Summertime has arrived in Wisconsin, ushering in campfires, hiking, and fun on the lake. One of the most popular summer destinations for adventurers can be found on the Apostle Island National Lakeshore. This archipelago is home to over 21 islands that offer the perfect place to spend time on the water this summer. Spend your time touring Madeline Island kayaking, boating, or stand-up paddleboarding. Staying in Bayfield with Old Rittenhouse Inn is the easiest way to get to Madeline Island. Just hop on the Madeline Island Ferry Line from the Bayfield terminal and let the adventure begin!
Madeline Island Kayaking Tours
Madeline Island does not have any kayak rentals available on the island, but you can join a fantastic kayaking tour with Adventure Vacations. Your kayak tour begins at Big Bay State Park, where you will learn basic paddling techniques before launching. You will then paddle through sea caves and past iconic sandstone cliffs for three hours from start to finish. One of our favorite stops on the tour is the cliff jumping site, where you can end the tour with some serious fun on the water.
Adventure On Your Own
If you are interested in kayaking on your own, you will have to bring your own kayak on the ferry from Bayfield. Launch your kayak from Big Bay Town Park, where you can paddle the lagoon to access sea caves. If you are looking for another way to explore the water independently, rent a stand-up paddleboard with Adventure Vacations.
Tour the Apostle Islands on your own with a boat rental from Adventure Vacations. Rentals are available for a half or full-day, depending on your desired destination. You can take several routes from Madeline Island, including the sea caves at Devils Island.
Madeline Island Boating Tours
Adventure Vacations also offers boat tours to discover the best of the Apostle Islands. They offer boat rides to the iconic sea caves on Devils Island. Besides cave exploration, you will also see the historic Raspberry Island lighthouse, the Fedora shipwreck, and the Manitou Island Fish Camp.
If you are interested in exploring the Apostle Islands from Bayfield instead, sign up for a tour with Apostle Island Cruises. The most popular option is the Grand Tour, where you’ll explore 50 miles of natural scenery, historic lighthouses, extensive sea caves, and marine wildlife. They offer specific tours to Michigan Island, Raspberry Island, and Stockton Island if you want to explore any of the other islands during your getaway.
Explore the Apostle Islands in Wisconsin
The Apostle Islands offer a fantastic destination for your Wisconsin summer vacation. Spend your time on Madeline Island kayaking through sea caves and embarking on boat tours. Afterward, take the ferry back to Bayfield and return to your room at Old Rittenhouse Inn. Our 1890’s Queen Anne Victorian mansion is home to 12 guest rooms and luxury suites, the perfect place to relax after a long day of adventures.