National Lakeshore · Wisconsin
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
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.
Things to do
- Boating
- Motorized Boating
- Sailing
- Boat Tour
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
- Canoe or Kayak Camping
- Group Camping
- Fishing
- Freshwater Fishing
- Guided Tours
- Boat Tour
- Hiking
- Hunting and Gathering
- Hunting
- Paddling
- Canoe or Kayak Camping
- Kayaking
- Junior Ranger Program
- SCUBA Diving
- Snowshoeing
- Swimming
- Freshwater Swimming
- Wildlife Watching
Weather & when to go
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.
Operating hours
Entire Park
The park is open 24/7 year-round. Visitor centers are open only in summer, with varying hours.
FAQ
- Is Apostle Islands National Lakeshore free to visit?
- Apostle Islands National Lakeshore does not charge a standard entrance fee. Check the official NPS page for the latest details on any activity or permit fees before you go.
- What are the hours at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore?
- The park is open 24/7 year-round. Visitor centers are open only in summer, with varying hours.
- Do I need a reservation for Apostle Islands National Lakeshore?
- No timed-entry reservation is currently required to enter Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Campgrounds and permits may still need to be booked separately on Recreation.gov.