OK, so some people might say Wisconsin is cold and snowy all the time. Let me tell you, that's a myth. We do have highways, McDonalds and, wait for it… sunshine! We don't live in igloos; we don't all go hunting and not everyone has a lake cabin. So please, don't believe all the myths about Wisconsin; come and see for yourself! One of the gems of Wisconsin is Madeline Island. Madeline Island is a charming place for the whole family. Just a hop, skip and a boat ride away from Bayfield, this island has many places you’ll want to check out! The Fourth of July is a must up here. It's the largest crowd the island sees all year, so make sure to book early, like a year in advance. There's a parade (yes-people throw candy at you and you get the occasional hot dog), fireworks (complete with Katy Perry's song "Firework" before they start) and a program where the Declaration of Independence is read, the island choir sings, and Big Top Chautauqua sings the annual "This Land is Your Land" and "Over to Old LaPointe". This takes place on the grounds of the Madeline Island Museum, which can easily be identified by the giant antlers on the front. After the program, jump over to Grampa Tony's or the Beach Club for a bite to eat. At Grampa Tony's try the pizza, cheese bread, and ice cream. Chef Susie makes their bread, pizza sauce, pizza crust and cinnamon rolls daily. If you're looking for something different, go across the street to the Beach Club and sit lakeside! (You might have to wait a while though.) Watch the ferries, seaplanes and sailboats on the water. I personally like the lake tacos, which are fish tacos with Lake Superior whitefish. After lunch, pack the car (or maybe even rent a moped) and head over to Big Bay State and Town Parks. At the State Park, go hiking through the woods or along the beach. If you're feeling adventurous, go to the rocks and jump into the lake. (Our family has fondly dubbed these rocks "The Cliffs".) If you don't want to go hiking, go swimming at the town park! This park is a beach that is complete with lots of sand, clear (and cold) water and a lagoon with a current that's fun to play in (even for the adults). You could go sun bathing, have sand castle building contests, go swimming, bury people in the sand (not their heads!), or have a picnic lunch! Big Bay is fun no matter if you want thrill or relaxation. After an exhausting day at Big Bay, pile into the car and go on a deer ride! Keep your eyes peeled for fawn. While you are on your ride, go to Sunset Bay where you will have spectacular views of the sunset over the lake. After dark, head over to Joni's Beach and watch the fireworks. Madeline Island is known for their Fourth of July Fireworks and was ranked in the top 10 firework displays in the nation by Fox News. It is about 45 minutes long and every burst is reflected over the sparkling waters of Lake Superior. As the fireworks explode, timed to a wide variety of music, the whole island is in a sense of awe. After the jaw-dropping grand finale, head back to the place you're staying and play a card game with your friends and family! Eventually, it's time for bed. Sweet dreams! Make sure you remember to book a room or condo again for next year!
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