Recreation
Big Bay State Park
The 2,350-acre park has a 1.5-mile beach, campground, picnic areas and more than seven miles of hiking and nature trails. Bayfield and Madeline Island also offer bus tours, golfing, art galleries, marinas and the old La Pointe Indian Burial Grounds. Ojibway (Chippewa) Indians were the original inhabitants of the area.
Accessibility
At Big Bay State Park, the 1.5-mile Boardwalk Trail is a flat, well-marked, accessible boardwalk with wooden benches at several points, interpretive signs and views of Lake Superior. Big Bay State Park also offers an accessible campsite and a beach wheelchair for persons with disabilities.
Boating, canoeing and kayaking
Boating, canoeing and kayaking at Big Bay State Park
Camping
Fishing
Anglers can catch northern pike in the park's lagoon and several species of trout in Lake Superior.
Hiking
Hunting and trapping
Hunting and trapping are allowed in the open areas of the park during the Wisconsin state parks hunting and trapping time frame. Trapping is not permitted in closed areas as noted on the park hunting map or within 100 yards of any designated use area, including trails. Certain trap types are restricted on state park properties. For more information, please see:
In addition to the opportunities that are available during the state parks hunting/trapping time frame, hunting opportunities in state parks that were already established by rule and in place prior to the enactment of 2011 ACT 168, remain in place.
- At Big Bay State Park, this includes archery deer hunting, which is allowed in the park beginning Oct. 15 through the Sunday nearest Jan. 6.
Picnic areas
The day-use area is equipped with picnic tables, grills, drinking water and restrooms.
Swimming
Swimming at Big Bay State Park