One of northern Wisconsin's unmissable attractions, the Apostle Islands form a large archipelago with gorgeous views, famous red sandstone sea caves, and rich heritage. There are so many sites of natural beauty and amazing things to do in Apostle Islands, you'll find yourself wanting to visit again and again!
Beautiful Bayfield is the gateway to the Apostle Islands and serves as a hub for visitors who want to explore Lake Superior and Wisconsin's north coast. This historic and picturesque town offers a wide variety of lodging, dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
One of the greatest concentrations of black bears in North America is found on Stockton Island in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Due to their mobility and expert swimming skills, bears may be found on just about any of the Apostle Islands.
Well Madeline island is beautiful and the Big Bay park is beautiful but o don't recommend staying at the island overnight . You can park ur car at the other side and take ferry and get there and do day activities staying at Bayfield has some advantages like downtown and more tours and stuff to see.
Welcome Aboard! The Madeline Island Ferry Line operates between Bayfield and La Pointe. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. We do not take reservations for passengers, cars/trucks with camper trailers or motor-homes.
The Grand Tour takes you on a narrated, informative 55-mile scenic tour. Throughout this memorable cruise, you'll pass extraordinary natural scenery, beautiful historic Raspberry and Devils Island Lighthouses, standing rocks, extensive sea caves, and marine wildlife.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore has more lighthouses than any other site in the National Park System with 9 historic towers on 6 islands. More than 240 species of birds breed in and/or migrate through this archipelago. Visitors can hike, paddle, sail, or cruise to experience these jewels of Lake Superior.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The islands become much more challenging to access during the shoulder seasons and winter. The mainland area of the park, accessed from Meyers Beach, is often accessible during the wintertime.
The use of personal watercraft (jetskis) is not allowed within the boundaries of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (one quarter mile from the park's islands and mainland shore).
Because of Lake Superior's power and unpredictability, the National Park Service does NOT recommend the use of small open boats, canoes, open cockpit or sit-upon kayaks, and paddleboards for travel between islands or to the sea caves. A sea kayak is the recommended kayak that should be used in the Apostle Islands.
For die-hard yakkers with plenty of sea kayaking experience and a thirst for adventure, the 75-mile Outer Island Loop of the Apostles is a fun choice. This trip will take roughly a week to complete, allowing you to stop and explore 11 of the islands along the way.
Yes, it's true, Lake Superior can be really cold. The average annual water temperature of the lake is about 40 degrees Fahrenheit. On warm, calm, sunny summer days, however, water temperatures in the Apostle Islands' protected shallow bays can climb into the 70s.
The Madeline Island Ferry Line makes several trips a day to Madeline, the largest of the Apostle Islands. Leaving from Bayfield, you can walk, bike, or drive aboard for a scenic 20-minute ride. Contact them at 715-747-2051.
No, public transportation is not available on the Island. It is advisable to bring your car across – especially for access to the parks as they are located 7 miles from the ferry landing.
Pets must be kept on a leash that is six feet or shorter and never left unattended. Pets are not allowed in public buildings or on scheduled Apostle Islands Cruise Service trips (except guide dogs accompanying visually or hearing impaired people).
