Apostle Islands

The Apostle Islands are an archipelago of islands in western Lake Superior off the coast of Bayfield, Wisconsin, comprising 22 principal islands and many smaller islets. Many of the islands are part of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and include historic lighthouses, sea caves and backcountry campsites.

Popular activities include boat tours, sea-kayaking around the islands’ sandstone cliffs, visiting restored lighthouses and hiking on island trails; Sand Island and Stockton Island offer established backcountry campsites. The sandstone sea caves along parts of the shoreline are noted features that attract paddlers in summer and, in very cold winters, form ice structures that draw visitors when conditions permit.

The islands have historical and cultural associations with Ojibwe people and later 19th-century maritime activity; the national lakeshore was designated in 1970 to protect natural and historic resources.

The archipelago lies offshore from Bayfield, Wisconsin, in Lake Superior and is reached by ferry and private boat services operating from Bayfield and nearby harbors.

• Number and protection: The archipelago includes 22 islands and is managed largely as Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, established in 1970.
• Sea caves and seasons: Sea caves along the islands' sandstone cliffs are best seen by kayak or boat in summer; in very cold winters, formed ice can allow shoreline walking to view caves but conditions are highly variable and unsafe at times.

What to See #

• Devils Island: Devils Island - features a historic lighthouse and trails; often visited by boat and used as a landing point for day hikes.
• Raspberry Island: Raspberry Island - site of a restored lighthouse and short walking trails that lead to the lighthouse and shoreline viewpoints.
• Sand Island: Sand Island - contains campgrounds, trails and the Sand Island Lighthouse; popular for overnight backcountry camping within the national lakeshore.
• Stockton Island: Stockton Island - the largest island in the group with inland bays, sand dunes and marked trails; used for hiking and wildlife viewing.