News Release

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Begins its 50th Anniversary Year

Date: January 20, 2020
Contact: Julie Van Stappen, 715-779-9119

BAYFIELD, WISCONSIN – Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and its partners will celebrate 2020 with a year-long series of community events for its 50th Anniversary. 

The Apostle Islands 50th kick-off event, a science lecture hosted by Northland College, will occur on Thursday, January 23, beginning at 7 pm at the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute.  Jim Feldman’s presentation, “A Storied Wilderness” will focus on the interplay of Apostle Islands natural and cultural resources. The lecture will be the first in a series of three presentations leading up to the Apostle Islands 50th Anniversary Resource Stewardship Symposium on March 30-31 at Northland College. For more information, visit: go.nps.gov/Apostle50

“We are very fortunate to be the caretakers of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and honored to be a part of engaging so many people in celebrating its legacy and future,” said Superintendent Lynne Dominy. “As Wisconsin’s only national lakeshore, Apostle Islands will spend the entire year celebrating what the lakeshore means to the residents of Wisconsin and the many visitors who travel here each year.”

“We have spent a year planning with the Friends of the Apostle Islands to ensure our celebration is rooted in the community and involves interested organizations, businesses, and individuals around the lakeshore,” added Dominy. “We hope that everyone in the surrounding communities will consider integrating the Apostle Islands into their existing events or will create anniversary logoed products for their businesses. What makes anniversaries fun and meaningful is when each business and organization creates their own way of showing their passion for our national lakeshore. The possibilities are endless- from ice creams or entrees named after places in the park; to photo or art exhibits in galleries, schools or museums; from Apostle Island movie showings or music performances; to the sale of logoed mugs, t-shirts, jams, sodas, coffees, hats…the possibilities are endless for creative ideas.”

“The 50th anniversary is about celebrating what makes us unique as a destination. Visitors tell us time and time again how much they enjoy the park. 'Where the Water Meets the Soul' is our tagline, and for good reason––the park offers a memorable and special experience to all who visit.” said Paige Rautio, Marketing Director for the Bayfield Chamber & Visitor Bureau.

Learn more about the Apostle Islands 50th Anniversary, or to see a calendar of 2020 events, become a sponsor, or partner with “Friends” to create an anniversary logoed product, visit the 50th Anniversary website for the Friends of the Apostle Islands. “It’s not too late to become an Apostle Islands Anniversary partner,” said Friends of Apostle Islands President Erica Peterson. “Create an anniversary event, activity or product and we will help promote it for your organization or business while encouraging visitors to help us celebrate.” The anniversary will also include an online dialogue where personal stories, photos, art, and ideas can be shared on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and local websites.

For more information about Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, please visit our website or call [phone]. Consider following Apostle Islands on Facebook. Send 50th Anniversary inquiries via email to [e-mail].