Overview
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 of coastline along Lake Superior.
2 sights
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Best things about Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
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 informat…
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 o…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 78°F; winter lows dip to about 2°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and Jul. (climate data from nearby Duluth)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- DLH Duluth International Airport, Duluth — 73 mi away. Directions
- CMX Houghton County Memorial Airport, Hancock — 103 mi away. Directions
- MSP Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field, Minneapolis — 189 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Bayfield Visitor Center
- Afternoon Little Sand Bay Visitor Center
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
History
Landscape
Flora and fauna
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
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
See 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.
See 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.
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
Sleep
Lodging
Camping
Backcountry
Go next
Nearby
Madeline Island
City / town · 11 mi away
Bayfield
City / town · 1 listings · 13 mi away
Cornucopia
City / town · 2 listings · 22 mi away
Washburn
City / town · 12 listings · 23 mi away
Ashland
City / town · 17 listings · 28 mi away
Ironwood and Gogebic Range
Rural area · 19 listings · 42 mi away
Porcupine Mountains
Park · 45 mi away
Lutsen
City / town · 9 listings · 47 mi away
My experience
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