There are privately occupied residences and docks on the southeast corner of Sand Island, as well as just north of Group Site A on Rocky Island. These areas are closed to the public. Please respect their privacy and do not trespass in these locations.
+3 more active alerts
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Wisconsin
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.
About Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a national lakeshore located in Wisconsin. Lake Superior is renowned for its cold temperatures, rough seas, fog, and sudden squalls. Boaters and paddlers should monitor marine weather forecasts and be constantly alert to changing conditions. Average daytime high temperatures range from 60 degrees Fahrenheit in May, to the upper 80s in mid-summer, to the mid-60s in September. Average lows vary from 40 degrees in May, to the upper 50s in mid-summer, to 50 degrees in September. Average water temperatures in May and June are only in the 40s.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is located in northern Wisconsin along the shores of Lake Superior. The Lakeshore has several entrance points, with much of its area accessible primarily by water.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to Apostle Islands is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
🥾 Things to Do
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Boating, Motorized Boating, Sailing, Boat Tour, and 25 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Apostle Islands
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for Apostle Islands
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Apostle Islands before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Monitor Active Alerts: There are currently 4 active alerts for Apostle Islands. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
- →Secure Campsites Early: Lodging and developed campgrounds within and surrounding Apostle Islands get booked out months in advance. Make reservations on recreation.gov as early as the window opens.
- →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Apostle Islands. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Apostle Islands
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
More Parks Nearby
Ice Age
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail spans 1,200 miles, traverses some of Wisconsin's finest geologic and glacial features, and passes…
North Country
Come to the North Country. Trek the hills and valleys. Stand on the shores of lakes & streams from glaciers…
Saint Croix
Grab your paddle and your longing for adventure and head to the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers! Together they form…