Circumnavigating Madeline Island by bike provides a full day of multifaceted summer adventure. First there's spectacular sunrise walk on the waterfront and a boat ride. Then a bike ride through northern Wisconsin woods and along spectacular lake shores delivers you to sandy beaches for swimming and rocky sandstone sea cliffs for hiking. And, finally a visit to a unique tourist area and a sunset boat ride back to the mainland provide the perfect finish to the day.

Start with a visit to a coffee shop in Bayfield. Take a stroll along the waterfront trails to enjoy the flower gardens and find an empty bench to relax and watch the sunrise over Lake Superior. Or, investigate the outdoor exhibits at the Bayfield Maritime Museum.

Board the first ferry from Bayfield to La Pointe. It's inexpensive for a person & bike. As a bonus, there should be ample free parking spaces available in the early morning near the waterfront. Then, enjoy another cup of coffee and spectacular vistas on the passage to Madeline Island.

After docking at La Pointe, you can take a quick tour of the village. The shops will not be open yet, so be sure to pack a lunch, fill your canteen and check the air in your tires before you go. Then head out, north on Main Street, turning right (east) on Big Bay Road (county road H) and then just peddle 6.3 miles to the Big Bay Town Park. This is a perfect stop for a short hike across the bridge to rest on the beach. Water and restrooms are available, but don't linger too long, there's much more to see and do.

Backtrack east on county road H, for 2.2 miles to Black Shorty Road, where you turn left (south) and peddle for 1 miles to Hagen Road, where you turn left and go 2 miles to the Big Bay State Park. Admission is free for bikers, but stop in the office for a map to find the Point Trail Loop hiking area and the picnic/beach area. Plan to spend time at both places. Be sure to bring a swim suit/towel and have lunch on the beach. Water, restrooms and camping are available. The Point Trail Loop is a spectacular hike along sandstone cliffs through a 200 to 300 year old hemlock forest. Additional trails from the beach area include a 3 mile interpretive beach trail.

Return to La Pointe by backtracking on Hagen Road and keep going straight on county road H. However, I recommend taking South Shore Drive, which is a little further to ride, but provides a scenic vista of the lake and some sight seeing opportunities. Stay on South Shore Drive for 3.2 miles and take a right (north) on Old Fort Road. This road will meander along the west side of the island eventually becoming Main Street in La Pointe. But first there are a few other places to see along the way.

Watch for Memorial Park/Joni's Beach, just after the marina. This is a great place to stop for a quick break or to relax a while and play on the beach. Then it's just a short peddle to La Pointe to check out the shops, museum and restaurants. The Burnt Down Café, a must see landmark, is a good place for "cold one". Other shops and the Madeline Island Historical Museum are within walking range. Be sure to poke around this unique village that seems more like New England than the Midwest.

Finally, take a sunset ferry ride back to Bayfield for huge selection of dining and lodging opportunities with memories to last a lifetime.