Scattered like jewels in the cold blue waters of Lake Superior are a collection of wild islands that locals simply call The Apostles. Wisconsin’s Apostle Islands are a dream world, a place filled with sea caves, deserted beaches, and old lighthouses that still signal across waters littered with the wrecks of old sailing schooners.
For visitors, reaching this pure, remote beauty takes a bit of effort, but when you arrive at the islands, you’ll know why you came here. You’ll see the reasons around every turn – in the sculpted rock formations, in the rare and fragile wildflowers, and in the delicate bird tracks that dance across otherwise undisturbed sandy beaches. These islands will quickly become your islands, and like the locals, you’ll soon just call them the Apostles.
A lighthouse keeper who lived on Sand Island from 1892-1921 said that in this place, with all the wind and the sun, he felt free.
There are 22 islands in the Apostles. With the exception of the largest, Madeline Island, they are all part of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, protected from development and kept as wild as they were a thousand years ago. The islands include pristine areas of old-growth forest that look much as they did when French explorers arrived in the 1600s, searching for a path to the East Indies.
There are eight lighthouses in the Apostles, and all but two of them are still in service.
In fact, there are more lighthouses here than in any other National Park Service property. The lighthouses help boats thread the passages between the islands.
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The islands have some incredible, untouched beaches like this one on Outer Island that are favorite resting spots for migratory birds.
There's a lot to explore on the islands. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore has nearly 70,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness and the islands are home to some beautiful hiking trails. Several of the islands also have campgrounds.
According to the National Park Service, one of the largest concentrations of black bears in North American can be found on Stockton Island.
While there are no official guided kayak tours offered by the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, there are many authorized kayak outfitters in the region that offer half-day and full-day guided trips, equipment rentals, and more.
Another unique sight among the Apostles is The Fedora, a freighter that caught fire and sank in 1901 and can still be seen lurking just below the waves.
There are numerous shipwrecks around the Apostles, including pristine wrecks that appear frozen in time by the cold, fresh water of Lake Superior. The wrecks are a common stop for kayakers and cruises, but they are also popular with divers looking to get even closer to the underwater relics.
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During the winter months, ice caves form along the lakeshore, creating magical scenes.
Some years, there is not enough ice for the National Park Service to allow people to safely visit the caves; however, visitors should always check ahead before attempting to access them.
When the caves are open, visitors flock to the islands to see take in the natural wonder.
There are also several boardwalk paths as well as sandy beaches that are ideal for walking. Two of the most popular mainland trails are the Meyers Beach Sea Caves Trail, a 4.6-mile, moderately difficult trail, and the more challenging Lakeshore Trail, an 11-mile out-and-back trek.
Out on the lake, Devils Island has some of the most dramatic sea caves, as well as a colorful coastline to explore.
There are several short trails (all under one mile long) surrounding the historic Devils Island Light, which can be toured during the summer months.
Over on Sand Island, the Circumnavigation Trail is longer, but lovely, leading you around the entire island. The trail stretches for 15 miles total, but can be broken up into shorter portions.
Madeline Island, though not part of the National Lakeshore, is worth a visit too.
The Apostle Islands are located off the forested tip of Northern Wisconsin, and the nearest mainland city is Bayfield, a hamlet that's home to fewer than 500 people.
Bayfield is about a four-hour drive from Minneapolis or six hours from Milwaukee. From Bayfield, there are several ways you can get to the Apostles. You can take a car ferry to Madeline Island, hop on Apostle Islands Cruises (an excursion tour boat) or hire a local charter boat. If you're feeling adventurous, hire a sea kayak outfitter and paddle your way into this rugged paradise. Keep in mind that many of these outfitters require a short safety class before you're allowed out on the lake without a guide.
No matter how you choose to explore the Apostle Islands, one thing is certain: you will never forget them.
General Information about the Apostle Islands:
Accessibility: The National Park Service has taken many measures to improve the accessibility of the islands, including adding paved paths and boardwalks, accessible campsites, and accessible features to the visitor centers. For more information about accessible areas, click here.
Pet Friendly: Leashed pets are allowed.
Parking: paid overnight parking ($10) is available at the Apostle Islands Bayfield Headquarters.
Seasonal Access: The Islands are open all year but are more challenging to access during the shoulder seasons and winter. The ferry shuts down for a period of time each winter when the ice prevents boats from crossing.
Cost: There’s no entrance fee, but there are fees for camping and lighthouse tours.
