Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Parks and Outdoors Vacations

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Parks and Outdoors Travel Guide

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Trail through Apostle Islands National Seashore, Wisconsin
Trail traversing the interior of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin (courtesy, National Park Service)

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Parks and Outdoors Highlights

By Travel Expert: Brian Kevin
  • Wisconsin's northernmost promontory breaks up into an archipelago of 21 islands in the cobalt-blue waters of Lake Superior. French missionaries, who spied the archipelago from a distance, counted twelve islands and thus named them the Apostles. The lakeshore also includes 12 miles of picturesque coastline on the mainland, where white-sand beaches are caressed by the waters of the world's largest freshwater lake.
  • Sea caves penetrate deep into the crimson cliffs that tower above the blue sapphire waters of Lake Superior. During calm waters, kayakers can explore the innermost recesses of sea caves and discover a beguiling interior of honeycombed passageways and vaulted ceilings.
  • Camping on the islands requires a National Park Service permit, available at the island ranger stations or online—the latter is recommended, as it can be a long trip back to shore on a busy weekend.
  • Keep your eyes peeled for bears on Stockton Island—the largest island in the designated National Lakeshore has one of the highest densities of black bears in the nation.
  • During spring, the water temperatures near shore attract large numbers of trout and salmon. The spawning of steelhead (rainbow) trout and rainbow smelt further enhance the fishing. The best areas are usually adjacent to good spawning streams such as the Sioux, Onion, Pikes, Cranberry, and Flag Rivers. Fall salmon spawning also makes for good fishing.

Hotels

expert favorite hotel
Dalrymple Park & Campground
Hwy. 13
Bayfield, WI 54814
Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
Distance: 6.6 Miles
(from destination center)
Parks Expert Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Parks and Outdoors travel Active and Adventure travel
expert favorite hotel
Bodin's Bayfield Resort
78800 Bodin Road
Washburn, WI 54891
Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
Distance: 16.4 Miles
(from destination center)
Parks Expert Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Parks and Outdoors travel
Pinehurst Inn
83645 Hwy. 13
Bayfield, WI 54814
Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
Distance: 6.6 Miles
(from destination center)
Parks Expert Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Parks and Outdoors travel Active and Adventure travel
All Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Hotels
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Attractions

expert favorite attraction
Big Top Chautauqua
At the top of Ski Hill Road off of Hwy. 13, about 3 miles south of Bayfield
PO Box 455, 101 West Bayfield Street
Washburn, Wisconsin 54891 Map
Distance: 19.4 Miles (from destination center)
Description: Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua is a non profit... Read More
Parks Expert Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Parks and Outdoors travel Active and Adventure travel
expert favorite attraction
South Shore Brewery
808 West Main St.
Ashland, Wisconsin 54806 Map
Distance: 25.1 Miles (from destination center)
Description: The South Shore Brewery offers a variety of beers as well as a full menu of snacks, appetizers, and light fare. ... Read More
Parks Expert Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Parks and Outdoors travel Active and Adventure travel
Tom's Burned Down Cafe
On Madeline Island, east of Bayfield
1 Middle Rd, Box 222
La Pointe, Wisconsin 54850 Map
Distance: 13.3 Miles (from destination center)
Description: Tom's Burned Down Cafe features a cafe, bar, and... Read More
Parks Expert Rating
3.0 out of 5
3.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Parks and Outdoors travel Active and Adventure travel
All Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Attractions

Feature Articles

More Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Parks and Outdoors Feature Articles (4)
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Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Parks and Outdoors Travel Guides

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