Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Along windswept beaches and sandstone cliffs, visitors experience where water meets land and sky, culture meets culture, and past meets present. The 21 islands and 12 miles of mainland coast host a unique blend of cultural and natural resources.Apostle Islands National Lakeshore has more lighthouses than any other site in the National Park System with 9 historic towers on 6 islands. More than 240 species of birds breed in and/or migrate through this archipelago.

Visitors can hike, paddle, sail, or cruise to experience these jewels of Lake Superior. Clear water, underwater rock formations, and fascinating shipwrecks combine to provide outstanding scuba diving opportunities. Camping is available on 19 of the lakeshore’s 21 islands and at one campsite on the mainland. The park offers hiking opportunities on more than 50 miles of maintained trails in the park. The Lakeshore Trail on the mainland extends about five miles from Meyers Beach past clifftop overlooks of the mainland sea caves. Island trails provide access to lighthouses, abandoned quarries, old farm sites, historic logging and commercial fishing camps, beaches, campsites, and scenic overlooks.

The visitor center at the Bayfield Headquarters is a good place to begin your visit to the national lakeshore. Here you can obtain orientation information, view an introductory film, and study exhibits about the park’s history, natural history and recreation opportunities.