Off the shore of Lake Superior in Wisconsin, you’ll find the beautiful Apostle Islands. There are 21 in all, and there’s lots to see and do on each. No matter which you choose, all sorts of outdoorsy pursuits await you. From hiking and fishing to kayaking and scuba diving, hunting, and everything in between, there’s fun to be found for everyone!
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
There’s no mistake in the fact that you’re getting away from it all here, as the islands are only accessible by boat. You can opt to take your own, or to ride the excursion boat, which holds up to 140 passengers and offers a number of different tours — both to individual islands and groups of them.
You can’t make a visit to the islands without taking the time to admire its incredible collection of lighthouses — the largest in the entire country! While there are nine lighthouses in all, only and only four still offer guided tours. Another interesting piece of the past is the Hokenson Fishery, which has been operating for more than three decades.
By Steve Mercer – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Speaking of fish, a wide variety of animals can be spotted across the islands. Including amphibians, birds, and mammals like black bears, beavers, coyote, and more. As for plants, more than 800 species can be found, including several endangered ones.
While you’re free to find your own adventures on the islands, there are a handful of seasonal guided activities available. Such as nature walks and free campfire talks from park staff, which cover wildlife and island history. You can also get some ideas to help you plan your half-day, day, or extended vacation on the islands on the official website. Recreational boating, hiking, beach combing, and bird-watching are all popular pastimes for visitors.
The islands make for an easy afternoon excursion, but they also have plenty to offer visitors looking to stay a bit longer. Want to rough it? There are several places to camp on 19 of the 21 Apostle Islands, and all require permits and a small fee. Otherwise, there is a variety of accommodations back on the mainland, including motels, resorts, cottages, and inns.
