The ferry having a 7AM service on the weekend is great cause you can get ahead of people who are still asleep and explore Big Bay State Park for yourself for hours. This does offset the price, it is not cheap. It is a monopoly because it's such a small town that there's not enough revenue for another company. They do not say anything about you driving a vintage/antique car so if that's you, don't worry. Just a warning that everything on the island, and Bayfield, is not weather dependent, it is seasonal (closed by Oct). I went when there was a late ending to fall and weather was perfect, the last week of it, 2 weeks into October. It was peak colors for fall. You'll have to bring your own food because everything is closed on the island until maybe 9:30AM. Looks like they may have ended the 7AM service after 2024, but I'm reviewing the experience I had. If I would have to go at 8:45, then this would be a 4 star review. read more

Madeline Island Ferry Lines - Transportation Near Me

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I've lived in northern Wisconsin for over 30 years, and I only in the last 5 years have been visiting the Bayfield area. I try to get up to Bayfield a minimum of twice a month during the summer, and a ride on the ferry is virtually a requirement. My friends and I frequently decide to take the car over so we can get to Big Bay Town Park to hit the beach. We go on the ferry from mid spring to late fall. It is always a great experience. Some may say the ferry is expensive but I think it is worth every penny. After all the treasures contained on Madeline island are great and rich!! Think Toms Burned Down Cafe and cute restaurants and gorgeous parks... We have a favorite ferry- the Madeline. We like standing in front on the walkway that is in front of the control room and watch where we are headed. It is outstanding! Love the ferry and there are amazing people who work for it. They are awesome. read more

Madeline Island Ferry Lines - Transportation Near Me

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We've taken the ferry over to Madeline Island a few times in the past and always had good experiences. In high season, they run 3-4 ferries so there's always one departing or arriving so you'll rarely wait long. The 20 minute ride offers great views of some of the Apostle Islands and the town of Bayfield. That said, the ferries are definitely utilitarian - they're meant for transport and not sightseeing. It's also kind of expensive. Two adults (no car) is $27 for a round trip and you add an extra $24 for a car (about $52 total). That said, there's only so much you can see on foot on the island - a car, bike or scooter really helps especially if you're headed to the Big Bay State Park. You can rent bikes and mopeds on the island but it's actually cheaper to bring your car on the ferry. Anyway, it's a fun "once in a while" thing to do and it's not like you have a choice if you plan on camping on Madeline Island. read more

Extremely friendly staff on the Ferry. I went to the Island the morning of Labor Day and it wasn't that busy going to the Island and when I arrived on the Island I knew it was a good choice coming that day since hundred cars were almost down the entire road waiting to leave. Both going to and off the Island by ferry was such a positive experience and I would recommend the trip to anyone. $40 for a roundtrip ticket is inexpensive and so worth it. read more

Fun experience taking the ferry over from Bayfield, WI to Madeline Island. Like others have noted, it was somewhat pricey - - 2 adults + 1 vehicle was $49.00 roundtrip; but it was worth it. We needed our car, as we had to leave a day earlier than others in our group. The ferry ride is a short 20 minute ride each way. Also they have like 4 or 5 different size ferries, I believe the largest one could support 20+ vehicles and the smallest would hold about 7 vehicles. It's good advice to arrive approx 20-30 minutes earlier than the departure time, to try to get a spot on the boat. And you can't really "trust" the times listed.... The brochure and their website showed a departure time of 9:15am the other morning, but they actually left around 8:50am. So best to arrive early. Again arrive early, and then lock up your car and go to the top for the 20min boat ride for good viewing. Have fun! read more

I had a great time taking the ferry over to Madeline Island. The only down side was the cost. For 2 adults and one car it was about $47 round trip. But it still was worth the cost to stay on the Island for a few days. read more

Madeline Island Ferry Lines - you can bring campers (RV'S) too...$$$ - Transportation Near Me

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they are great got us across the big lake when there were white caps and 3-4 foot swells. cant say it was a warm trip but they do a hell of a job especially for the islanders that depend on them every day. read more

Going on the ferry is fun. Paying 55 dollars for 2 adults, 1 kid, and 1 car is crazy ridiculous. It's definitely one of those "every once in a great while" things to do. One of the employees was miffed at me on the way back because I wouldn't pull my car closer to the wall of the ferry which was already about 4 inches away. read more

We took this ferry ride last Saturday for my fiancée's birthday. It happened to be Visitor's Day so we saved on the return trip passenger fare ($14). So, it turned out to be cheaper than we expected at $38 for car roundtrip + 1 way passenger fare. We just needed to remember to ask for the 2 passenger tickets at the Big Bay State Park entrance gate. Anyways, keep an eye for this Visitor's Day since you will save a lot when travelling with family. The boat ride is 20 minutes and every 30 minutes to an hour depending on time of day. We managed to get to the island at 11 AM so got almost a full day on Madeline Island. Some people will actually stay inside their car once they drive in. We got out and sat on the top deck to take pictures. It is totally worth taking your car if you plan on visiting Big Bay State Park and Town Park. Otherwise, you are probably limited to downtown which has a museum, historic center, and a few stores. The ride was beautiful and in my humble opinion, more fun than the Apostle Island boat cruise. Then again, I prefer freedom to roam the island over stuck on boat which has only 1 highlight- Strawberry Island and Devi's Island. Anyways, it just depends what you are looking for... I do have to say that I enjoyed the Apostle Island boat cruise this second time since I shared it with my fiancée and the weather was much better than 2 years ago over Labor Day weekend. read more

Madeline Island Ferry Line excels in all. I commute on the ferry daily. The crew is always friendly and helpful. You feel safe. Plus the company is very environmentally sensitive, community oriented with a reputation as a great employer. read more