Some places find their way into your life slowly. La Pointe is one of them. Located on Madeline Island – the largest of the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior – this lakeside town isn’t a destination in the usual sense. There are no neon signs pointing the way, no fast-paced itinerary to chase. But for those who make the ferry crossing, what’s here tends to stay with you.
It’s a place where second homes turn into forever homes, where days stretch long with lake light, and where locals don’t just talk about the seasons – they live by them. Whether you’re curious about visiting, settling, or exploring La Pointe real estate for the long term, this guide gives you the real picture.
Key highlights
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About La Pointe
La Pointe is a town in Ashland County, encompassing nearly all of the Apostle Islands except four that lie within Bayfield County. But in practice, they’re talking about life on Madeline Island—the only island in the group that’s developed, inhabited, and open to private land ownership. While much of the surrounding archipelago is protected as part of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Madeline Island is the exception, allowing for both residential and commercial use.
The island lies about 2.5 miles off the northern Wisconsin shoreline, just across the water from the tiny city of Bayfield. The community feels remote, but not unreachable – a quality that continues to draw interest in La Pointe real estate from buyers looking for both connection and quiet.
History
Long before ferry schedules and vacation rentals, Madeline Island was a sacred gathering place for the Ojibwe people – a history still very much alive today through cultural ties with the Bad River and Red Cliff reservations.
European contact began in the 1600s, with French fur traders establishing seasonal outposts. In fact, La Pointe stands in what served as a fortified French trading post that anchored the island’s role in Great Lakes commerce. In the late 18th century, the settlement began to take clearer shape as an American Fur Company outpost led by trader Michel Cadotte, whose influence remains a foundational part of La Pointe’s history.
Getting to La Pointe
Access to La Point requires a bit of planning, but that’s part of what keeps it special.
From spring through late fall, the Madeline Island Ferry Line offers regular service between Bayfield and the island. It carries passengers, cars, bikes, and supplies. It’s part of the La Pointe experience, offering sweeping views of the Apostle Islands on the ride over.
In the winter, once Lake Superior freezes solid, the route transforms into an ice road open to vehicles and maintained by the town. Before and after freeze-up, when the ice is too thin for cars and too thick for boats, a windsled service shuttles passengers across – a true Northern Wisconsin experience if there ever was one.
While the journey varies by season, locals and long-timers don’t consider it an inconvenience. If anything, it adds a layer of seasonality and intention to life here. And that’s another reason why those who invest in La Pointe real estate tend to value place as much as property.
What it’s like to live in La Pointe
Spend a little time on Madeline Island and it quickly becomes clear: things operate differently here. The pace is slower, yes, but it’s also more deliberate. Days are shaped by the ferry schedule, the weather, and what Lake Superior allows. Because of that, people don’t rush through La Pointe. They linger, return, or stay for good.
Real estate in La Pointe: What to know before you buy
La Pointe real estate may be small, but it carries a certain weight especially if you’re looking for beauty, independence, and long-term value. Whether you’re considering a second home, a full-time move, or an investment opportunity, here’s what you need to know about this unique market.
- Pricing and inventory
Most La Pointe properties range between $300,000 and $700,000, though lakefront homes and large parcels with development potential often list higher. Inventory is limited, and new listings don’t appear often, making timing, flexibility, and local insight key.
Properties may sit on the market for several months or sell quickly via off-market connections. Listing activity typically peaks in spring and summer when the island is easiest to access. Winter purchases are possible, but come with added logistical considerations.
- Property types
Buyers exploring La Pointe real estate will find a variety of options, including:
- Cabins and cottages: Often seasonal with wood interiors, modest square footage, and tucked-away settings. Many have been winterized for year-round living.
- Lakefront homes: Larger, more substantial homes with shoreline access, expansive decks, and large windows that frame Lake Superior views.
- Vacant land and acreage: Inland parcels are common among buyers seeking off-grid builds or long-term retreats. Some offer installed utilities; others still require septic, well, and electric setup.
- Zoning and development considerations
Development on Madeline Island is governed by Ashland County zoning and Town of La Pointe ordinances, both designed to preserve the area’s natural character. Shoreline parcels are also subject to shoreland zoning regulations, including building setbacks and environmental restrictions.
