Don’t have the time or money to hit the Jersey shore, coast of Maine or the Chesapeake Bay? Head on up to Madeline Island for a taste of the coast at a fraction of the cost and time. Just off the coast of Bayfield, the ferry will zip you over in a few minutes. From elegant inns to state park camping, there are a variety of ways to stay.  While large swathes of the island are wooded, there is a satisfactorily touristy area in La Pointe, with plenty of ice cream shops and sun-block purveyors.  Rent a canoe or boat, a bike or simply hike the numerous gorgeous trails at Big Bay State Park. Madeline Island is a great hopping off point for visiting further Apostle Islands.

http://www.madelineisland.com/