big bay state park

We have visited Big Bay many times in many seasons and in varying weather. In 2013 we went out on the northward facing rock outcropping - going over the fence - as 30 mile per hour gusty winds from Canada crashed huge waves against cliffs. Spray hit us, it was chilling, it was wonderful! It is equally wonderful when calm, perhaps even meditative. Do visit if you have the chance.

The day was perfectly sunny to take a ferry from bayfield to Madeline island. Drove clockwise on county road h, picked up the gravel road through the canopy trees. We were a week early for peak fall colors. At the point there's a tiny private sandy beach with lots of waves.Park entrance has well equipped restrooms, and good information. We asked for picnic tables w views of the rocks and water.The highlight was our picnic overlooking the Rocky cliffs of big bay state park. Watched some kayakers load up and we followed them along the hiking trail. The rock formations jutted out like floating wood shelves.The boardwalk bog was not our thing. The barrier beach was calm and clear. A lone friendly duck paddled over to beg for food.Without the bog boardwalk, it's a 5.

This park has some of the best views of Lake Superior on the island. It can be a bit of a trek but very worth it if you finish the entire hiking trail in the park.

We spent one day with our 3 children hiking around and playing on the rocks. There were good trails with different loop options and a ton of access to the cliffs. We ran into some people cliff jumping and had fun with that. Our 2 year old was a bit tough a times being close to the edges so I would be catious if you have little ones on some of the trails. absolutely beautiful views and scenery.

Lovely hiking trails, pretty scenery, some terrific views of Lake Superior, the interior lagoon or estuary, the dramatic lakeshore rock formations. One can also rent canoes or kayaks there, and swim in the lake. A lovely way to spend some outdoor time.

Park isn't very big and there is not many hiking trails. Beach is nice and has a decent boardwalk area between the beach and lagoon. I would recommend hiking on some of the other islands if you really want a nature experience.

We visited this park when it was accessible from the ice road. We were a little unsure because we had never driven on an ice road before but it was a fun experience! We walked along the trail for about an hour and a half and it was like walking into a different world. The water was frozen and the wind had pushed ice shards to pile up at the beach, icicles hung from the rock faces...overall it was really cool. It's hard to describe, just look at the pictures! Some tips:-If you take the ice road, make sure to take it slow. We saw one guy wipe out because he was going too fast. It's six lanes wide, so don't worry about people tailgating you, just go at your own pace.-Dress in layers! Northern Wisconsin winter weather can be unpredictable and winds can pick up unexpectedly. One moment you may be sweaty and the next freezing cold. Also make sure to dab on sunblock on exposed areas like the face - even when it is cold you can get a bad sunburn, especially because the sun reflects off all that white snow.-Make sure to bring snacks to keep up your energy-Be careful if you walk on any ice, because the ice in this park is not tested for safety.We did this the day after doing the ice walk on Apostle Islands and I have to say that this park was just as beautiful. It's well worth a visit!

We didn't leave enough time to really do this but I plan to go back. Looks like a beautiful park and great hike along the water.

We hiked the Point trail, which ran along the lakeside cliffs (where there were lots of wonderful rock formations) and then visited the beach. It was too cold to swim, but we plan to come back when it's warmer. The beach is long (over a mile) and very clean. The trail is flat, but very long, and there is only one restroom at the farthest point from the ranger station. There is no concession that we saw at the park, so make sure you have enough water, etc., if you are hiking.

The "bay" in Big Bay State Park is apparently warm, as people were swimming in mid-September, and protected from the usual ferocities associated with Lake Superior. Don't miss the boardwalk tour, as you learn quite a bit about the flora and fauna surrounding the area. It's a unique perspective to a beautiful spot.

OK, we visited on a beautiful, sunny, hot day in August but I think even on a not so nice day it would still be a magnificent beach. The water was crystal clear, shallow for a long distance out and a fine sand bottom. The kids played in it for four hours straight and we had to drag them away. We didn't camp at this park but will consider that for the future just to revisit the beach.

We LOVED the campground! It has lots of great sites, showers, plenty of access to water, trails, a beautiful beach, trails and a woodshed for firewood. We loved camping here and hope to return some day!

Our hikers love this park! Awesome views, lush flora, great rock outcrops, and fun jumping rock!Carol, President of Trailbound Trips

Beautiful views and trails. Hiked for about 6 miles with a group. Good combination of wooded paths and scenic views.

Whether you love beaches or hiking Big Bay State Park has it! We mostly did hiking and found the hike along Lake Superior in the state park very easy. Beautiful scenery and a big beautiful beach if you prefer to walk along a beach. I would suggest you bring your car to the State Park as it is about 7 miles from the ferry.