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I'm looking at visitng this area for a few days next summer. According to the map, a trip in this area will be on a designated Michelin beautiful drive. The cottages seem to only require a 2 day rental, so I wonder, is that all there is to do up there? My husband loves to fish--salmon and/or walleye would be great. We'll probably have bikes, although the teenagers moan and complain about them. Local eating and shopping are big favs too.
The islands look like an interesting possibility, and by the way, I may have fallen asleep in sunday school but Madeline WAS NOT and Apostle!
Northern Wisconsin: Bayfield, Madeline Island
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Madeline is not part of the offical Apostle Islands of the National Park -- The Apostle Islands is composed of 22 islands. Some things to do - great hiking in the state park and the town park --the lagoon area is a must. Kayak is great. Biking is good. Their is a great golf course - tennis courts. Historical museum. Charter fishing. Also, you should take the Apostle Island Cruise of the islands and visit several lighthouses. Also, you should visit Bayfield. In Bayfield make sure you eat at the Rittenhouse(Ask to see the rooms), go the Egg Toss for Breakfast, and Maggies for lunch. On Madeline Island eat at Lotta's(expensive) - or the Pub, Tony's Pizza, The Bell Street or the Beach club.
On Madeline Island your teens will have to like outdoor activites to keep them selves entertained. There is not shopping or many restaurants/bars on the island. Bayfield is full of shops & restaurants, but not much else to do besides enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Been a few years since I was in Bayfield but we always found a nice mix between nature and shopping/eating out. We never ran out of things to do. There are lots of artist's galleries in Bayfield and great places to eat. A ferry takes you and your car over to Madeline Island. Fewer restaurants or shops on Madeline but I recall having a wonderful breakfast on the island.
Highlight for our teens was when we took sea kayak lessons. Our guide took us out to see the sea caves. Pretty amazing. Some of the trips are overnight, do you like to camp? Combine a sea kayak trip with camping. Too physical, you can always go on one of the charter boats around the islands.
The water is cold in Lake Superior but the beach in the state park on Madeline is very beautiful, it is also famous for its sand- it sings. Well, it make noise if you move it around in circles. Lots of really beautiful hiking trails on Madeline.
Big Top Chautauqua runs throughout the summer, the main show is a musical history of Bayfield area but other acts come as well, like Garrison Keiller and Prairie Home Companion and other singers. Get your ticket early. Would have to check, not sure if anything teens would like.
Not sure if your teens would enjoy small fishing villages but we like the short scenic drive from Bayfield to 3 little towns, Cornucopia, Herbster and Port Wing. Beautiful beaches to roam, some small swimming areas, real fishing boats with fishermen that make their livings off of their catch, small artist/gift shops, old fashioned general stores, supper clubs with Friday night fish frys. There is a famous Orthodox church in Cornucopia. All the towns have little festivals. Maybe try to hit one on a fish boil day. Small town America.
Not sure which direction you are coming from. If you are are driving a little father west, Amnicon Falls near Superior is one of my favorite places in WI. http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/ORG/LAND/PARKS/specific/amnicon/
Another wonderful place is a little father south and west of Amnicon Falls is the Brule River. There are several canoe rental places that will take you up steam and then you canoe down and get out in the "village" of Brule. Trips for all levels of canoe experience. Most of the river is pretty calm but there are a few little ripples to keep it exciting. Get out in Brule though....as the river gets closer to Lake Superior is has really dangerous rapids!