Big Bay State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Big Bay State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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Wisconsin's Big Bay State Park (2008)
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 Big Bay State Park
Location in Wisconsin
Big Bay State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Ashland, Wisconsin, United States |
| Area | 2,350 acres (9.5 km2) |
| Elevation | 643 ft (196 m) |
| Established | 1963 |
| Governing body | Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources |
Big Bay State Park is a fantastic place to explore in Wisconsin, United States! It's found on Madeline Island, which is the biggest of the 22 Apostle Islands in Lake Superior. This amazing park covers about 2,350 acres. It's famous for its beautiful sandstone cliffs and cool caves. There's also a long, sandy beach that stretches for about 1.5 miles.
The park is home to some really special places. You can find lakeside dunes, squishy sphagnum bogs, and very old old-growth forest. Every year, Bald eagles come back to the park. They build their nests and raise their young here. Big Bay State Park was created in 1963. It's a great spot for outdoor adventures!
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What Makes Big Bay State Park Special?
Big Bay State Park is a natural wonderland. It has unique features that make it a must-visit spot.
Amazing Rock Formations
The park is known for its stunning sandstone bluffs. These tall, colorful cliffs were shaped over many years. You can also find interesting caves carved into the rock. They are fun to look at from the beach or water.
Diverse Habitats
Big Bay is a mix of different natural areas.
- Lakeside Dunes: These sandy hills are formed by the wind near the lake.
- Sphagnum Bogs: These are wet, spongy areas. Special plants grow here.
- Old-Growth Forest: This forest has very old trees. They have been growing for a long time. These different habitats mean you can see many kinds of plants and animals.
Home to Wildlife
The park is a safe place for many animals. One of the most exciting visitors is the Bald eagle. These majestic birds return each year. They build their nests high in the trees. You might even spot them flying overhead!
Fun Things to Do at Big Bay
There are lots of activities for everyone at Big Bay State Park. It's a great place to spend time outdoors.
Camping and Picnics
The park has nice picnic areas. They come with tables, grills, water, and restrooms. If you want to stay longer, there's a campground. It has drinking water, showers, and restrooms. There are also special camps for groups. One is indoors for non-profit groups. Another is an outdoor camp for other groups.
Exploring Trails
Big Bay State Park has more than 9 miles of trails. These paths are perfect for hiking and exploring. Some are nature trails. They help you learn about the plants and animals.
Winter Activities
The park is open all year round. In winter, it becomes a snowy playground.
- Hunters: Some people visit for hunting.
- Snowshoers: You can walk through the snow on snowshoes.
- Cross-Country Skiers: The trails are great for cross-country skiing.
How to Visit Big Bay State Park
Getting to Big Bay State Park is part of the adventure!
Getting There
To reach the park, you first need to take a ferry. The ferry ride is about 20 minutes long. It goes from Bayfield to Madeline Island. Once you are on the island, you travel about 5 miles east. Just follow Highway H to find the park entrance.
Park Admission
If you come by car, you will need to buy an admission pass. This pass helps support the park. But if you walk or ride your bike, you can enter for free!
