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    Madeline Island Ferry Line

    4.2 (21 reviews)

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    Ferry
    Lauren H.

    Unless you have a boat, this is your only option to get from the shore to Madeline Island. However, the prices this year were increased from$16 to $21 per person round trip. The ferry is fairly quick and convenient. During this time of year/day, they were running every 30 minutes. We literalist walked up, bought our tickets and boarded the ferry. We waited about 10 minutes as other people and vehicles boarded before departing the dock. We arrived about 20 minutes after departure.

    Ferry
    Sho R.

    The ferry runs efficiently between mainland and Madeline island. I went to the island on late afternoon. At that time ferry was not full. But returned next day early morning. Ferry got full then. Space to put the car could be congested. Its beautiful around, if we are able to get out of the car. If there are too many cars, we may be stuck inside the car for the whole ride, because we wont be able to open the door.

    Ferry pulling up to the dock
    Lindsay K.

    There's really no other option if you want to get over to Madeline Island, especially with a car, but I generally found the process relatively simple. This was a pretty easy way to get over to Madeline Island from where we were staying in Bayfield. We wanted to see some of the sites over on the island and go hiking in Big Bay State Park. If you're going beyond downtown La Pointe (especially if you have a dog with you), it's worth bringing your car over on the ferry. It was a 7ish mile drive from the ferry out to the state park, and then a bit of a drive within the park from there to the trails. Staff on the ferry line were super friendly and made it super easy to get my tickets and get in line and guided on to the ferry. It was a bit confusing at first on where to go for tickets in Bayfield, but figured it out quickly. They're very dog friendly and my pup had a great time meeting and greeting our fellow travelers on board. There are a few parking spots that seemed like a tight squeeze to be able to get out of your car, but thankfully we didn't get stuck in those spots.

    Boat
    PJ C.

    Not much choice on getting over to MI so we got our tickets ($17 roundtrip for passenger only) and got on board. Let me back-up. We had studied their schedule and knew we wanted to get there early to rent bikes on the island and to find parking in Bayfield. Supposedly it ran only on the hour before 9 or 10am so when we showed up at 8:20am we figured we had a long wait but no it left at 8:30am. On our return the published schedule also did not seem to correspond with the reality of their operation. Oh well. We got back and forth safely and it is a fun short ride. While waiting for our return boat late in the afternoon a super friendly worker was entertaining us with pictures of the ferry landing from this past winter during an ice storm and stories from growing up on the island. He really made the experience even better. Unless it is winter or you have you own boat this is your only choice to get to MI. Of course you could swim...

    Amy R.

    My son couldn't wait to take the ferry. Very, very well organized. I was thinking it would be less organized, but was pleasantly surprised to see how organized and quick it was. Pull up- buy your tickets. For three of us and a car it was $66 round trip. They have 3 lanes and they pack them in for the ride over. It says 25 min , but it didn't feel that long. We rode over with a huge truck, a frito lay truck and a bunch of cars. The staff are incredibly helpful and friendly. They help direct you on and off the boat as some of the spaces are a bit tight. Definitely well thought out and very well organized! We were able to get there and back and on right away. Timing was perfect.

    BICYCLE LANE!!!
    Molly M.

    Hold onto your round-trip slip when you plan to spend time on Mad Island to come back! I have always enjoyed the ferry ride over to the island and the service is efficient but a little spendy if you take a vehicle. It's $17/per adult round trip, but your vehicle is charged separately ($30 for a small car). Only $7.50 per bicycle on the deck. Hmmmm...are you trying to tell us something MIFL? Well, sign me up! Next time-bicycles!

    Time to go! To wet!
    Chadrick J.

    Madeline ferry is easy as it gets. Just a 20 minute ride over to the island. Cost is round trip and you can bring aboard your pooch. We took the ferry over to the island on our detour stop trying to get away from the rain on our Superior Circle tour trip.Turned out to be one great detour! Really doesn't get much easier than hop on and go and the ferry runs consistently and constantly. The views are great and if it's raining well just stay in your car. This is the only way I know of to get over to this gem of an island. I'm not sure what else could be said to describe this ferry ride more simplified. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!

