We can’t be the only ones who want to travel and explore with our pets in tow! With some vacation spots, this isn’t possible. This blog is dedicated to the fantastic locations we’ve visited and enjoyed with our pets! Written in 2024, please check in with each destination to be sure there aren’t any updates before you travel.     

     

Madeline Island, Lake Superior, Wisconsin:
A Quiet, Nature Lover’s Paradise!   

This little island is nestled within Lake Superior on the North Shore of Wisconsin. Part of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, it’s a “best-kept secret” for Midwesterners looking for a beachy vacation getaway. From Omaha, it’ll take you 9 hours without stops. With our pups along for the ride, this drive took us around 11 hours, with stops for sniffs, stretching, and potty breaks.    

     

Why we loved it:     

“Madeline Island,” or La Point, Wisconsin, is remote and quiet, yet close enough for a fun 3-4 day trip. With around 200 year-round residents, the island is an oasis of wooded beach and lakefront comfort! From tiny coffee shops, a bar, shopping, art & craft galleries, and a vast dog-friendly beach area, this trip was packed with memories! Whether you’re into camping or cabin stays, there’s something for every pet-loving family on the island.    

     

Planning Your Trip:
To get to Madeline Island, catch the lake ferry from Bayfield, Wisconsin to Madeline Island. You’ll drive your vehicle right onto the ferry. The captain allows you to walk around the ferry as it cruises across the lake. The ferry ride lasts around a half hour. Dogs are asked to stay in your vehicle or leashed at all times. The ferry makes a dozen trips to the island and back daily. Check the ferry schedule here.
Dogs board the ferry free of charge.   


Where To Stay:    

During the “tourism season” between May and November, the island’s population swells, so be sure to book in advance for the best lodging options. Remember, this is an island! While there’s a small grocery store and many adorable restaurants, you’ll want to come prepared. Pack a cooler of groceries, pet food, and first aid supplies (there isn’t a vet on the island).  

Some of our favorite lodging options include:    

    • Big Bay State Park: On the eastern side of Madeline Island, Big Bay State Park features picturesque sandstone bluffs along 4 miles of Lake Superior shoreline. The park also has a 1-mile boardwalk, sandy swimming beach, hiking trails, a large family campground, and two group camps. These campsites are more populated and less secluded, but dogs are prohibited on State of Wisconsin beaches. This campsite tends to have more children present. A State Park sticker is required to camp here.

    • Big Bay Town Park:  Very Dog-friendly! The town operates this campsite just across the street from Big Bay State Park. The campsites are affordable, clean and well-appointed. Check the campsite map in advance to reserve and choose a site that will work best for your pet. We’ve found that these campsites are less populated and more secluded! A walking trail connects the campsites to Dog Beach (about a half-mile walk). Car camping, tent camping, and RV camping have all been fun ways to stay at these sites.

  • Big Bay Town Park is adjacent to Big Bay State Park.
    Both are great, but there’s a key difference: Dogs are *not* allowed     on Wisconsin State Park beaches.
    Dogs ARE allowed at the Town Park’s gorgeous beach! Pups are free to swim, chase waves, fetch and play.

What To Do:   

  • Water Adventures:
    Directly on the dog-friendly beach, you’ll find a small, black “honor” box next to “Bog Lake Outfitter’s” rack of human life jackets, canoes, and paddles. Upon your pups’ honor, place $20 in the little box and “sail” away for a dog paddle around the lagoon's calm waters. Our pups loved hearing the birds and nature. So many things to sniff! But be sure to bring your dog's life jacket, as there aren’t any for rent on the island.

  • Boat, Kayak and Guided Tours by Adventure Vacations:
    Adventure Vacations Beach Shop is known for giving the best tours of the Apostle Islands. Find out more.
    Family-owned, they'll take care of you like you're their personal guest on the island!
  • Many of the properties on the island are privately owned, so be careful not to trespass as you adventure.
    However, we’ve found the locals to be extraordinarily kind and welcoming. Some new friends we met at the bar even offered to let us utilize their private land. Make friends while you’re there! 
  • Tom’s Burned Down Bar:
    Yes, it’s as hippy-chic as it sounds - and has burned down TWICE! But it doesn’t keep ‘em from wagging! They rebuilt this open-air bar so you can catch all the ship-wrecked beach vibes while sipping a signature “Burned Down ‘Rita” while petting "all the dogs." We always meet new dog friends while hanging out at Tom’s!

  • Be sure to visit our friends at HOWL Clothing & Adventure:
    This adorable shop is located on the Bayfield side of the ferry. HOWL is a short 3-block walk from the Bayfield ferry terminal, so it’s a fun way to pass time while waiting to catch your ride to Madeline Island. Leave your car at the ferry terminal to “hold your place” in line (after checking in!) Then mosey around Bayfield; just make sure not to miss your ferry! Bayfield has cute shops, walk-up/grab-n-go eateries, and more. An easy way to grab lunch and an ice cream treat before heading to the Island for your big adventure!

    

Questions?!
Reach out to the responsive and welcoming Chamber of Commerce staff here.   

ENJOY!