Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is located on Lake Superior's shore in northern Wisconsin. With a total area of around 69,372 acres, this national lakeshore is known for its stunning natural beauty and historical significance.

The Apostle Islands area has a rich Native American history, with evidence of human presence dating back thousands of years. European settlers arrived in the area in the 19th century, engaging in various industries including fishing, logging, and quarrying. The area became a national lakeshore in 1970 to protect its natural and cultural resources.

Visitors to Apostle Islands National Lakeshore can explore its 21 islands, each offering unique landscapes and recreational opportunities. The islands are known for their pristine sandy beaches, towering cliffs, sea caves, and dense forests. One of the most popular attractions is the famous Apostle Islands sea caves, where visitors can kayak or take guided tours to admire the breathtaking caves carved by the lake's relentless waves.

For those interested in a more adventurous experience, the national lakeshore offers opportunities for camping, hiking, and fishing. The islands' well-maintained hiking trails provide scenic overlooks and access to secluded beaches. In addition, the lakeshore is a popular destination for sailing, boating, and even scuba diving, with numerous shipwrecks dotting the lake's floor.

Nearby attractions include the charming harbor towns of Bayfield and Cornucopia, which offer a range of accommodations, restaurants, and boutiques. The small village of Bayfield serves as the gateway and main access point to the national lakeshore, providing visitors with information centers, boat tours, and ferry services to reach the islands.

In conclusion, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore offers visitors a unique experience with its stunning natural landscapes and fascinating historical background. From exploring the sea caves to hiking the scenic trails, this national lakeshore provides countless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers to immerse themselves in its beauty and heritage.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is nestled within the northernmost part of Wisconsin, eminently placed in the expansive waters of Lake Superior. This scenic national lakeshore is a pristine natural wonder that encompasses a cluster of 22 stunning islands, each with its own distinct features and ecosystems. Located near the city of Bayfield, the national lakeshore stretches along the coastline for about 22 miles, exhibiting a breathtaking combination of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and picturesque sea caves carved out by the relentless waves of Lake Superior over centuries. This geographical location offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the mesmerizing beauty of the Great Lakes region, while exploring an enchanting mosaic of rocky shores, ancient forests, and crystal clear waters.

Address & Contact

415 Washington Avenue
Bayfield, WI 54814
Driving Directions
Phone: 7157793398
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is during the months of June, July, and August. During this period, the average maximum temperatures range from 70°F to 78°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation remains around 3.5 inches, allowing for enjoyable explorations without excessive rainfall. Notably, these months attract the highest number of visitors to the park. Therefore, if one wishes to avoid large crowds, it may be advisable to visit the park in September or October when the average visitor count decreases significantly.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore are: Guided Tours Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs Camping Backcountry Camping Hiking Boating Motorized Boating Canoe or Kayak Camping Fishing Hunting and Gathering Hunting Paddling Kayaking Snowshoeing Swimming Boat Tour Group Camping Freshwater Fishing Sailing SCUBA Diving Freshwater Swimming

Topics

Learn about these topics at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Animals Birds Caves, Caverns and Karst Geology Night Sky Arts Industry Logging and Timber Cutting Native American Heritage Fish Rock Landscapes and Features Unique Species Wilderness Colonization and Settlement Aurora Borealis Photography Climate Change Forests and Woodlands Lakes Natural Sounds Scenic Views Wetlands Deciduous Forests Social Movements Conservation Movement Coniferous Forests Endangered Coasts, Islands and Atolls Maritime Ships and Shipwrecks Lighthouses Commerce Trade Ancient Seas Farming and Agriculture

Visitor Centers

Little Sand Bay Visitor Center

The Little Sand Bay Visitor Center will be closed throughout 2026 due to construction associated with the Little Sand Bay Marina Rehabilitation Project. We appreciate your patience as we work to improve infrastructure and visitor access.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Little Sand Bay Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Hauser's Bayfield Cabin

Located in Bayfield, Hauser's Bayfield Cabin is within a 15-minute drive of Lake Superior and Little Sand Bay Beach. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access and a library. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 94495 Raspberry Shore Drive, Bayfield, Wisconsin 54814
Web: Link

Brickyard Cottage 1 by Winfield Inn

With a stay at this cabin in Bayfield, you'll be a 4-minute walk from Lake Superior and 14 minutes by foot from Living Adventure.
Address: Madeleine Lane, Bayfield, Wisconsin 54814
Web: Link

Brickyard Cottage 17 by Winfield Inn

Located in Bayfield, this cabin is within a 5-minute drive of Lake Superior and Living Adventure.
Address: 37510 Madeleine Lane, Bayfield, Wisconsin 54814
Web: Link

Brickyard Cottage 18 by Winfield Inn

With a stay at this cabin in Bayfield, you'll be a 2-minute walk from Lake Superior and 13 minutes by foot from Living Adventure.
Address: 37625 Madeline Lane, Bayfield, Wisconsin 54814
Web: Link

Brickyard Cottage 3 by Winfield Inn

With a stay at this cabin in Bayfield, you'll be a 1-minute walk from Lake Superior and 13 minutes by foot from Living Adventure.
Address: 37655 Madeline Lane, Bayfield, Wisconsin 54814
Web: Link

Brickyard Cottage 4 by Winfield Inn

With a stay at this cabin in Bayfield, you'll be a 1-minute walk from Lake Superior and 13 minutes by foot from Living Adventure.
Address: 37645 Madeline Lane, Bayfield, Wisconsin 54814
Web: Link

Brickyard Cottage 47 by Winfield Inn

With a stay at this cabin in Bayfield, you'll be a 4-minute walk from Lake Superior and within a 5-minute drive of Living Adventure.
Address: 87825 Olivia Lane, Bayfield, Wisconsin 54814
Web: Link

Brickyard Cottage 20 by Winfield Inn

With a stay at this cabin in Bayfield, you'll be a 1-minute walk from Lake Superior and 8 minutes by foot from Living Adventure.
Address: 37620 Sophie Lane, Bayfield, Wisconsin 54814
Web: Link

The Carriage House by Winfield Inn

With a stay at this cabin in Bayfield, you'll be a 1-minute walk from Lake Superior and 13 minutes by foot from Living Adventure.
Address: 37655 Madeline Lane, Bayfield, Wisconsin 54814
Web: Link

Legendary Waters Resort & Casino

Located in Bayfield, Legendary Waters Resort & Casino is on the beach, within a 5-minute walk of Lake Superior and Legendary Waters Casino. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, an elevator, and lockers. This hotel has 4 meeting rooms available for events. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 37600 Onigamiing Dr, Bayfield, Wisconsin 54814
Web: Link