When Lake Superior freezes solid, a seasonal ice road can open between Madeline Island and the mainland.
La Pointe, a town perched on Madeline Island, is roughly the size of a single neighborhood in Manhattan. But this small community of approximately 400 residents is where you can fully appreciate the scale and stillness of Lake Superior.
Forests, trails, and shoreline paths lead the way to Big Bay State Park and the quiet stretches of the Madeline Island Wilderness Preserve. In winter, snow-covered routes welcome cross-country skiers. And in summer, calm bays and warm shallows draw swimmers and kayakers alike
La Pointe is more than just the occasional outdoor destination though. You’ll find traces of Ojibwe heritage at the Madeline Island Museum, and a thriving creative scene at the La Pointe Center for the Arts and in tucked-away galleries. And the town’s local cuisine, offering Indigenous-inspired cuisine at Miijim and comfort fare at Farmhouse Kitchen, is not to be slept on.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or considering owning property in La Pointe, here are the must-dos around town.
A quick read if you’re in a rush
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Outdoor experiences
La Pointe has outdoor activities you can enjoy year-round, and it’s not just for hardcore outdoor people. Whether you’re an avid walker or the occasional explorer, you’ll find these experiences more than enough.
- Wandering the forests and wetlands of Madeline Island Wilderness Preserve. The Madeline Island Wilderness Preserve anchors much of the island’s outdoor activities, with its trail system moving through forests, wetlands, and open meadows, across more than 2,600 acres. Considered one of the best places to visit in Wisconsin, the Preserve also offers seasonal berry patches, wildlife viewing spots, as well as guided walks and workshops helping newcomers and visitors get a clearer understanding of the island’s ecology and natural cycles.
- Booking tee time at a lakeside golf course. Golfers will find a scenic challenge at the Madeline Island Golf Club. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., the 18-hole course weaves through wooded fairways and rolling terrain, with occasional views of Lake Superior appearing between holes. Multiple tee options keep the course approachable for beginners and non-regulars. After golf, make sure to drop by the clubhouse for excellent food and drinks with great company.
- Pleasure cruising along Lake Superior. For those drawn to the water, the Madeline Island Yacht Club serves as the island’s nautical hub. The marina provides docking, fuel, and supplies, but is also a launch point for exploring Lake Superior. From here, boaters can chart a course to the Apostle Islands, slip into sheltered coves, or spend the day fishing for trout and salmon.
- Hiking through the island’s shoreline paths and forest trails. There are several hiking spots in and around La Pointe. Big Bay State Park features accessible loops with boardwalks and sandy bluffs overlooking the lake, well suited to easy walks. For more of a challenge, trails like the Meyers Beach Sea Caves on the mainland combine moderate terrain with stunning shoreline formations.
- Exploring the waters along the island’s edge. You can paddle through sea caves, circle smaller islands, or glide along sheltered bays, while guided trips reveal local wildlife and hidden coves. If you prefer to be closer to land as much as possible, Big Bay State Park and La Pointe Memorial Beach offer sandy stretches for swimming, picnicking, or simply lingering by the water.
- Winter adventures on the island. Winter transforms the island into an almost entirely different landscape. Snow-covered trails in the Wilderness Preserve invite cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, while clear nights offer stargazing under dark skies. On rare occasions, the iconic ice caves near Bayfield are safe to explore. There, you’ll find an awe-inspiring phenomenon: formation of massive stalactites from cave ceilings and columns of ice that rise from the ground up.
La Pointe is your gateway to the best things to do on Madeline Island. From pristine forests and secluded trails to crystal blue waters, there’s something here for everyone.
Cultural and historic attractions
La Pointe’s local creative scene and history come alive through hands-on experiences, cafés, and independent galleries throughout town. These are our top recommendations.
- Exploring the Madeline Island Museum. Just a short walk from the ferry dock, the Madeline Island Museum tells the story of the people who have lived here for centuries — from the Ojibwe to the French, British, and American settlers. Four historic buildings house exhibits showcasing the fur trade, logging, fishing, as well as missionary life. There are also short films, educational videos, and various digital content to help you learn about the island’s past at a leisurely pace.
