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Apostle Islands & Madeline Island

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a scenic archipelago of 22 islands surrounding the northern tip of Wisconsin's Bayfield Peninsula. The islands were long home to native peoples; the Objiwe trace their history back to the 1400s. The islands also occupy an important place in the early european settlement of the upper midwest by French voyageurs, fur traders, and missionaries.

Madeline Island, the most southern island of the Apostles, is the only year-round inhabited island. Yet several of the other islands have docks, rustic campgrounds, hiking trails and seasonal visitor attractions, including lighthouses.

madeline island of the apostle islands
View of Madeline Island from Bayfield, Wisconsin

bayfield apostle islands visitor center

Apostle Islands

The old county courthouse in Bayfield houses the main Apostle Island National Lakeshore Visitor Center. Here one can view audiovisual programs, exhibits, and obtain information on touring and recreational opportunities.

Apostle Island Cruise & Devils Island Sea Caves

Meyers Beach & Sea Caves - Apostle Islands National Park

June 18, Raspberry Lighthouse Re-opens for tours
See Newsletter at "Links"

Little Sand Bay Apostle Islands Visitor Center

Little Sand Bay

Northeast of Bayfield via Hwy 13 and Cty K is an Apostle Island Visitor Facility with a Ranger Station/Visitor Center, a public boat launch, an Industrial Strength dock and breakwater, a swimming beach and picnic area, a campground, and a fishery exhibit.

sand bay apostle islands visitor center

sand bay apostle islands visitor centerThe Ranger Station/Visitor Center looks out over Little Sand Bay.

Inside is a bookstore, a small museum and an mini-theatre showing tapes on the Islands. > > >

The grounds, parking areas, washrooms, and waterfront facilities are well maintained - kudos to the Park Service.

Apostle Islands - Little Sand Bay

There's a nice sand beach and a waterfront picnic area. > > >

sand bay marina

The "industrial strength" dock and seawall protects boats and ships from the occasional rages of Gitchee Gummi.

 

fishery museum sand bay

The Hokenson Brothers Fishery Museum has preserved the buildings, tools, and craft used by the brothers in their fishery operation. Tours are conducted by the Park Service staff.

fishery museum sand bay

 

Their fishing tug, the "Twilite" remains in dry dock for viewing.

Madeline Island FerryVisiting Madeline Island

As soon as the ice is out, the Madeline Island Ferry begins running 4 times a day from Bayfield to the village of La Pointe. After April 28th, its schedule increases to 11 daily trips, in May and June even more frequent.

 

Click Here for more travel information on Madeline Island

Apostle Island Links

Several services offer the visitor assistance in camping, hiking, and touring of the Apostle Islands, including:

- The Apostle Islands Cruise Service

- Sailboat Charters

- Kayak, Guide & Oufitting Services

- National Park Service Apostle Islands Visit Planner

- 2007 Apostle Islands Newsletter (pdf file)

- Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Park

- An interesting article and slide show on the Apostle Islands by Katie Thurmes

 

More Bayfield Area Pages

  Bayfield Wisconsin

  More Pictures Bayfield, WI

  Things to Do in Bayfield, WI

  Bayfield Apple Festival

  Bayfield Iron Bridge Hiking & Nature Trail

  Bayfield Orchards

  Bayfield Sea Caves - Ice Caves

  Campgrounds Bayfield Wi area

  Bayfield-Ashland Color Tour

  Ashland Wisconsin

  Ashland Mural Walk

  Apostle Islands

  Apostle Islands Cruise

  Meyers Beach - Apostle Islands Park

  Cornucopia - western gateway to Bayfield

  Madeline Island

  Lake Superior Facts

 

>>> Return to Lake Superior Circle Tour - Wisconsin

 




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