Although Apostle Islands National Lakeshore features several points of interest located on the mainland, most people consider the islands themselves to be the most rewarding destination.
Getting to these islands on Lake Superior can be a challenge, but there are several ways to go about it:
On Your Own
If you'd like to take your own boat out onto Lake Superior, or paddle a kayak to one of the islands, visit one of these pages for essential information:
Boating in the Apostle Islands
Kayaking in the Apostle Islands
Ride the Excursion Boat - NPS Concession Operated Tours and Trips
– Up to 140 passengers
- Narrated Sightseeing Tours, Island Shuttles and Charter Boat Trips
Apostle Islands Cruise Service (AICS) is authorized by the National Park Service and U.S. Department of the Interior as a park concessioner to serve the public within the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
AICS offers a variety of narrated sightseeing cruises, island shuttles, and charter trips to islands and offshore locations throughout the national lakeshore. The most popular is the 55-mile “Grand Tour" which travels through the heart of the Apostle Islands archipelago. Trips leave from Bayfield daily from late May to mid-October.
Cruises provide views of most of the islands, as well as close looks at dramatic sandstone cliffs and historic lighthouses. Obtain schedules and rates information from the visitor center in Bayfield. Note: All trips are weather-permitting.
Daily hiker/camper shuttles provide visitors with boat transportation services to specific islands, where you can visit a lighthouse, hike, picnic, bird-watch, or explore natural and cultural areas on your own. Shuttle transportation is only guaranteed on days when the vessel has a minimum number of round trip passengers. AICS will not know until the day and time of departure if this minimum has been met. This means the shuttle will not depart when there are too few passengers to fiscally justify its operation. You are encouraged to have an alternative plan if the shuttle is not operating. The cruise service will pick up campers on islands on dates specified in the shuttle reservation, weather permitting. Please be advised that transportation from the island may involve the use of a more fuel efficient, smaller, open boat.
Other cruises are available in the afternoon and evening with the opportunity to see sunsets, sea caves, and lighthouses. For a complete schedule of this year's cruise offerings, visit their website at www.apostleisland.com.
For more information:
Apostle Islands Cruise Service
P.O. Box 691
715-779-3925
Bayfield, WI 54814
Business Partners
Business Partners of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore provide a variety of ways to see and enjoy the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. They offer opportunities to learn, explore, and experience the park through unique and specialized trips, tours, adventures and expeditions. The following commercial, public, and private companies and organizations are authorized to operate within the park under terms of a Commercial Use Authorization or Special Use Permit:
Business Partners, current list, pdf file 278kb
Car Ferry to Madeline Island
Madeline Island, the only one of the Apostle Islands accessible by automobile, is not within the National Lakeshore. Attractions on Madeline Island include Big Bay State Park, with its lakeside campground, and the Madeline Island Historical Museum, with its exhibits about the fur trade era. The island offers full tourist services. Scheduled car ferries from Bayfield run from spring breakup to winter freezeup.
For further information on Madeline Island, contact the:
Madeline Island Chamber of Commerce
