Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Things To Do Near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

The best way to experience the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is from the water. If you're feeling active, rent a kayak or book a guided tour; local outfitters also offer sailing and motorboat trips. On land, a 50-mile network of trails takes you to remote, rocky cliffs and deep into hardwood forests. If you're ready to brave the winter snow, visit one of the ice caves that form when the temperatures drop.

Hiking Trails

• Lakeshore Trail

  If you're interested in hiking on the Wisconsin mainland, the Lakeshore Trail is a popular option. It stretches for 6 miles along the coast, traveling through the forest, along the cliff tops, and across the beach. The trail is broken into three main sections; the first runs for 1.8 miles through a hardwood forest to a crevasse that offers a view of the lake. From there, the trail travels for 0.6 miles on top of the rock cliffs, offering views of sea caves and a beautiful natural amphitheater called the Bowl. The last 3.6-mile section takes you through the forest and out to a remote Lake Superior beach. 

  Location

  Meyers Rd, Bayfield, WI 54814

  Length

  6 Miles One Way

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Basswood Island Trail

  Explore a small island on the Basswood Island Trail, which travels from the main dock to a historic farm. As you hike, you'll see beautiful views of a quarry; keep an eye out for the vintage equipment.

  Location

  Basswood Island dock

  Length

  5.5 Miles Round Trip

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Overlook Trail via Oak Island Loop Trail

  Take the boat out to Oak Island to hike the Overlook Trail. To get there, you'll need to take the left branch of the Oak Island Loop Trail from the dock. About 1.7 miles down the trail, the Overlook Trail branches off to the left. It travels close to the highest point in the Apostle Islands and out to the northern point; from there, you can look over a beautiful rock arch.

  Location

  Oak Island Loop Trail

  Length

  7 Miles Round Trip

  Intensity

  Moderate

Sightseeing

• Sea Caves and Ice Caves

  Check out the sea caves that line the Wisconsin mainland starting at Meyers Beach. From the beach, you can walk down the shore to seven different caves. In the winter, the caves fill with snow and fantastic ice formations.

  Location

  Meyers Beach, Meyers Rd, Bayfield, WI 54814

• Cruises and Ferries

  One of the best ways to experience the Apostle Islands is aboard a boat. The National Park Service contracts with Apostle Islands Cruises, offering boat tours, shuttles between islands, and other tours. In the Bayfield area, you'll also find a number of outfitters that offer rentals and tours.

  Location

  Bayfield, WI

Museums

• Raspberry Island Lighthouse

  Every summer, park rangers offer guided tours of the Raspberry Island Lighthouse. Built during the Civil War, this beautiful building still looks as it did in 1906. Explore the historic rooms, see where the lighthouse keeper lived, and climb to the observation deck.

  Location

  Raspberry Island

• Madeline Island Museum

  The Madeline Island Museum preserves the unique history of the island. Learn about the ways the local Ojibwe people used the land, and find out how the arrival of the French created a thriving fur trade in the 1600s. Historic photos and artifacts bring each culture to life.

  Location

  226 Colonel Woods Ave, La Pointe, WI 54850

• Bayfield Maritime Museum

  Small and expertly curated, the Bayfield Maritime Museum explains the history of shipping, fishing, and trading on the Great Lakes. Examine different boat-building traditions, step into the pilothouse of a ship, and check out exhibits depicting different water voyages throughout the centuries.

  Location

  131 S 1st St, Bayfield, WI 54814

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Island Carvers

  Island Carvers specializes in locally made wood carvings. Whether you're in the market for a yard statue or a unique work of art, visit this friendly spot for a one-of-a-kind piece.

  Location

  662 Fort Rd, La Pointe, WI 54850

• Dockside Gifts

  Browse through a selection of Wisconsin-themed items, gifts, and clothing at Dockside Gifts. It's located next to the Madeline Island ferry dock, so it's a great place to shop while you wait for the next boat.

  Location

  190 Colonel Woods Ave, La Pointe, WI 54850

• Keeper of the Light

  The Keeper of the Light is a small, welcoming store that sells gifts and souvenirs. Pick up an adorable lighthouse collectible, or learn more about Wisconsin's stretch of Lake Superior shoreline with a local history book.

  Location

  19 Front St, Bayfield, WI 54814

• Grampa Tony's

  With its large outdoor deck and classic menu, Grampa Tony's is a Madeline Island favorite. Grab a pizza or a sandwich, and finish your meal with a scoop of ice cream.

  Location

  814 Fort Rd, La Pointe, WI 54850

• Farmhouse: Hayloft on Madeline Island

  Farmhouse: Hayloft on Madeline Island specializes in organic ingredients from local sources. Many of the dishes are made from scratch, and the menu changes frequently. Try the Friday fish fry, and make sure to leave room for a delicious dessert.

  Location

  858 Fort Rd, La Pointe, WI 54850

• The Copper Trout

  Serving pizza and Italian classics, The Copper Trout is a beautiful place for a family dinner. Start with one of the delicious beers on tap, or try a red or white from the excellent wine list.

  Location

  250 Rittenhouse Ave, Bayfield, WI 54814

How To Get To Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore sits off the northern coast of Wisconsin. From southern Wisconsin, take I-39 north to Knowlton and continue on US-51 north in Wausau. When you reach Ironwood, head west on US-2; turn north on WI-13 just after Ashland. If you're coming from Duluth, take I-535 east to US-53, and turn east on WI-13 in Parkland. WI-13 runs through Bayfield, which is the jumping-off point for the Apostle Islands.

Address

415 Washington Avenue, Bayfield, WI 54814

Fee: Entry Fee (per person)

There is no entry fee.

With its hidden caves and stunning freshwater location, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a hot spot for boating and fishing. Whether you're coming for the warm summer sun or the sparkling winter ice caves, RV camping is the perfect way to surround yourself with the beauty of Lake Superior.