Plan your event
Island events take a little extra planning.
Here's the short version: how guests get here, what to do when, the house rules, and the local vendors who know the island.
Book your eventGetting here
Ferry over, then walk.
Most guests come over on the Madeline Island Ferry from Bayfield. The ferry lands in downtown La Pointe, and Bell Street is a 3-minute walk from the dock. There's parking on site for anyone who brings a car across.
- Check the ferry schedule close to your date. Weather and island events can change it.
- Send guests a short travel note early: the ferry link, where to stay and when to arrive.
- Ask vendors to plan around ferry times, and never count on a late boat.
About 25 minon the ferry from Bayfield
3 minwalk from the ferry landing to our door
Timeline
What to do, and when.
A simple checklist for hosts. It doesn't replace a planner, but it covers the things that most often get missed for island events.
Need help with the details? You can hire a planner, or name one person from your group as the day-of point person.
- Right awayPick your package and date. Settle your guest count, layout and who makes the decisions.
- Early onBook your caterer, photographer, flowers, music and rentals. Tell each vendor it's a Madeline Island event and ask about ferry timing and travel fees.
- 60 to 90 days outConfirm your guest count, vendor list, timeline, food and drink plan, layout and decor.
- 30 days outSend Bell Street your vendor contacts, timeline, layout, delivery times and your day-of point person.
- The week ofRecheck the ferry schedule, the weather plan, vendor arrival times and who's cleaning up what.
- Departure dayTake home your decor, gifts, rentals and leftovers by your agreed departure time.
House rules
A few rules that keep the building beautiful.
Your signed agreement has the final word. These are the ones to know early.
Vendors
Outside caterers, bartenders, rental companies and entertainers need Bell Street's OK first. Some may need to show proof of insurance.
Drinks
All alcohol and bar service must be approved in writing ahead of time. Please don't assume you can bring your own.
Decor
Nothing taped, nailed, tacked or stapled to the walls, trim, ceilings or windows unless Bell Street says yes in writing.
Candles
Contained tea lights only. No taper candles, open flames or sparklers without written approval.
Confetti & petals
Ask first about confetti, glitter, rice, birdseed or flower petals. Cleanup can be tough and may cost extra.
Music
Bands and DJs work out power, setup and volume with you and Bell Street. The host takes care of any music licensing.
Cleanup
Decor, gifts, rentals and leftovers go home by your agreed departure time. Do a last walk-through before you leave.
Damage
The host is responsible for damage or extra cleanup caused by guests, vendors or decor.
Vendors
Local folks who know the island.
You choose your own vendors. These are local and regional folks who know the island. Outside caterers, bartenders and rental companies need Bell Street's OK first.
Food & catering
On the island. Ask about catering and off-site service.
Full-service catering for events.
Private event and catering inquiries.
Cakes & bakery
Custom wedding cakes.
Flowers
Wedding flowers and seasonal flower buckets.
Photography & video
Weddings and families, Bayfield to Duluth.
Has shot weddings on Madeline Island.
Planning & decor
Event design, intimate weddings, decor rentals and elopements.
Places to stay
Vacation rentals on the island.
Rentals and inn rooms.
Cabins, cottages, condos, inns, motels and camping.
Getting here
Check the schedule close to your date. Weather can change it.
This list is a starting point. Bell Street doesn't require any vendor, and each one is independently owned. Call them directly to check dates, prices and ferry plans. Know a great vendor? Tell Dave, and Bell Street may add them.
Things to do
Make a weekend of it.
Give your guests a reason to come early and stay late.
- GolfOn the island
- KayakingAlong the shore
- SailingOn Lake Superior
- FishingWith a charter
- HikingBig Bay Town Park and State Park
- The beachA short walk from downtown
Ready to start planning?
The first step is your date. Dave can tell you what's open.
or call Dave at 612-964-1059