- Immerse yourself in a rich arts culture. Since 1988, the La Pointe Center for the Arts has showcased visual, performing, and tactile arts. Visitors can check out rotating exhibitions, try a painting or ceramics workshop, or catch seasonal performances. What’s more, it also doubles as a community gathering space, giving a practical sense of how art shapes daily life on Madeline Island.
- Sipping and browsing at Bell Street Gallery. Bell Street Gallery is part gallery, part café, and part art bar — the perfect place to experience the island’s maker culture. Mornings are for coffee and browsing local paintings, pottery, and jewelry. Meanwhile, evenings bring wine, local beers, and live music. Indoor and outdoor seating make it easy to slow down and soak in the calm atmosphere.
- Visit independent studios and seasonal arts events. Beyond the main galleries, independent studios dot the island, highlighting handmade crafts and teaching new skills. Woods Hall Gallery and Studios for instance, focuses on hands-on creation, while seasonal gatherings like the Madeline Island Summer Fair have everything from rare artworks to local crafts. Not far across the bay, Bayfield’s regional arts center often features artists from La Pointe.
- Take a guided walking tour. Sometimes the best way to learn about a town’s history is going for a walk. The Wisconsin Historical Society’s Historic La Pointe Walking Tour is a popular option for first-timers and even returning visitors. Alternatively, you can go on a self-guided tour around town or other spots in Madeline Island — local routes and maps are accessible.
Best places to eat and drink
With a fair amount of things to do in La Pointe, it’s easy to work up an appetite. Luckily for you, the local dining scene is also a bit of an attraction. Whether you’re into lakeside brunch spots or more out-of-the-box dining experiences, here are some restaurants to make time for.
- For breakfast or brunch: In the morning, the aroma of fresh coffee and baked goods often starts wafting through from nearby cafés. At Farmhouse Kitchen and Inn, located near the ferry dock, breakfast offerings highlight local ingredients and longstanding Indigenous traditions, all served with views of Lake Superior. Another option to consider is Mission Hill Coffee House, which offers carefully crafted coffee and pastries that locals and tourists can’t get enough of.
- For lunch: A hearty midday meal on the island is something to always look forward to. Cafe Seiche draws diners with small plates and seasonal dishes crafted from local farms and fisheries. At Grampa Tony’s, you’ll find classic comfort food staples like pizza, burgers, and sandwiches. For quick bites on the go, the Rock House Food Truck serves fusion-style burgers and gyros, great to have while taking in lakeside views. If you love dining al fresco, a visit to the Madeline Island Farmers’ Market is the way to go; there are several scenic picnic spots where you can chow down on an assortment of sandwiches and baked goods.
- For dinner: Evenings in La Pointe are great for dinner by the waterfront. The Pub Restaurant & Wine Bar offers dishes like blackened whitefish beet salad and an inviting patio for sunset cocktails or celebratory dinners. The Beach Club, meanwhile, captures that nostalgic, slow-paced island vibe — pairing drinks and casual fare with dockside views of ferries gliding across Lake Superior.
- For something a bit different: A few restaurants stand out if you’re looking for novelty. Tom’s Burned Down Cafe is legendary for its open-air, eclectic atmosphere, live music, and playful décor. At Miijim, Chef Bryce Stevenson offers a thoughtful take on Ojibwe cuisine, combining seasonal ingredients with French techniques — definitely a cultural and culinary experience not to be missed.
La Pointe’s dining options aren’t as extensive as on the mainland, but there are a handful of must-visit local restaurants here you won’t find anywhere else.
Shopping and local goods
Instead of malls or big-box stores, La Pointe offers a compact collection of shops that are all accessible on foot. Locally owned and thoughtfully curated, these establishments offer a variety of goods, specialty, and souvenirs.
