| Big Bay State Park | |
| Iucn Category: | III |
| Map: | USA Wisconsin#USA |
| Relief: | 1 |
| Location: | Ashland, Wisconsin, United States |
| Coordinates: | 46.8°N -90.6728°W |
| Area Acre: | 2350 |
| Elevation: | 643feet |
| Established: | 1963 |
| Governing Body: | Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources |
Big Bay State Park is a state park of Wisconsin, United States, on Madeline Island, the largest of 22 Apostle Islands in Lake Superior. The 2350acres park has picturesque sandstone bluffs and caves and a 1.5adj=midNaNadj=mid sand beach. It encloses unique habitat types including lakeside dunes, sphagnum bogs, and old-growth forest. Bald eagles return annually to the park to nest and rear offspring.[1]
The park, established in 1963, has picnic areas with tables, grills, water and toilets; a campground with drinking water, showers and toilets; an indoor camp for nonprofit groups; an outdoor group camp; and more than 9miles of trails, including nature trails. The park is open year-round, though winter visitation is mostly limited to hunters, snowshoers, and cross-country skiers.
All vehicles are required to purchase an admission pass, though pedestrians and bicyclists may enter free. To reach the park, visitors must take a 20-minute ferry ride from Bayfield, then travel approximately 5miles east on Highway H. Big Bay State Park is 1 of 3 Wisconsin State Parks that one would have the best view the Milky Way from, in regards to available Wisconsin State Parks.[2]