    This is a photo of us stuck in our hot vehicle unable to exit. Hope the ship doesn't go down.
    Cha D.

    I'm actively on this boat right now. I have no idea why I paid $60 to be in a spot so tight I cannot get out of my vehicle. If you're planning this experience for the experience- don't bother. *Review update: got lucky on the way back and was able to enjoy the view/breeze, but still bummed that they've capitalized the transport to/fro. No other way to get to an incredible state park/views. Ya get what you get. Pricey toss up.

    Sunset @ Port Wing
    R G.

    What a pleasant surprise to ride the Ferry ! Wonderful getaway around Minnesota- Wisconsin, recommended highly . Added to the bonus , watch the fantastic sunset outside the town of port wing .

    This was our $63 view, trapped in car, not enough room to open doors.

    Stuck in the car. Lousy view. Couldn't open doors to get out. What BS!

    Michael H.

    This might have been the biggest disappointment on our vacation to the Apostle Islands. We did not think the visit to Madeline Island was worth the money for our van and family of seven, but we had to do it for our first visit to Bayfield. Not much to see on the island except for a bunch of other tourists. The state park beach was the highlight of our trek to Madeline. Then they want to charge you again for the museum. A disappointment!

    Robert G.

    20-minute ferry ride from Bayfield to Madeline Island in Lake Superior. You can bring a car, people, dogs, whatever. Children under 5 are free, I don't recall the other prices. Great views!

    On the way back.
    Gus O.

    Ridin on the water. Only way across unless you have your own ferry. Rates are reasonable for a scheduled ferry. Later on in the day it runs on the hour at the hour so get there early to ensure you get a space. This is first come first serve ppl, and they charge per car per person. Customer service really isn't a thing when no competition exists. However it is a very simple concept and you can pay from your vehicle and stay in the whole way across. If you wander around you can catch some severer views while waiting. 2 ppl and a van $60 round trip. Don't lose your slip!

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    Ask the Community - Madeline Island Ferry Line

    Review Highlights - Madeline Island Ferry Line

    If you're good with keeping a ticketed piece of paper, you can attempt the round trip if you need to come back.

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    Good Earth Outfitters - Sea Caves toward sunset.

    Good Earth Outfitters

    5.0(9 reviews)
    14.0 mi

    Updated 7/20/2017 - visiting Ashland/Bayfield area. Had such a great time last year at good earth,…read moredecided to do it again. It was fantastic! Captain mike does a great job. We had a wonderful time. Be sure to give them a try and also check out their shop. Thanks!! July 2016 - We discovered these folks from a pamphlet we picked up in a restaurant down in Ashland. We had planned on going to Michigan for a day trip, but with the terrible storm damage and wash outs - decided to change our plans. Let me just say our Sea Cave trip with captain Mike could not have been any better! We had such a great time. The boat was so fun and fast. The lake and caves were great. And Mike was very personable and knowledgeable. Also, their gift shop is very nice too. I highly recommend. And the only thing I'm disappointed about, is the fact that we didn't discover them sooner. Our trip was ABSOLUTELY GREAT. Hard working people - helping families build lasting vacation memories. Highly recommend!!!!!!! Thanks again!!!!! Jamie Independence Iowa

