After spending the last year traveling and exploring so many new places, I return to Wisconsin. This also makes me realize there are plenty of places in my home state I have yet to experience. The Apostle Islands are high on that list.
I take some time off work and dedicate a few days to explore this area. I start with a hike along the rugged and very scenic Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
Meyers Beach Sea Cave Trail
Time: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Max Elevation: N/A
Madeline Island
Madeline Island is the largest and southernmost of the 22 Apostle Islands. Just a short boat ride from Bayfield – I jump on the next available ferry.
The ferry disembarks on the western shore of the island at the town of La Pointe. Despite being quaint with less than 300 year round residents, this remains a popular summer destination with an eclectic artist and spiritual community.
Although not a huge island I am a bit pressed for time and want to see the entire island while still being able to catch the last ferry off the island. I rent a moped to get to some of the more distant areas of the island I want to check out.
I brought my hiking pack with me and do some more shoreline hiking.
Big Bay State Park
Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Max Elevation: N/A
I continue to cruise around on the moped and complete my circle of the island. Back at La Pointe, the sun is going down and it’s starting to cool off. Time to head back to the mainland – I jump on the last ferry of the night.
It’s been another great couple of days exploring a previously unexplored area of my home state. There is certainly a lot more here to see and do than I did in a mere couple of days. The glimpse I got of the Apostle Islands area was more than enough to know that this place is well worth the effort it takes to get here.