Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a United States National Lakeshore in the state of Wisconsin. The park is a collection of 31 islands and 22 mi (35 km) of coastline along Lake Superior.

Understand

Climate

Lake Superior is renowned for its cold temperatures, rough seas, fog, and sudden squalls. Boaters and paddlers should monitor marine weather forecasts and be constantly alert to changing conditions. Average daytime high temperatures range from 60 degrees Fahrenheit in May, to the upper 80s in mid-summer, to the mid-60s in September. Average lows vary from 40 degrees in May, to the upper 50s in mid-summer, to 50 degrees in September. Average water temperatures in May and June are only in the 40s.

Visitor information

• Park website

Fees and permits

There are no entrance fees for visiting the park, but fees are charged for parking at Meyers Beach.

Get around

The lakeshore has more than 20 miles of shoreline on the mainland between Redcliff and Cornucopia. The shore has been carved by the wind and waves of the biggest lake in the world with many interesting rock outcroppings and caves. Truly a sea kayakers' freshwater paradise.

See

• 1 Bayfield Visitor Center. The park's main visitor center is located in the Bayfield, WI in the old Bayfield Courthouse Building. This iconic, brownstone building is easy to recognize from Washington Ave. The center offers orientation and information, camping permits, museum exhibits, a park film, and the America's National Parks bookstore. (updated Jul 2020)

• 2 Little Sand Bay Visitor Center. This seasonal visitor center is brand new in 2020. Exhibits on the grounds tell the story of Little Sand Bay and the challenges and joys of living in the North Woods, including the restored Twilite fish tug. The center offers orientation and information, camping permits, kayak safety guidance, and the America's National Parks bookstore. (updated Jul 2020)

Do

• Kayak - the 22 islands that lie off the shores of Bayfield have beautiful rock formations and sea caves, carved by the steady erosion of wind and waves over thousands of years. Most islands are densely forested and are home to a variety of wildlife, including a large colony of bears. Campsites are available on many of the islands and require camping permits to be obtained from the National Park Service. Sea kayaks and tour guides can be hired in the town of Bayfield.

Buy

• 1 Ehlers Store, 88545 Superior Av, Cornucopia WI (1 block off State Highway #13), ☏ +1 715 742-3232. Old time general store 

Sleep

Go next

• Madeline Island
• Superior