Big Bay State Park

Geobox|Protected area
name = Big Bay State Park
category = Wisconsin State Park
category_iucn = V


image_caption =
country = United States
country_

state = Wisconsin
state_

state_type = State
region_type = County
region = Ashland
city_type = City
location = La Pointe
lat_d = 46
lat_m = 48
lat_s = 0
lat_NS = N
long_d = 90
long_m = 40
long_s = 22
long_EW = W
area_unit = acre
area_imperial = 2350
area_round = 1
established = 1963
map_locator = Wisconsin


management_body = Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Big Bay State Park is in the U.S. state of Wisconsin on Madeline Island, the largest of 22 Apostle Islands in Lake Superior. The 2,350 acre (9.51 km²) park, has picturesque sandstone bluffs and caves and a convert|1.5|mi|km|sing=on sand beach. It encloses unique habitat types including lakeside dunes, sphagnum bogs, and old-growth forest. Bald eagles return annually to the park to nest and rear offspring.

The park, established in 1963, has picnic areas with tables, grills, water and toilets; a campground with drinking water, showers and toilets; an indoor camp for nonprofit groups; an outdoor group camp; and more than nine miles (14 km) of trails, including interesting nature trails.

All vehicles are required to purchase an admission pass, though pedestrians and bicyclists may enter free. Vehicles with Wisconsin license plates pay a lower rate than those with out-of-state plates. The park is open year round, though winter visitation is mostly limited to hunters, snowshoers and cross-country skiers.

To reach the park, visitors must take a 20 minute [http://www.madferry.com/ferry.html ferry ride] from Bayfield, then travel approximately five miles north on Highway H.

External links

* [http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/parks/specific/bigbay/ Big Bay State Park] official website