    Wow - Spectacular!…read more Good Earth Outfitter's Cornucopia - Sea Caves - Apostle Island National Lakeshore - boat tour is simply the best opportunity to get you and your family, up close and personal with some of Lake Superior's finest architecture - the Apostle Island National Lakeshore sea caves located about 1.5 miles East of Meyer's Beach Rd. From the gift store to getting out on the water, Good Earth Outfitters has created one of the "South Shore's" most unique experiences. Captain Mike is thorough and professional, very experienced in providing a safe boating experience for up to 6 guests per trip. Their services include - Sea Cave Boat Tours, Sand Island Sightseeing Tours, Apostle Island Boat Tours and Water Taxi Services in and around the Apostle Islands on Lake Superior. Good Earth Outfitters is based out of Cornucopia, WI the western access to the Apostle Islands. Cornucopia is located on the Wisconsin Scenic Lake Superior Byway just 22 miles north of Bayfield, WI or 60 miles south on Hwy 13 from Superior, WI. Good Earth Outfitters LLC provides scheduled boat tours to the famous Lake Superior Apostle Islands Mainland Sea Caves and Sand Island and Split Rock Lighthouse across the bay. If you are looking for a few last minute items, they may have just what you need. Please check out their kayak and camping section located in their gift shop. They stock items that will make your kayaking or camping adventure to the Apostle Islands safer and more enjoyable. Good Earth Outfitters is located in the Marina District of Cornucopia, WI next to the Green Museum or just across the Harbor from Halvorson Fisheries, the best place to buy your Lake Superior White Fish and Lake Trout. Good Earth Outfitters gift shop is open from May through October. Taking a tour with Captain Mike and Good Earth Outfitters was the thrill of our Labor Day/ Fish Boil weekend celebration. I am so glad we took time to take the boat trip with Captain Mike - give them a call and book a trip - I am 100% confident you'll be glad you did

    Photos
    Good Earth Outfitters - Good Earth Outfitters - Best Boat Tour - Apostle Island National Lakeshore - Cornucopia, WI

    Good Earth Outfitters - Best Boat Tour - Apostle Island National Lakeshore - Cornucopia, WI

    Good Earth Outfitters - Sea Caves toward sunset.

    Sea Caves toward sunset.

    Good Earth Outfitters - Good Earth Outfitters - Best Boat Tour - Apostle Island National Lakeshore - Cornucopia, WI

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    Good Earth Outfitters - Best Boat Tour - Apostle Island National Lakeshore - Cornucopia, WI

    Apostle Islands Rustic Makwa Den - Breathtaking sea caves

    Apostle Islands Rustic Makwa Den

    4.5(13 reviews)
    0.2 mi

    If you are interested in Apostle Island kayaking, this is the place to go! Troy, and his family-run…read morebusiness provided everything we needed to feel safe and confident. The views! The laughs! My family will be making this our annual trip. It was a beautiful experience. Thank you Rustic Mukwa Den.

    We booked a sea caves kayak tour with Rustic Makwa over Labor Day weekend, and my experience could…read morehave definitely been better. The good - Our guide was excellent - he showed great care in talking about safety while on land, he was patient with the people on the tour who were new to kayaking, and he made sure to lead us to all the sea caves and point out great pictures spots without making the tour feel rushed. The experience on the water was good, and the beauty of the sea caves is just breathtaking. The bad - The communication prior to the start of the tour. We arrived at Meyers Beach around 15 minutes before our 3 PM tour (per the instructions in the confirmation email), and we did not see anyone there associated with Rustic Makwa. Time passes until 2:55, and we still do not see anyone. I check my email: nothing. I eventually call the phone number on the email, and I am assured the guide is "on his way, will be there shortly after 3". We waited until about 3:10, and nobody had arrived. I call the number again and am told that the guide will be there by 3:20. We wait until 3:30, and I text the number: I am told the guide is close by. Finally, around 3:40, just as we are about to leave, our guide finally arrived. Apparently, the guide was waiting for the winds to die down a bit before starting the tour - hence the delay. While I appreciated the tour's commitment to safety, the lack of communication was disheartening. There were only three groups on our tour. The time it would have taken to update us on the tour's current conditions/status (via email/text/phone call) would not have taken long. I understand the weather is unpredictable, and it isn't easy to make the call sometimes on whether or not tours can safely be conducted. However, providing information and updates (without having me chase the information down) would have allowed us to better use our limited time in Bayfield by not having us wait in the parking lot area for almost an hour.

    Photos
    Apostle Islands Rustic Makwa Den - We are kayaking on Lake Superior!!!!

    We are kayaking on Lake Superior!!!!

    Apostle Islands Rustic Makwa Den - Ready for Sea Caves at Meyers Beach!

    Ready for Sea Caves at Meyers Beach!

    Apostle Islands Rustic Makwa Den - Wow!

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    Wow!

    Madeline Island Ferry Line - boating - Updated July 2026

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