Apostle Islands National Lakeshore • Wisconsin

Photograph of Lake Superior sandstone rock stack under a blue sky.

Photograph of rocky shoreline and steps leading to historic lighthouse.

Photograph of Piping Plover standing on sandy beach.

Photograph of historic lighthouse from above with Lake Superior in the background.

Photograph of sandy shoreline.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, located at the northern tip of Wisconsin's Bayfield Peninsula, features 21 stunning islands, a scenic 12-mile shoreline along Lake Superior, and is located within the ancestral homeland of the Ojibwe people. Established in 1970, the park showcases picturesque sea caves, sandy beaches, and the largest collection of lighthouses in the National Park system.

Stockton Island
NPS Photo / Billy Flynn

Historic Sand Island lighthouse built in 1881.
NPS Photo / Billy Flynn

Piping Plover on Long Island beach after banding.
NPS Photo / Billy Flynn

The first lighthouse in the Apostle Islands was built on Michigan Island in 1856.
NPS Photo / Billy Flynn

Sandspit on the southern tip of Outer Island.
NPS Photo / Billy Flynn

Photograph of broken ice on Lake Superior.

Ice caves near Meyers Beach are closed due to unstable ice conditions.

Aerial photograph of kayaker on water.

Everything you need to know as you plan your kayak trip to the Apostle Islands.

Photograph of sunny day on lake with lighthouse, forest, and sandstone cliffs in background.

Alerts, weather, closures, and seasonal conditions at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

Photograph of Junior Ranger booklet, badge, and colorful crayons on white table.

Become an Apostle Islands Junior Ranger.

Photograph of black bear swimming in a blue lake.

Learn how to be Bear Aware in the Apostle Islands.

Photograph of a person standing inside a boat cabin looking out at the water during sunset.

Find boat, sailing, & fishing charters, guided kayak trips & rentals, and water taxis.

Photograph of strips of ash bark and basketry mold.

Ojibwe culture is saturated with a relationship to this place, these islands, and all of the natural world around us.

Photograph of orange hard hat in sand.

Key infrastructure projects at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore aim to enhance visitor access and facilities.

Photograph of tent in woods.

Camping is available on 18 of the Lakeshore's 21 stunning islands and at three campsites on the mainland near Meyers Beach.

Photograph of a small boat on a sandy beach with people standing on the shoreline.

With or without a boat, everyone can still visit the islands.

Sailboat with sails down resting on calm water with the sky and clouds reflecting off the surface.

Get out and explore the islands in a sail boat or motor boat.

Photograph of a building from above with green grass grass, trees and a large lake on the horizon.

Learn about all the places to visit on the mainland and on the islands.

Last updated: February 18, 2026

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

415 Washington Avenue
Bayfield, WI 54814

Phone:

715 779-3398

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