WI Madeline Island Ice Rd
Motorcyclist Map
Route Filter: Backroads
Description: The Ice Road is important because Madeline Island residents need to go to the mainland for work, shopping, and everyday events. During ferry season everything needs to be planned between the first and last boat. If they can’t make the schedule then they need to stay at a hotel overnight on the mainland. The ice road becomes a relief since they can come and go as they want, without following a schedule. As the ice thickens workers drill holes with augers throughout the path where the ice road will go. Ice needs to be at least eleven inches thick before cars and light trucks can safely drive on it. Snow acts as insulation so workers plow the path of the road to bare ice so it will thicken quicker.