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Off the tip of northern Wisconsin's Bayfield Peninsula, surrounded by the cold, deep waters of Lake Superior are the 22 Apostle Islands.
All but one of the islands and a 12-mile section of Wisconsin's mainland shoreline have been designated the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
The lakeshore features a stunningly beautiful array of coastal landforms including dramatic sandstone cliffs and pristine white-sand beaches.
Hiking, fishing, camping, picnicking, boating, sailing, sea kayaking and scuba diving are some of the activities visitors enjoy. Excursion boats and water taxis that travel to the islands depart from Bayfield.
Lake Superior provides good sport fishing for lake, brown and rainbow trout and salmon.
Camping at designated sites and designated zones is permitted on 18 of the islands. Recreation use fees are charged for nightly camping, overnight docking, parking on the mainland at Meyers Beach, and for some interpretive programs and tours.
A fee will be charged for guided tours of the newly rehabilitated and historically refurnished Raspberry Island lighthouse. Park staff may be available for free tours oft hree other historic lighthouses.
Many of the islands have hiking trails, ranging from South Twin's quarter-mile trail to Stockton's 14.5 miles. Oak Island's interesting topography, scenic overlook and 11.5 miles of trails make it a popular backpacking destination.
Shipwrecks and sea caves invite exploration by divers. A permit is required.
Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing and winter camping are enjoyed. Winter campers must register at park headquarters.
As of April 2005, snowmobiles and off-road vehicles can be operated on the frozen surface of Lake Superior within park boundaries. The boundary extends one-quarter mile into Lake Superior from the islands and the mainland unit of the park. They are still prohibited on park land areas.
In December 2004, legislation designating 80 percent of
the land area of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore as federally-protected wilderness, was approved. This new addition to the National Wilderness Preservation
System is known as the Gaylord Nelson Wilderness.
Outdoor Activities |
