EXPLORE AMERICA: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

At Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, hemlock and hardwood forests and sandy beaches greet visitors to these 21 islands located off the Wisconsin shoreline in Lake Superior. Bald eagles and black bears make these islands home, while lake trout, whitefish, and herring fill the surrounding waters. During a storm, wild Lake Superior waves lash the Apostle Islands, but soon the sun breaks out again on a typical summer day. At least eight lighthouses, the largest collection in a National Park System site, dot the islands.

Visitors enjoy a wide range of activities in the islands, from sailing to camping to touring historic sites. In the charming mainland town of Bayfield, you’ll find the Apostle Islands Lakeshore headquarters and stately brownstone visitor center. Open from 8 AM until 6 PM during the summer (until 4:30 PM through mid-October in the fall and weekdays to 4:30 in winter), the handicapped-accessible center offers several exhibits and audiovisual programs on the Apostle Islands’ history and natural resources. Pick up a schedule for the cruise service and water taxis, which provide access to the islands if you don’t have your own boat. The Apostle Islands Cruise Service boat is accessible.

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore are a group of islands in Lake Superior, near the mainland town of Bayfield. Park headquarters are located at 415 Washington Ave, Bayfield, Washington. Telephone (715) 779-3397. http://www.nps.gov/apis/

Photo credit: courtesy National Park Service


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