WAYPOINT
round and has dockage for transient boaters.
Th ere are a number of restaurants on Madeline, but Tom’s Burned
Down Cafe is a standout. Th e dive bar actually burned down twice
and wasn’t rebuilt. Now it is just a series of decks and tents comple-
mented by a huge collection of unique signs. Th ey oft en have live
music. “It’s a pretty rowdy crowd and a good time,” Ashley says.
Th ere are a couple other bars on Madeline Island, but otherwise
nightlife is scarce. Big Bay State Park is a popular destination with a
beach, campsite and over seven miles of trails across the sandstone
cliff s with lake views.
Th e other islands are less developed, but many of them still off er
public dockage for visitors and their protected bays can be utilized
as safe harbors. Jutting out from the natural landscape is a collec-
tion of six historic lighthouses—tours are available for maritime
enthusiasts—scattered across the islands which are listed in the
National Register of Historic Places. Stockton Island is one of the
most popular islands to visit. “Th ere are safe harbors for anchoring
and it has one of the most beautiful beaches in the park, awesomesea stacks and nice hiking trails,” says Ashley. Th e island also has
many campsites with direct views of the lake, and is home to one of
the most concentrated black bear populations in North America.
Devils Island is another of the more popular islands. “It has the
most spectacular caves in the park,” she says.
Fish are abundant around the Apostles and there are quite a few
operations that off er fi shing charters. Lake Superior doesn’t just
boast a large quantity of fi sh, but fi sh of good quality. “Th ere’s great
fi shing and all the fi sh taste great,” Ashley says. “A few years ago we
pulled out some smallmouth bass, which typically isn’t that tasty
on a smaller lake, but it was delicious just because the water is so
clean.” Th ere are 88 species of fi sh found here, including lake trout,
walleye and a hearty salmon population.
Th e clean water and the beautiful, dynamic landscape are what’s
kept the Georgesons here so long. “It’s beautiful out here now.
It’s sunny and 70 every day and there’s blue, crystal clear water,”
Ashley says. “Whatever you’re looking for, it’s pretty much here,
just maybe on a smaller scale.” UIf you don’t love the
natural beauty or the
feeling of escape that
comes from cruising
beside alien red rock
formations, this is not
the place for you.MI
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