- For everyday needs: Access to groceries and everyday supplies may feel routine elsewhere, but in a place like La Pointe, it’s essential. Darling’s Grocery is a reliable spot for stocking picnic staples, deli sandwiches, snacks, and local goods. And at the Madeline Island Yacht Club Ship’s Store, you’ll have marine supplies and beach essentials before setting out on the water. Together, these shops make it easy for both visitors and residents to settle into island life and plan their day with ease.
- Island-Made Art, Crafts, and Souvenirs. Dockside Gifts, located near the ferry landing, is often the place visitors check upon arrival or just before departure. It offers quality souvenirs, apparel, kitchen goods, and locally made art, with shipping available for larger finds. Meanwhile, Madeline Island Candles draws visitors with handcrafted soy and beeswax candles, alongside soaps, small artisan goods, and locally produced treats.
- Specialty Shops. For those drawn to unique keepsakes, La Pointe’s specialty stores reward curious shoppers. Ricky Rocks and JEM appeals to geology enthusiasts with Lake Superior agates, fossils, crystals, and handcrafted jewelry that turn natural history into wearable mementos. At KMC Textile Studio, local artist Kristin M. Carey showcases handwoven and quilted textile works, from rugs and pillows to original art pieces.
FAQs about La Pointe, WI
If you’re planning a visit to La Pointe, it helps to know the answers to the most common questions about the town and the surrounding area.
Do I need a car to visit La Pointe?
While the village itself is compact and walkable, many of the island’s iconic experiences, including Big Bay State Park, are several miles from the ferry dock. And since there is no public transportation available, a car is highly recommended if you plan to go sightseeing beyond downtown La Pointe.
If you are planning to just stay close to town, then a car won’t be necessary. That said, visitors during the summer often rent bikes and motorized scooters to make shorter trips around the town even more convenient.
What should I see first?
You can’t go wrong with making Big Bay State Park top priority. Best to go early in the morning or closer to sunset — if you’re not a morning person. Then, any activity by the water (kayaking, paddleboarding, etc.) is a solid second choice. From there, you can start making your way to downtown La Pointe to explore the eclectic mix of galleries, shops, cafés, and cultural attractions.
When’s the best time to visit?
A lot of people love going to La Pointe in September, just before fall, when most businesses are still open and there are noticeably fewer crowds.
But there’s always something to do in La Pointe in every season. Summer brings warm days, a full roster of amenities, and sunny weather. Winter, meanwhile, draws visitors seeking either solitude or adrenaline-fueled snow sports. Lastly, spring offers a slower pace and dramatic lake views.
What’s open in the off-season?
Essentials like groceries and gas are available, especially around holidays, but don’t expect much beyond the basics. Don’t rely on Google hours. Local businesses often post the most accurate updates on their Facebook or Instagram pages.
Is there transportation from the Madeline Island Airport to town?
The Madeline Island Airport is about 1.5 miles from downtown La Pointe. There’s no public transit, so most visitors arrange a taxi or ride ahead of time.
How do people get across during the winter?
When the lake freezes, the ferry pauses and—if conditions are right—a seasonal ice road opens for vehicles. When both options are not quite feasible, a windsled may be used for essential crossings. Always check ferry or ice road status before traveling. Conditions can change fast.
Are there emergency services on the island?
Yes. La Pointe has police, fire, and EMS responders. That said, response times may vary, especially in remote areas or during winter.
La Pointe is located on Madeline Island, separated by water from the Wisconsin Mainland. It’s best to plan your trip thoroughly and well in advance.
Explore La Pointe, WI homes with Broad Street Brokers
La Pointe is one of the top places to visit in Madeline Island, Wisconsin. But it can also be where you can find your new home or a second property.
Broad Street Brokers can help you explore your real estate options here. With decades of local market knowledge and real estate expertise, our team is ready to help you find the right property for your needs.
Ready to make house hunting around Madeline Island hassle-free? Get in touch with us at 715.779.3220 or send a message to get started.