Take a ferry ride to Madeline Island and explore the vibrant cultures of the Apostle Islands

La Pointe, WI – Madeline Island Museum, a Wisconsin Historical Society site, is excited to announce a May 27 opening day in addition to a variety of engaging events this spring and summer. Situated near the western shore of Madeline Island, the largest of the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior, the museum celebrates all of the cultures who have called the island home throughout generations.

The 2023 season will usher in a profound new exhibit in the museum’s Capser Center Gallery featuring the art of six Anishinaabe women. Entitled “Convergence,” the exhibit includes the work of recognized artists Valaria Tatera, Leah Yellowbird, Karen Savage-Blue, Karen Goulet, Terri Hom and Ramona Morrow.

Other museum highlights include a collection of artifacts from early explorers and inhabitants, a pioneer barn built by a 19^th-century Swedish immigrant and the 1835 American Fur Company Building—the oldest structure on the island. To tour Madeline Island Museum, visitors travel by ferry via the Madeline Island Ferry Line. Ferry tickets are priced separately from museum admission and sold on a first-come, first-served basis for the 25-minute ferry which leaves from Bayfield Terminal.

Madeline Island Museum is open daily from May 27 - July 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Beginning on July 4 - Sept. 4, the museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is open Wednesday - Sunday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. from Sept. 6 - Oct. 21. General admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for youth, and children under five get in free. Wisconsin Historical Society members receive free general admission and 10% off ticketed events.

Upcoming Events:

• Community Open House – May 26, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Get a first look at the museum's latest featured exhibit "Convergence” featuring the art of six Anishinaabe women. Light beverages and snacks will be served. This event is free and open to the public. Advance tickets are not required.

• Visitor Appreciation Weekend – June 3 - 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In conjunction with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Free Fun Weekend at Big Bay State Park, the Madeline Island Museum is offering half-priced admission this weekend.

• Children’s Hour – Every Thursday, June 1 - Aug. 31, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Load up the car and bring the kids for fun-filled activities on Thursdays for ages 4-12. This special hour-long children's program includes an engaging story read by museum staff members, a fun crafting activity and a small snack. The cost is $5 per child.

• Indigenous Artist in Residence – June 24-25, July 22-23, Aug. 19-20

Watch as Indigenous artists showcase their incredible skills and knowledge of traditional techniques and contemporary styles. Engage with the artists as they explore their creative process and interact with guests.

June 24 - 25 – Biskakone Greg Johnson, an Anishinaabe tribal member from Lac du Flambeau, creates woven cedar mats.

July 22 - 23 – Dana Trickey, a White Earth tribal member, showcases quillwork.

Aug. 19 - 20 – Antone Crowe, a Brothertown tribal member, demonstrates mixed media and found art.

• Madeline Island Speaker Series – Every Wednesday, June 28 - Aug. 30, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Visit the Madeline Island Museum this summer for free engaging discussions on historic and cultural topics. The talks cover topics from dugout canoes to World War II prisoners and everything in between. Pre-purchased tickets are not required for these events and they are free and open to the public.

June 28 – Trivia night

July 5 – View “Northern Nights and Starry Skies” documentary with producer John Shepard

July 12 – Learn about loons with Erica Lemoine

July 19 – Wisconsin author Jerry Apps discusses “More Than Words: A Memoir on a Writing Life”

July 26 – Bob MacKreth speaks about the lighthouses of the Apostle Islands

Aug. 2 – Join Samantha Dobson to learn about wild mushrooms of Madeline Island

Aug. 9 – Sissel Schroeder talks about dugout canoes

Aug. 16 – Ryan Brady discusses Wisconsin birds

Aug. 23 – Join Bob Boucher for Beaver tales

Aug. 30 – Explore the history of German POWS with Pam Ekholm

• Lost La Pointe Walking Tour – Every Wednesday, July 5 - Aug. 30, 2:30 p.m.

Explore downtown La Pointe discovering island landscapes, the architecture of the present and past, and captivating stories representing the many cultures and people who have impacted Madeline Island's rich history. Many of the island's secrets are brought to life on this trek through time. Hear stories of fires, wind, building migrations and interesting residents who lived and worked on the island over the years. The cost is $10 per person.

• Connecting Cultures: Fur Trade Weekend – July 7 - 9, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Travel back in time over 200 years, stepping into a recreated fur trade encampment. Discover the history of the fur trade on Madeline Island and beyond. Interact with historians and re-enactors as they demonstrate many aspects of life at a fur trade post, including wilderness medicine, firearms, birch canoe building, blacksmithing, surveying and other trades. The cost is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for children and free for children under five.

For more information, visit madelineislandmuseum.org or call 715-747-2415.

Click here to view the Madeline Island Museum photo gallery.

About Madeline Island Museum
Founded in 1958, the Madeline Island Museum tells the story of Madeline Island and the surrounding region. Owned and operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society since 1969, the museum is located in La Pointe, Wisconsin, half a block from the ferry dock.

About the Wisconsin Historical Society
The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. For more information, visit www.wisconsinhistory.org.