When buying, you should confirm zoning status and restrictions before moving forward with any new construction or land-use plans.
- Short-term rental policies
The Town of La Pointe permits short-term vacation rentals, but all operations must follow local regulations. These include obtaining an annual short-term rental license, meeting safety and inspection standards, and listing a local contact for guest-related issues.
These rules ensure that rentals support – rather than strain – the island’s seasonal economy. So, if you’re interested in income-producing homes for sale in La Pointe, WI, review local ordinances and check what’s allowed in each zoning district.
While the broader market for lake towns has seen aggressive growth, La Pointe remains steady and personal. Interest is growing – especially among remote workers, retirees, and long-term vacationers – but it hasn’t led to bidding wars or unchecked development.
For now, many buyers prioritize year-round functionality, asking questions about winter access, heating systems, and property insulation. Dual-use homes (for both family-use and short-term rentals) are increasingly attractive for anyone who wants flexibility and supplemental income.
In the end, most transactions in La Pointe real estate come down to more than price. Buyers are looking for the right fit, something that’s aligned with their lifestyle, values, and long-term vision for island living.
Cost of living and practical realities
La Pointe offers a slower pace and a deeper connection to Northern Wisconsin, but with that comes a set of logistical considerations buyers and seasonal residents should understand. From transportation costs to food access and weather prep, living on Madeline Island involves planning ahead and adjusting expectations. Here’s what to keep in mind.
- Cost of living basics
Property taxes and utility costs in La Pointe are relatively modest compared to urban Wisconsin markets. Some living expenses, however, especially those that are tied to transport, fuel, and supply runs tend to run higher.
Gasoline, propane, and groceries are all available locally in limited quantities, but prices often reflect the cost of transporting goods across the water. Budgeting for seasonal fluctuations and occasional mainland trips is part of island life.
- Transportation and fuel
Residents rely on the Madeline Island Ferry Line for most of the year, which charges per vehicle and passenger. Frequent users often purchase commuter passes. In winter, a town-maintained ice road may open depending on lake conditions. During freeze-up and thaw, a windsled shuttle ensures access when driving or ferry travel isn’t possible.
Fuel for vehicles and heating (typically propane or wood) is available locally, but deliveries – especially for seasonal owners of homes for sale in La Pointe, WI – should be arranged in advance when possible.
- Access to essentials
There’s a well-stocked general store in town (Darling’s) and a few seasonal vendors, but most islanders make regular runs to Bayfield or Ashland for major groceries, pharmacy items, and specialty goods. Supply availability fluctuates in the off-season, especially between November and April when fewer businesses operate at full capacity. Seasonal planning becomes second nature.
- Schools and healthcare
La Pointe is home to a public elementary school on the island. Older students typically commute by ferry or attend school in Bayfield—a very unique part of living in this region of Northern Wisconsin.
Healthcare services are limited on-island, so residents travel to clinics and hospitals in Washburn or Ashland for most needs. Emergency services are available locally, but major medical care is mainland-based.
- Weather and seasonal impacts
Winters in La Pointe are cold and lengthy. Proper insulation, snow management, and backup power planning are part of owning year-round or seasonal homes for sale in La Pointe, WI.
Spring brings ferry delays during thaw; summer is active and social, and fall is quiet and reflective. Year-round residents tend to organize their year around these transitions, and most wouldn’t have it any other way.
- Home maintenance realities
Island homeownership comes with unique upkeep. Seasonal cabins may need to be winterized annually, while lakefront homes often require added care for weather exposure and shoreline erosion. Trades and repair services are available, but lead times can be longer especially during shoulder seasons.
Some buyers choose to hire caretakers to monitor their property during the off-season—a smart strategy for newer owners of La Pointe properties or remote investors.
Things to do in La Pointe
La Pointe’s location in the Apostle Islands archipelago blesses it with a multitude of ways to stay active, explore nature, and enjoy the outdoors. The setting does most of the work, with forest trails, inland lagoons, and direct access to Lake Superior.
Outdoor recreation
The outdoor scene in La Pointe blends Lake Superior shoreline with forest trails, calm inland waters, and dramatic island views. Here are a few of the best ways to explore.
