visit Bayfield, start here for lots of options. The Bayfield Inn’s Restaurant is run by Chef Duey, one of my (well, everybody’s) favorite chefs around. Breakfasts, brunches, lunches, and dinners are all pretty amazing, and service always comes with a smile. There’s also a sports bar on premise.
If you’re looking for late night (anything after 9pm) drinks, then just mozey on over to The Creamery Bar across the street. It’s as “local” as you can get, and they also serve locally-made frozen pizzas to accompany your wonderfully Wisconsin-esque beverages. This is a great place to go when you pull into town late on a Friday night in anticipation of the weekend ahead.
If you’re after some serious patio time, The Deck Bar (on the rooftop of The Bayfield Inn) is THE place to be in Bayfield. From up there, you can enjoy the views of Lake Superior as well as some of the closer-in Apostle Islands: Madeline Island being the most predominant, along with Basswood and Hermit Islands. Bring a jacket because it can get chilly up there at night, but it’s so worth it! Live bands are often featured. It’s the kind of place that you can spend an entire day without a care in the world.

Personal Faves: The Blackened Steak Salad is a Chef Duey favorite of mine from way back! I also love his Blackened Whitefish Cob Salad. So good! Seafood dishes are always beautifully prepared, and their brunches are lovely, too.

Good Thyme Restaurant and Catering

77180 State Hwy 13, Washburn, WI 54891 | 715-373-5255
Website | Chamber Listing | Facebook | Instagram
Summer Hours: Wednesday thru Saturday, 4:30 – 9:30pm
A stand-out favorite for miles around, Good Thyme is all about quality – not quantity. They have a smaller, seasonal menu than most that still offers so much deliciousness, you’ll have a hard time deciding what to order. If they offer a “today’s special” that’s not on the menu, go with it… It’s sure to be amazing. The energy in “The Big Yellow House” is warm and vibrant. You’ll instantly feel at home. Reservations are encouraged (and highly recommended), although if you have to wait, this is a beautiful place to do it. Grab a beverage and hang out in a rocking chair on the front porch and watch the sun set. (You’re welcome!)

Personal Faves: I truly love everything I’ve ever had here, but the Double Smash Cheese Burger and The Thai Red Shrimp Curry (seasonal) are big favorites. If you’re a steak lover, their Hand-Cut Grilled Ribeye with Mushroom Green Peppercorn Sauce will make your taste buds weep! The vegetarian Stuffed Portobello Mushroom is amazing, and so is anything on the menu that features fish from Lake Superior! If you’re lucky enough to be there on a Friday night, their Famous All-You-Can-Eat Fish Fry will ruin you for the rest. If you can’t make the Friday Night Fish Fry, get the Trout Fingers starter. The Quatro Fromagi Crostini, Cheese Curds, and Baked Brie are crazy-delicious. Their Wisconsin (Brandy) Old Fashioned is the stuff of local legend, and it just may become your favorite, too! They’ve also got an amazing wine list, all the fun Wisco beers, and a great cocktail selection. If you’re in the mood for dessert, there are several ridiculously delicious options to choose from but I need to leave some surprises for you, so say YES! when they as if you’d like to see the Dessert Menu! Enjoy!

Maggie’s

257 Manypenny Avenue, Bayfield, WI 54814 | 715-779-5641
Summer Hours: 11:30am – 9:00pm. Open year-round.
Website | Chamber Listing | Facebook | Instagram: #MaggiesBayfield
Summer Hours: 11:30am – 9:00pm. Open year-round.
Maggie’s is a Bayfield institution. The flamingo pink, flamingo-themed restaurant has been around since 1980 (that’s forever in restaurant years), and it’s still a favorite! It’s family-friendly and there is literally something for everyone on the menu.

