Shuttle Service Information

Plan ahead and skip the traffic with a shuttle ride straight to the tent. Bay Area Rural Transit provides free shuttle service to every show & event at the Big Top tent, with timed departures located across Ashland, Washburn, and Bayfield. Made possible by the generous support of fine businesses and organizations throughout the local area, the shuttle service is one of the best ways to get to the tent. 
Pickup locations, shuttle schedules, reservation instructions, and further information can be viewed below. ​You may also call the Big Top Box Office at (715)373-5552 for schedules, reservations, and other information. Shuttles operate for Big Top shows June through October.

Shuttle Sponsors

Thank you to the generous sponsors who make this free transportation service possible. 

​Bayfield Sponsors: Seagull Bay - A Lakeside Motel, Greunke’s 1st St Inn & Dining, Legendary Waters Resort & Casino,Apostle Islands Area Campground and RV Park, Lake Superior Lodge, Old Rittenhouse Inn, Pier Plaza Restaurant and Lodging, Port Superior Marina, Queen’s View Bed and Breakfast, and The Bayfield Inn.

Ashland/Washburn Sponsors: Best Western - The Hotel Chequamegon, City of Washburn, Cobblestone Inn & Suites - Ashland, Good Thyme Restaurant and Catering, Quality Inn - Ashland, Super 8 by Wyndham - Ashland, and The Washburn Inn.

Ashland & Washburn Route

NOTE: Pick-up times are approximate. On bigger show dates, busses make several trips and may run later than scheduled.
  • Reservations are required for the Ashland & Washburn shuttle route and spaces are available on a first come/first served basis, so book early! To make a reservation please call the Big Top Box Office at (715) 373-5552 and provide your name, number of riders, the pickup location, and a phone number. Please make us aware of any riders who require accessibility assistance.
  • Reservations cannot be made after 2:00pm on the day of the event.
  • To preserve valuable parking, unless you are an active customer with the sponsoring business that evening, we kindly ask Ashland riders to park at the Bay Area Civic Center.
  • Shuttles depart the venue immediately after the performance. Big Top Chautauqua and Bay Area Rural Transit are not responsible for patrons who miss the shuttle. 
ASHLAND SHUTTLE STOPS ​(Pick-up times are approximate.)
  • Best Western The Hotel Chequamegon _______________________________ 5:45pm (Jun-Aug) / 5:20pm (Sept-Oct) 
  • Bay Area Civic Center ______________________________________________ 5:47pm (Jun- Aug) / 5:25pm (Sept-Oct)​ 
  • ​Cobble Stone Inn & Suites __________________________________ 5:50pm (Jun-Aug) / 5:30pm (Sept-Oct)
  • Super 8 by Wyndham Ashland _______________________________________ 5:55pm (Jun-Aug) / 5:33pm (Sept-Oct)​
  • Quality Inn Ashland ________________________________________________ 6:00pm (Jun-Aug) / 5:35pm (Sept-Oct)
WASHBURN SHUTTLE STOPS ​(Pick-up times are approximate.)
  • Thompson's West End Park ___________________________________________ 6:10pm (Jun-Aug) / 5:45pm (Sept-Oct)
  • The Washburn Inn ___________________________________________________ 6:15pm (Jun-Aug) / 5:48pm (Sept-Oct)
  • Memorial Park Campground ___________________________________________ 6:17pm (Jun-Aug) / 5:50pm (Sept-Oct)
  • Good Thyme Restaurant ________________________________________ 6:19pm (Jun-Aug) / 5:52pm (Sept-Oct)

Bayfield Route

NOTE: Pick-up times are approximate. On bigger show dates, busses make several trips and may run later than scheduled.
  • Reservations are not required to ride the shuttle from any of the Bayfield shuttle stops.
  • If a shuttle reaches capacity, drivers will drop off passengers at the tent and continue to return to the route until all patrons have been picked up.​
  • Shuttles depart the venue immediately after the performance. Big Top Chautauqua and Bay Area Rural Transit are not responsible for patrons who miss the shuttle. 
BAYFIELD SHUTTLE STOPS ​(Pick-up times are approximate.)

Madeline Island Ferry

The shuttle stop for the Madeline Island Ferry landing will be in front of the Madeline Island Information building, located across the street from the ferry landing dock on the corner of N Front St and Washington Ave. If you are staying on Madeline Island, please be aware of the ferry schedule. In some cases, you may have to leave the show early to board the shuttle and catch your ferry on time. Big Top Chautauqua & Bay Area Rural Transit are not responsible for patrons that miss the ferry. 

Please be aware some shows may not coordinate with the Ferry schedule. You can find more information and ferry schedules by visiting www.madferry.com or by calling the Madeline Island Ferry at (715) 747-2051.