Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

How to Get There

From Cobblestone Inn & Suites Bayfield (approximately 1 mi): Head north through downtown Bayfield on Washington Avenue and follow signs to Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Headquarters and the Bayfield waterfront, where ferries, tours, and island access services depart.

Overview

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a national lakeshore consisting of 21 islands (Apostle Islands) and shoreline encompassing 69,372 acres (28,074 ha) on the northern tip of Wisconsin on the shore of Lake Superior. It is known for its collection of historic lighthouses, sandstone sea caves, a few old-growth remnant forests, and natural animal habitats.

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is located in Bayfield, Wisconsin, on Lake Superior, the "largest, cleanest, and coldest of the Great Lakes." The lakeshore comprises beaches, cliffs, water, and 21 islands. Madeline Island is the only one of the Apostle Islands not included in the national lakeshore, although a portion of the island is protected as Big Bay State Park. The island's accessibility by ferry or ice road, along with the shops, restaurants and other commercial establishments of the island town of La Pointe, make it popular with visitors to the national lakeshore.

Things to Do

Explore the Jewels of Lake Superior

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore protects 21 islands and 12 miles of mainland shoreline along Lake Superior in northern Wisconsin. Known for its stunning sea caves, historic lighthouses, sandstone cliffs, pristine beaches, and old-growth forests, the lakeshore is one of the most spectacular natural destinations in the Great Lakes region.

Discover the Famous Sea Caves

The Apostle Islands are renowned for their dramatic sandstone sea caves, shaped by centuries of waves, ice, and wind. During summer, visitors can explore the caves by kayak or boat tour. In winter, when conditions permit, the caves transform into a spectacular landscape of ice formations and frozen waterfalls.

Visit Historic Lighthouses

The park preserves six historic lighthouses that helped guide ships through the waters of Lake Superior. Popular lighthouse destinations include Raspberry Island Lighthouse, Sand Island Lighthouse, Devil's Island Lighthouse, and Michigan Island Lighthouse. Guided tours and boat excursions provide fascinating insight into the region's maritime history.

Enjoy Kayaking, Boating, and Island Exploration

Sea kayaking is one of the most popular activities in the Apostle Islands. Visitors can paddle along towering cliffs, explore hidden coves, and visit remote beaches. Ferry services and boat tours also allow access to several islands for hiking, camping, and sightseeing.

Experience Wildlife and Scenic Beauty

The lakeshore supports a wide variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, black bears, white-tailed deer, foxes, peregrine falcons, and numerous migratory bird species. The islands' forests, beaches, wetlands, and coastal habitats make the area an outstanding destination for birdwatching and nature photography.

Top Trails

Lakeshore Trail

Length: Approximately 4.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Difficulty: Moderate

Located on the mainland unit near Meyers Beach, this trail provides access to spectacular overlooks of Lake Superior and the mainland sea caves. Visitors enjoy dramatic coastal scenery and excellent photographic opportunities.

Raspberry Island Trail

Length: Approximately 1 mile loop
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy

This scenic trail circles Raspberry Island and provides access to the historic lighthouse, shoreline views, and forest habitats. It is one of the most popular island walking routes in the park.

Oak Island Trails

Length: Approximately 11 miles of interconnected trails
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Difficulty: Moderate

Oak Island features some of the longest hiking trails in the Apostle Islands, passing through forests, along shoreline cliffs, and offering access to remote campsites and scenic viewpoints.

Stockton Island Julian Bay Trail

Length: Approximately 2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy

This trail leads to the beautiful sandy beaches of Julian Bay, one of the most picturesque locations in the Apostle Islands. Visitors can enjoy swimming, wildlife viewing, and peaceful walks along the shoreline.

Sources: National Park Service official Apostle Islands National Lakeshore information, including details on sea caves, kayaking, lighthouses, island recreation, camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. https://www.nps.gov/apis
Additional information verified through National Park Service visitor resources covering the mainland sea caves, Raspberry Island, Stockton Island, Oak Island trails, lighthouse tours, and recreational opportunities throughout the Apostle Islands. https://www.nps.gov/apis/planyourvisit

Recreation

Many of the islands offer public docking. The shoreline contains some historical sites, such as the many lighthouses throughout the islands. Fishing on Lake Superior is a popular activity for both boaters and non-boaters. The lake holds several species of trout and some species of salmon.

To get from island to island many visitors choose to kayak, either bringing their own kayaks and equipment or renting from a local shop. The islands also offer opportunities to scuba divers to view interesting rock formations and shipwrecks.

Lighthouses

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore has more lighthouses than any other National Park Service area (eight historic towers on six islands). For most of the century, the six Apostle Islands Lighthouses have guided ships and boats through the rough waters of Lake Superior and through the Apostle Islands.

The Sand Island lighthouse is one of the most popular lighthouses to visit on the islands. This lighthouse is approximately 44 feet (13 m) tall and was one of the first lighthouses to be automated in 1921. Boats tour this island June through late August every year on trips provided by volunteers of the National Park Service. The lighthouse on Raspberry Island has been completely renovated and is one of the most scenic in the Apostle Islands. Other lighthouses in the Apostle islands include both Old and New Michigan Island Lights, New La Pointe Light and Chequamegon Point Light on Long Island, Devils Island Light, and Outer Island Light. The ruins of Old LaPointe Light can still be seen on Long Island, approximately 0.5 miles (0.80 km) away from the wreckage of the schooner Lucerne.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Apostle Islands National Lakeshore", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0