Big Bay State Park - La Pointe, WI
Big Bay State Park Dog-Friendly Overview
If you’re searching for dog-friendly adventures near La Pointe, Wisconsin, Big Bay State Park offers scenic beauty and outdoor fun, though it has a few unique limitations for pet owners. Renowned for its breathtaking coastal trails along Madeline Island, this park is a top destination for nature enthusiasts and owners looking for pet-friendly hiking. The long boardwalk and miles of improved pathways provide plenty of space to explore, making it a popular spot for those looking for a peaceful escape with their leashed pets.
However, visitors should know that Big Bay State Park does not currently feature a dedicated dog park or fenced dog area, and dogs are not permitted on the beaches. Most of the hiking trails are not specifically dog-friendly, but leashed dogs can enjoy select paths. The park boasts clean restroom facilities and ample opportunities to enjoy nature, but dog owners are encouraged to plan ahead when it comes to pet play and water access. If you are visiting the Madeline Island area and need a spacious, well-maintained park for a walk with a leashed dog, this is a beautiful option.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? No, dogs must be kept on-leash at all times.
- Are there restrooms available for owners? Yes, the park has well-maintained restroom facilities.
- Is there a fee or membership required to enter? Yes, a Wisconsin State Park pass is required for entry.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are several scenic hiking and boardwalk trails to explore, some of which are pet-friendly to leashed dogs.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? No, dogs are not allowed on the beaches or in the water at this park.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, the park and its restroom facilities are noted for being clean and well-maintained.
- Is there parking available? Yes, parking areas are available throughout the park.
Reviews
Such a fantastic place to slow down and appreciate nature! The park has nice bathrooms and the ability to fill your water.
Love Madaline Island, and Big Bay town park campground is great! Nice clean bathrooms and showers. If you stay at site 28, you are close enough to the office to receive wifi. Perfect for the kiddos tablet at bedtime! Highly recommend!!
Very good experience. You get to take a ferry from Big Bay to Madeline Island. Cool little town and a beautiful island. Stay a couple of days if you want to explore. Beaches are closed to dogs, didn’t really see any dog friendly beaches at all.
It’s really the only worthwhile place of interest on Madeline Island worthy of the time and expense of taking a ferry to the island as a tourist. The trails along the coastline were breathtaking. It was also worthwhile to take the boardwalk to the beach and to the bog area. There is just over 1 mile of boardwalk along the coastline. You can walk on a beautiful, level improved path along the coastline for 4 miles one way. One side has turnouts viewing the coastline and the other side is wooded. However, parking areas are situated so you do not need to walk the entire distance there and back to see the highlights. I totally recommend this to be part of your trip to the Apostle Islands. You do need a WI state park pass. So if going to Copper Falls on your way to Apostle Islands, get the annual pass so you can take in Big Bay State Park. Plan on at a very minimum 4 hours to take the ferry there and back and to go on the trails.
Beautiful State Park. The bathroom facilities were clean and well kept. The campground was really well spaced out each site could use a little more tent space but very nice. Biggest bummer was that there was so few dog friendly hiking trails and no beach access for the pups on hot days. Most other places have a dog friendly beach area for families to enjoy.