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History of Madeline Island

Madeline Island is the largest of the 22 Apostle Islands in Lake Superior, located off the Bayfield Peninsula in Wisconsin. The island has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Native American tribes, including the Ojibwe and Dakota Sioux, lived on and used the island for hunting, fishing, and gathering wild rice.


In the early 1800s, the island was visited by European explorers and fur traders. It was later settled by European immigrants in the mid-1800s, who established farms and fishing businesses on the island.


In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Madeline Island became a popular tourist destination, with several resorts and hotels being built on the island. The island is now home to a small, year-round community and is a popular destination for visitors who come to enjoy the natural beauty of the area and the recreational opportunities it offers, such as hiking, biking, and boating.

Madeline Island is also home to the Madeline Island Museum, which tells the story of the island's history and cultural heritage. The island is accessible by ferry from Bayfield, Wisconsin.



True North Sailing Charters Catamaran Piper on Madeline Island
A Secret Beach on Madeline Island. Most sailboats can not reach this beach because of the shallow water. Thats one reason we love our catamaran Piper with her shallow draft.

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