Photo: NPS Photo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
415 Washington Ave · Bayfield, WI
Why you should go…
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore covers 21 islands and a 12-mile strip of mainland on Wisconsin's Bayfield Peninsula, with sandstone sea caves and eight historic lighthouse towers on six islands. You need a boat to reach the islands, so you can join a tour boat, take a water taxi, paddle a sea kayak or bring your own boat. Camping is available on 18 of the 21 islands, and the visitor center is in Bayfield. In some winters the Mainland Ice Caves open along the Mainland Trail.
- #national lakeshore
- #sea caves
- #kayaking
- #lighthouses
- #lake superior
Good to know
General sport & outdoor guidance
Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.
Weather calls the shots
Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.
Shoes, water, sun cover
The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.
Parking and launches fill early
On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.
Daylight shrinks in shoulder season
Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.