Park at public access on E side of lake, just off US Hwy 53 in Orr.
Island is accessible by boat.
B ig Island has escaped significant disturbance by fire or humans for over 150 years. Forest communities here resemble those on the shore of Lake Michigan, over 300 miles to the south and east. Basswood makes up a large portion of the canopy, along with bur oak and old-growth white spruce and white pine. Balsam fir thrives in recent blow-downs. Upland topography on either side of the swamp is molded of dry, rocky outcrops and rich mesic soil with a woodsy understory of ferns, bishop's cap, sarsaparilla, buttercup, bedstraw, sweet cicely, and violets.