Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians
The Red Cliff Reservation hugs the northeastern shoreline of the Bayfield Peninsula, nestled between Cornucopia and Bayfield overlooking the Apostle Islands in northern Wisconsin. Visit for a variety of unique sites and experiences year-round, including exotic ice caves in winter or sand beaches in summer.
Established through a series of treaties in the 1800s and the 1854 LaPointe Treaty, Red Cliff Reservation lands were set aside after the U.S. Senate in 1863 amended the provisions of the 1854 treaty. Red Cliff meets the standards set by the United States and is a federally recognized tribe. Learn more about Red Cliff’s Tribal Government on Red Cliff’s Tribal website.
One of Red Cliff’s main attractions is Frog Bay Tribal National Park, the first tribal national park in the United States. Stretching over ¼ mile along Lake Superior's shoreline on the Red Cliff Reservation, this incredible property includes hiking and snowshoeing trails through primordial boreal forest. A sandy beach provides rare mainland views of the Apostle Islands including Oak, Basswood, Hermit, Raspberry and Stockton Islands. Because this area has been historically important for the Red Cliff Tribe, but was inaccessible in recent history due to its private ownership, the Bayfield Regional Conservancy and the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa joined forces to acquire and permanently protect the property for nature based recreation, traditional/spiritual ceremony, and to further advocacy efforts and understanding that all land is sacred. Frog Bay Tribal National Park was awarded the Governor’s Tourism Award for Stewardship in 2019.
Legendary Waters Resort & Casino is located on the pristine shores of Lake Superior, and offers a unique experience, as it features windows that provide extraordinary views of the Apostle Islands! Visitors and Tribal Members can enjoy lodging, gaming, bar and dining, a marina, boat launch, swimming beach, and two campgrounds. The hotel offers an indoor pool, indoor/outdoor whirlpool, and each of the 47 luxurious rooms showcase a spectacular view of the lake. For more information on the Hotel, Casino, Campgrounds, and Marina call: 715-779-3712 or 1-800-226-8478. Bet you won’t want to leave once you get here!
The Red Cliff Treaty Natural Resource Division operates a fish hatchery, focusing on trout rehabilitation and stocking inland lakes with walleye. The TNR is also building a fish processing plant to further the Tribe’s sovereignty and to provide a sustainable food source. The Red Cliff Mino Bimaadiziiwin Farm (Return to the Good Life Tribal Farm) is open to visitors and features a farm stand along with seasonal CSA shares.
The Red Cliff Annual Pow Wow is held the first weekend in July and is open to the public. There are daily Grand Entry sessions, Saturday Feast, food and craft vendors, dance specials, arena activities throughout the weekend, and is ADA accessible. Red Cliff’s Annual Cultural Days happens the third weekend in September, and features carnival games, cultural demonstrations, tours, vendors, canoe races and sailboat rides, live music and fireworks.
Other area events include the annual Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race, Madeline Island Marathon & Half Marathon, Point to La Pointe Swimming Event, Bayfield Apple Fest, Book Across the Bay, and more.
Visitors have the option of a gas station and convenience store, along with Copper Crow Distillery—the first Native-American owned distillery within reservation boundaries in the United States. The Red Cliff Community Health Center is also open to the public should any medical or health needs arise while visiting. Learn about health services provided at the link below.
Other Links