Personal Faves: The Greek Salad Pizza (olive oil, tomatoes, greek olives, feta, parmesan, topped with a salad of baby organic greens, cucumbers, red onions and Italian dressing) is super delicious! The Maggie’s Superior Sandwich with choice of broiled or sautéed Lake Trout or Whitefish is excellent. The Nachos are a meal in themselves, and the Garlic Polenta Fries with creamy tarragon sauce are a real treat! The Chicken Tortilla Soup is wonderful on a cool day, and and Maggie’s housemade Bloody Mary will perk you right up!

The Old Rittenhouse Inn and Landmark Restaurant

301 Rittenhouse Avenue, Bayfield, Wisconsin 54814 | 715-779-5111
Website | Chamber Listing | Facebook | Instagram
Hours: Landmark Restaurant at Old Rittenhouse Inn, offers breakfast, brunch, and dinner showcasing regional and seasonal cuisine. Old Rittenhouse Inn is just a few blocks up the hill from Lake Superior. It was Bayfield’s first Country Inn and gourmet restaurant. There are 20 guest rooms in 2 Victorian homes and a private cottage with fireplaces, whirlpool tubs and spectacular Lake Superior views. Old Rittenhouse Inn, and its historic Le Chateau property are also available as wedding venues.

Personal Faves: This is one of the most beautiful properties in the area, and it’s always a treat to see the seasons change around it. I have yet to dine here, but look forward to enjoying “the finest of fine dining” very soon!

Legendary Waters Resort & Casino

37600 Onigamiing Drive, Red Cliff, WI 54814 | 800-226-8478
Website | Chamber Listing | Facebook | Instagram
Hours: Open 24/7, year-round.
Located just a few miles north of Bayfield on Highway 13, Legendary Waters Resort & Casino overlooks Lake Superior on a grand scale. The property features multiple dining options: Legends Sports Grill for restaurant dining, the Legendary Snack Bar for late night dining, and The Lounge for drinks and entertainment. It also offers hotel rooms with breath-taking views of Lake Superior, national and local entertainment, campgrounds, and a marina, in addition to spaces available for meetings, banquets, weddings, reunions, etc.

Personal Faves: To be determined when I finally get to visit. But for all my camping friends with anything from tents to RV’s, I’d say the lake views and amenities would be hard to beat!

MADELINE ISLAND RESOURCES & EVENTS

For overall resources and information, the Madeline Island Chamber website has member listings and contact information for all the places to eat, drink, stay and explore on the Island  and on the Mainland. You can also request a Visitors Guide to make trip planning even easier.

WHEN TO GO
Trying to decide when to visit Madeline Island? Here a link to the frequently updated calendar of events. There are lots of things going on, so check the calendar often for fun and interesting local happenings!

Personally, September is one of my favorite times to visit. The weather has calmed down a bit, and the “high season” rush has begun to slow by then. But, there are still plenty of things to do and see. That said, there are a number of events that happen all summer long that you may want to plan a trip around. Here are some of key events to consider!

MAY
Madeline Island Marathon and Half Marathon – mid May
Memorial Day – late May

JUNE
Eat, Skate, Stay & Play Weekend – mid-June
Annual Chequamegon Chefs’ Exhibition – always on a Thursday, and always a foodie’s paradise! Taste your way through the Chequamegon Bay area, and meet the incredible chefs and staff behind the restaurants and businesses throughout Ashland, Bayfield, Cornucopia, Washburn – and of course, Madeline Island!
Annual Apostle Islands Inline Skate Marathon – always the following Saturday

JULY
The 4th of July – THE best way to celebrate Independence Day!

AUGUST
Point to La Pointe Swim – early August

SEPTEMBER
Labor Day – early September

OCTOBER
Bayfield Apple Fest – the first weekend of October
Family Fall Fest – late October

GETTING THERE
Unless you’re traveling by boat or kayak, get acquainted with the Madeline Island Ferry Line info & schedule! Follow the Madeline Island Ferry on Facebook and Instagram too. You can definitely take your vehicle on the ferry for an additional fee, but keep in mind that all of the Island businesses mentioned here are within walking distance (2 – 10 blocks) from the ferry dock.