- Big Bay State Park
Located on Madeline Island’s eastern side, Big Bay State Park covers 2,350 acres of protected land and features long stretches of sandy beach, campsites, and a boardwalk that winds through an old-growth forest. You can swim, picnic, snowshoe in the winter, birdwatch, or follow the mile-long loop trail that crosses the lagoon and returns through the woods. Best of all, the park is open year-round, with campsite reservations available during the warmer months.
- Big Bay Town Park
Just north of the state park, this locally managed park offers more direct public access to the same bay. A pedestrian bridge connects visitors to the beach, while the adjacent lagoon is a popular spot for kayaking, fishing, and paddling. Locals love it for its ease of access, affordable campsite options, and quieter atmosphere compared to the state-run area, which gets busy especially during the peak season.
- Madeline Island Wilderness Preserve
Spanning over 2,900 acres of protected land, the Madeline Island Wilderness Preserve is a nonprofit conservation organization that maintains several trail systems across the island. These trails wind through wetlands, ridgelines, and boreal forest, giving you a chance to experience the island’s interior in its natural state. Most trailheads are unstaffed and unmarked, so it’s best to bring a printed or downloaded map when exploring by foot or snowshoe.
- Kayaking the shoreline
Lake Superior’s shoreline around Madeline Island offers excellent paddling opportunities, from calm lagoons to the more adventurous routes near cliffs and caves. Kayak rentals and guided tours are available in town – especially in the summer – and many visitors launch from Big Bay for a scenic day on the water.
Weather on the lake can change quickly, so paddlers should always check wind conditions and safety guidelines before heading out.
Black bears are some of Madeline Island’s local residents. - Biking Madeline Island
With relatively flat terrain and low traffic, Madeline Island is ideal for casual biking. Cyclists can follow Middle Road to South Shore Drive for views of Lake Superior framed by forest and open sky. Bike rentals are available in town, though many visitors bring their own on the ferry. It’s an especially popular activity in the spring and fall.
- Fishing and boating
The island offers solid freshwater fishing, whether you’re launching from the marina or casting from the shore. Anglers can expect to catch trout, bass, perch, and walleye depending on the season. A valid Wisconsin fishing license is required, and boaters should be mindful of weather patterns and lake conditions.
Dining, shopping, and local arts
La Pointe’s business district is compact, but it offers just enough to support day-to-day living while giving visitors a taste of the island’s creative and laidback spirit. Most businesses operate seasonally (May through October), so summer brings the widest selection of dining, shopping, and local events.
- Dining in La Pointe
Most restaurants are casual, seasonal, and locally owned. The Beach Club, near the ferry landing, is a go-to for lake side lounging, burgers, and relaxed post-beach meals. Farmhouse serves homestyle dishes made with fresh ingredients in a welcoming and unfussy setting.
For coffee and light fare, Mission Hill Coffee House at Lakeview Place Shopping Center has a cozy atmosphere and serves as an informal meeting or workspace during quiet hours. Then, there’s Tom’s Burned Down Cafe, an open-air bar and local institution known for its live music, eccentric decor, and anything-goes summer vibe.
- Shopping and essential
Darling’s Grocery Store is the island’s main stop for groceries, household goods, and basic supplies. For something handmade, Madeline Island Candles sells small-batch soy candles in natural scents, while Woods Hall Gallery and Studios – a cooperative space – features pottery, weaving, and woodworking by local artists.
- Local arts and culture
The La Pointe Center for the Arts organizes exhibits, workshops, and performances throughout the summer, supporting both resident and visiting artists. Furthermore, seasonal art fairs and studio tours offer opportunities to meet makers and purchase directly from island creatives.
FAQs about La Pointe
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Find your place in La Pointe with Broad Street Brokers
La Pointe isn’t for everyone – and that’s the point. If you’re looking for a quiet investment, seasonal simplicity, or a full-time home shaped by the lake and land, it helps to have someone local in your corner.
At Broad Street Brokers, we combine years of experience with real-time insight into La Pointe real estate and the surrounding communities. From zoning questions to off-market opportunities, we’re here to guide you. Call us at 715.779.3220 or send us a message to get your free real estate consultation.