Madeline Island offers a diverse array of activities, from exploring the scenic trails and beaches of Big Bay State Park to immersing yourself in local history at the Madeline Island Museum. Visitors can also enjoy kayaking, biking, and shopping at unique local boutiques and galleries.
Madeline Island is home to cozy cafes and lakefront eateries serving up fresh-caught fish, wood-fired pizzas, and locally sourced comfort food.
From the stunning cliffs at Big Bay State Park to peaceful sunsets over Lake Superior, the island is packed with natural beauty at every turn.
Browse local art, handmade jewelry, island-inspired gifts, and more at the charming boutiques scattered throughout La Pointe.
Whether it’s sipping a cocktail on a dock or catching live music at a quirky dive, Madeline Island’s bar scene is full of personality.
The Apostle Islands Inline Marathon is proudly hosted by the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce, where all participants will pick up their race packets before heading to the island. Located on the beautiful Chequamegon Bay of Lake Superior, Ashland is more than just your check-in stop, it’s a welcoming community filled with historic charm, vibrant murals, lakeside trails, and local coffee shops. We highly recommend taking a little time to explore downtown, grab a bite to eat, or enjoy the lakefront before making your way to Madeline Island.
How to Get to Madeline Island from Ashland:
Drive to Bayfield
From the Ashland Chamber, head west on Highway 2 for about 2 miles, then take State Highway 13 north for approximately 22 scenic miles until you reach Bayfield. The drive takes around 30 minutes.
Park in Bayfield
There is no need to bring your car to the island for the race. We recommend parking in one of Bayfield’s public lots near the ferry dock. Free and paid options are available, including overnight lots for those staying on the island.
Board the Madeline Island Ferry
The Madeline Island Ferry Line operates out of Bayfield, offering a 20–25 minute ride across Lake Superior to La Pointe. Pedestrians and cyclists are welcome, and boarding is first-come, first-served. We recommend arriving 15–30 minutes before departure to ensure a smooth trip. Check the latest ferry schedule at madelineislandferry.com.
Arrive in La Pointe
The ferry drops you off right in the heart of town. From there, it’s a short walk or bike ride to the start/finish line and all race activities. The course loops around the island, making it easy to get around without a vehicle.
Madeline Island offers a diverse array of lodging options to suit various preferences and group sizes. Visitors can choose from cozy cabins and cottages, such as those provided by Madeline Island Vacations, which offers a range of rental properties including cabins, cottages, condos, and suites. For those seeking more traditional accommodations, The Inn on Madeline Island features homes, cottages, and condo rentals, along with amenities like an outdoor pool, hot tub, sauna, beach access, and tennis courts. Additionally, the island’s natural beauty can be fully embraced by camping under the stars at Big Bay State Park or Big Bay Town Park, both offering campsites amidst scenic surroundings. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family reunion, or a solo retreat, Madeline Island’s lodging options cater to a wide range of tastes and needs
Madeline Island is a vibrant and welcoming destination, where both locals and volunteers genuinely appreciate visitors and enthusiastically support skaters during events. As you glide through the course, you’ll experience the warmth and hospitality of the island community, with many residents lining the route to cheer you on.
Beyond the event, Madeline Island is a full-service destination offering a range of dining, shopping, and lodging options. Whether you’re looking for a cozy café to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee, a waterfront restaurant serving locally inspired cuisine, or unique shops filled with handcrafted goods.
For those looking to explore, bring your bicycles and ride along the island’s well-maintained roads. The 15-mile stretch of scenic beauty provides the perfect setting for a leisurely ride or a more intense cycling adventure.
When it comes to accommodations, the island has something for everyone. Big Bay State Park and the Town of LaPointe town park both offer excellent camping options and traditional lodging.
This 8.7-mile looped course features a combination of lats, curves, straightaways and two hairpins turn. Skating on an island on the shores of the greatest of the great lakes, Lake Superior is a vacation in itself. That’s why this race is otherwise known as the Vacation Destination Inline Marathon in the country!
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