Harry Nelson Recreation Center

 The Harry Nelson Recreation Center is on the edge of the town of La Pointe on Madeline Island.

They have a nice little playground that entertained my kiddo for about as long as most playgrounds do.  There is also a ball diamond, tennis courts, and picnic shelter.  They do have bathrooms.

Harry Nelson Recreation Center
Corner of Middle Road and Rice Street ~ La Pointe, WI ~ 715-747-6913

Big Bay Town Park

Big Bay Town Park is a superior park on Lake Superior!  (See what I did there?)  It is one of the parks on Madeline Island, the only Apostle Island that is not part of the Apostle Island National Shoreline.

There is not a playground, but there are trails and a great lagoon for swimming or kayaking/canoeing (available to rent).  Lake Superior is really too cold for swimming, but this lagoon is nice and warm-ish...and gorgeous!  We even saw a deer swim across the lagoon.  There is also beach to play in on the shore of Lake Superior.

Big Bay Town Park
2305 Town Park Circle ~ La Pointe, WI ~ 715-747-3031

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

The Apostle Island National Lakeshore is one of Wisconsin's most unique parks, and one of only two national parks in the state.  It consists mostly of islands, which are accessible only by kayak or boat.

 This is the headquarters in Bayfield.

Some of the park is on the mainland along the Lake Superior shoreline.  The largest draw to the Apostle Islands are the caves, especially the ice caves in the winter.  These can't really be seen from the mainland shore.

There are plenty of other activities, especially if you are willing to pay for them.  There is an Apostle Island cruise available.  We chose not to do that one due to the cost and duration (3 hours!) of the cruise.  You can also fish, tour some lighthouses, and there is plenty of hiking!

The park may be accessed for free, but there are fees for many specific uses.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Bayfield Headquarters
415 Washington Avenue ~ Bayfield, WI ~ 715-779-3397