There are scores of gorgeous lakes in Wisconsin, but there are some that are simply extraordinary. One special lake rewards nature lovers who are willing to go the extra mile to what may be the most remote place in Wisconsin. It’s called Big Bay Lagoon, and to reach this lake you need to head to an offshore island in Lake Superior. It’s well worth the journey, however. Read on to see what makes this remote lake in Wisconsin so special.

You’ll find Big Bay Lagoon on Madeline Island in the Apostle Islands. It’s a popular tourist destination that can be reached via ferry from the Wisconsin city of Bayfield.
Tripadvisor Flatlanders
While the island is far more developed than the other Apostle Islands, it retains some serious wild natural beauty. You’ll a particularly gorgeous spot on Big Bay Lagoon. The lagoon is not a large lake – it covers just 130 acres and it’s only 10 feet deep at its deepest point.
Tripadvisor Flatlanders
But bigger isn't always better -- or more beautiful. This remote lake is pristine and gorgeous, and it offers a chance to experience a unique and fragile bit of nature in Wisconsin.
Google / rob thompson

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The lake is bordered by the Big Bay Sand Spit And Bog, which has a floating bog that has ecological significance. You don’t have to be a biologist or a naturalist to understand why this area is special. If you paddle a canoe or kayak into its still waters you’ll understand.
Google / David Sullivan-Nightengale
You can rent a canoe in the nearby Big Bay Town Park, which is owned and operated by the Town of La Pointe. The canoes are rented via an honor system.
Google / David Sullivan-Nightengale
There are campsites available in the town park as well as in the adjacent Big Bay State Park. The state park has a lot of wonderful features, including picturesque sandstone bluffs that stretch along four miles of the Lake Superior shoreline. But you may never want to leave Big Bay Lagoon!
Google / Mike Bliss

Get a closer look at this beautiful area:

As incredible as Big Bay Lagoon is, it’s just one small example of the amazing beauty you can experience in the Apostle Islands as well as many of the lakes in Wisconsin. Find out some more reasons why you should visit this special place. If you’ve been here, let us know what it was like in the comments.

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More to Explore

Natural Attractions in Wisconsin

William Suphan | June 29, 2023

What are some natural wonders in Wisconsin?

Natural wonders in Wisconsin include:

  • Cave of the Mounds. These caves are a National Natural Landmark in Blue Mounds that are visited by over 100,000 people each year.
  • Devils Lake State Park. The otherworldly rock formations in this park near Baraboo have names like Devils Doorway and Balanced Rock.
  • Big Manitou Falls. These falls in Pattison State Park are 165 feet tall, which is two feet shorter than Niagara Falls. 
  • Interstate State Park. This is the oldest state park in Wisconsin and contains the beautiful Dalles of the St. Croix River. 

Learn more about these and other natural wonders in Wisconsin.  

What are the most beautiful nature preserves in Wisconsin?

The most beautiful nature preserves in Wisconsin are:

  • Heckrodt Wetland Reserve. This is a 76-acre preserve in Menasha with thick forests, marshes, wetlands, prairies, and other habitats.
  • Newell and Ann Meyer Nature Preserve. Located in East Troy, these 200 acres are filled with oak woodlands, savannahs, wetlands, and prairies.
  • Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve. The bluffs here are up to 100 feet tall and line the shore of Lake Michigan.
  • Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve. This preserve spans over 1,500 acres near Two Rivers and is comprised of conifer forests, wetlands, and prairies.

Discover more about these and several more of the most beautiful nature preserves in Wisconsin. 

What are the best state parks in Wisconsin?

These are some of the best state parks in Wisconsin:

  • Council Grounds State Park. Located near Merrill, this little park is only 509 acres but has a beautiful lake and many campsites.
  • Peninsula State Park. There are eight miles of shoreline here and over 400 campsites. Locals come here for hiking, cycling, and more.
  • Rib Mountain State Park. This lovely area features many hiking trails and has gorgeous views from its valley overlooks.
  • Brunet Island State Park. This idyllic park rests on the corner of the Chippewa and Fisher Rivers and features many lagoons.

Find out more about these and a few more of the best state parks in Wisconsin.

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