Madeline Island Wilderness Preserve

Madeline Island Wilderness Preserve A MI non-profit land trust dedicated to protection, preservation, advocacy & education for everyone. Biking on MIWP trails is prohibited.

The nature preserve lands are open to the public for hiking, berry-picking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and hunting. Please take advantage of these very special places when you are on the island! The Madeline Island Wilderness Preserve's mission is the protection and preservation of natural areas on Madeline Island for everyone's enjoyment. "Natural Areas" include both the plants and animals

in these areas. While MIWP lands are open to the public, they are private properties and subject to rules to protect their natural features. Deer hunting is permitted during the State of Wisconsin's hunting season. Hunting, trapping, or snaring all other animals, including bears, coyotes and wolves, is prohibited. Motorized vehicles are not allowed in Preserve lands. Camping and fires are not allowed in Preserve lands. Madeline Island is adjacent to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore on the South Shore of Lake Superior in Wisconsin, and is the only one of the Apostle Islands with lands open to private ownership. The MIWP was formed in 1987 and is one of the oldest and most successful land trusts in the State of Wisconsin. The Preserve holds more than 2600 acres of forest, wetlands and trails on Madeline Island that provide plant and wildlife habitat and contribute to the natural beauty of the Island. The Preserve acquires land through purchase, donations and conservation easements.

New duckboards on the north end trails on Memorial weekend. A great hike even when it’s wet!
06/08/2026

New duckboards on the north end trails on Memorial weekend. A great hike even when it’s wet!

Click image for pictures from the Annual reception and meeting. The catering table was a work of art, the guests enjoyed...
06/08/2026

Click image for pictures from the Annual reception and meeting. The catering table was a work of art, the guests enjoyed catching up with friends and meeting new people, and the guest lecturer Jeff Rennicke gave an inspiring presentation to an enthusiastic audience. We are now prepared to go out into our favorite familiar landscapes with new eyes every time! Thanks again to Madeline Island School of the Arts for a perfect venue.

Our 2026 Annual Meeting SOLD OUT early! The catering table was a work of art, the guests enjoyed catching up with friends and meeting new people, and the guest lecturer Jeff Rennicke gave an inspiring presentation to an enthusiastic audience. We are now prepared to go out into our favorite familiar

Today’s Memorial weekend bird hike. You can spot birds in the rain too!
05/23/2026

Today’s Memorial weekend bird hike. You can spot birds in the rain too!

“Burroughs,” “Capser,” and “Meech” are names of people on signage at three Madeline Island Wilderness Preserve trailhead...
04/27/2026

“Burroughs,” “Capser,” and “Meech” are names of people on signage at three Madeline Island Wilderness Preserve trailheads. And “Harmon” is on signage in an eponymous forest. But who were these people? Click link/image to learn more...

“Burroughs,” “Capser,” and “Meech” are names of people on signage at three Madeline Island Wilderness Preserve trailheads. And “Harmon” is on signage in an eponymous forest. But who were these people?

Annual President's Letter. Click link/image to read about what's been happening over the past year.
04/27/2026

Annual President's Letter. Click link/image to read about what's been happening over the past year.

Madeline is much more than an island surrounded by water and covered with trees; it holds a deep and lasting connection for those who visit. This bond evokes a sense of belonging similar to that in ancient Celtic wisdom: it is reminiscent of a cathedral formed by earth, sea, and sky – a place wher...

Looking forward to spring on the island!
04/16/2026

Looking forward to spring on the island!

03/31/2026

We have an exciting lineup of events, lectures and hikes coming this 2026 season! See our website for details and mark your calendars! We'll be adding the events to Facebook too; stay tuned...

A MI non-profit land trust dedicated to protection, preservation, advocacy & education for everyone.

Late autumn is a beautiful time to hike the north end trails!
11/17/2025

Late autumn is a beautiful time to hike the north end trails!

Brian Heeringa spoke to an engaged audience. A special hit was a close up introduction to Echo the bat! Click image to v...
08/11/2025

Brian Heeringa spoke to an engaged audience. A special hit was a close up introduction to Echo the bat! Click image to view pictures of the event and Brian’s slideshow…

Brian Heeringa spoke to an engaged audience. A special hit was a close up introduction to Echo the bat! View pictures of the event and Brian’s slideshow…

Everyone enjoyed the presentation and learned some things they didn’t know about bears. Jane Weber’s talks are always in...
07/14/2025

Everyone enjoyed the presentation and learned some things they didn’t know about bears. Jane Weber’s talks are always informative and a lot of fun!

Click to view pictures of the talk…

Everyone enjoyed the presentation and learned some things they didn’t know about bears. Jane Weber’s talks are always informative and a lot of fun! Click to view pictures of the talk…

Address

3060 North Shore Road PO Box 28
La Pointe, WI
54850

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