Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: A Global Gathering of Stories
When you step onto the shores of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, you’re not just entering a place of breathtaking beauty but a meeting ground of people from all over the world, each with a unique story. Located on Lake Superior in northern Wisconsin, the Apostle Islands’ rugged cliffs, sparkling waters, historic lighthouses, and intricate sea caves attract travelers with a shared appreciation for nature—yet each visitor arrives with a unique background, perspective, and purpose.
A Meeting Ground on the Great Lakes
Unlike some of the vast, mountainous National Parks, Apostle Islands offers an intimate, water-centered experience that attracts explorers from near and far. From the windswept sea caves of Devils Island to the old-growth forests of Stockton Island, Apostle Islands is more than a destination; it’s a crossroads. Here, you’re as likely to meet a solo kayaker from Japan as you are a couple from Germany on their first visit to the United States. Whether for a weekend escape, a cross-country road trip, or a personal journey of reflection, visitors are drawn to this lakeshore to connect with both nature and fellow travelers.
A Shared Love for the Waters of Lake Superior
So, what brings people from such different backgrounds to the Apostle Islands? It’s often a shared love for water, history, and wild landscapes. The Apostle Islands’ beauty is unique, with its mix of tranquil beaches, towering sea cliffs, ancient lighthouses, and secluded forests. These islands allow visitors to step back into history while experiencing the serene power of nature.
As visitors paddle past intricate rock formations or trek along pristine beaches, there’s a feeling of unity. Like other parks, the landscapes here transcend language barriers and cultural differences. A sunrise over Lake Superior or the soft glow of a lighthouse at dusk speaks to everyone, whether you’re from nearby Minneapolis, Canada, or Switzerland. The beauty of this lakeshore is universal, reminding us all of the natural wonders that bind us across continents.
Stories from Around the World
Each traveler to the Apostle Islands brings a unique story. Some come for solace, others for celebration. A family from Canada may be visiting as a rite of passage, while a college student from Italy is here to test their outdoor skills on a solo kayaking trip. Some are here to connect with nature, others to escape the routine of daily life. Some visitors grew up along coastlines and seek the familiarity of water, while others come from landlocked regions, drawn by the allure of the Great Lakes.
There are artists sketching the islands’ rugged beauty, scientists observing the ecology of Lake Superior, and history enthusiasts exploring the restored lighthouses that guided mariners over a century ago. Each person has a story that adds to the tapestry of the Apostle Islands—a unique lens on why these islands are cherished.
Conversations on the Islands and Shores
Apostle Islands is known not only for its beauty but also for its intimate community feel. Visitors share stories at campsites on Stockton Island, talk with local guides at the Bayfield docks, and exchange tips with other visitors preparing for their own visit to any of the islands. Sitting around a campfire, an older hiker might share stories of past trips, inspiring younger travelers to explore new places. On a shared ferry ride to madeline Island, strangers become friends, each sharing what drew them to this lakeshore.
Around the lake’s edges, people are quick to share a camera to capture the beauty of a sunlit cave or to help a fellow traveler find the trailhead. The Apostle Islands foster a sense of community among those who visit, and it’s these small moments of connection that create a lasting bond between travelers who may never meet again but are forever linked by shared experiences.
New Perspectives and Lasting Friendships
One of the great gifts of the Apostle Islands is the chance to see the world through the eyes of others. Conversations with visitors from distant places can reveal new perspectives on the landscape, as well as insights into how different cultures connect with nature. A kayaker from France,might describe their experience paddling along the coastline of Ramatuelle Nature Reserve, or a visitor from the Netherlands might talk about their family’s tradition of sailing on the North Sea.
These moments expand our understanding and appreciation of both the world and the people in it. Whether it’s a quick conversation at a trailhead or a night spent stargazing with newfound friends, the Apostle Islands allow for genuine connections. In a world that can feel increasingly connected by technology yet divided, these islands remind us of the joy of face-to-face interactions and shared experiences in nature.
Respecting the Islands and Their Stories
With diverse visitors come different traditions, backgrounds, and practices. For many, the Apostle Islands may represent a first visit to an American National Lakeshore, or even a first experience with the Great Lakes themselves. While the mix of visitors enhances the island experience, it also underscores the importance of respecting the land, water, and local history.
The Apostle Islands hold deep cultural significance, including connections to the Ojibwe people, who have called this region home for generations. Visitors are encouraged to respect the sacredness of these lands and waters by following Leave No Trace principles, respecting wildlife, and honoring the region’s Indigenous heritage. Each visitor contributes to the islands’ story, and with that comes the responsibility to preserve its beauty for future generations.
A Legacy of Wonder on Lake Superior
The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is about sharing—sharing space, stories, and awe for the natural world. Visitors from every continent come to the islands, drawn by their natural beauty and history, becoming part of a collective legacy. Every hiker, kayaker, or lighthouse enthusiast who passes through contributes to the islands’ ongoing story.
These islands’ beauty lies not only in their landscapes but in the people who come here. Each visitor leaves a mark—sometimes a fleeting moment, sometimes a lifelong memory. The Apostle Islands are shaped not just by the forces of nature but by the diversity of people who cherish them. Here, every person has a place in the ongoing story of the islands—a story that’s as varied, beautiful, and enduring as the waters of Lake Superior itself.
Apostle Islands Water Taxi
Anyone who loves adventure can get a water taxi to experience ultimate seclusion at the Apostle islands, people come from all over the world. There are over 50 miles of hiking trails, some lead you to beautiful pristine beaches with lots of secluded camping. This place is so vast and huge, many times I don't see any other boats. You can be sure not very many people get to experience it.
July and August are the busiest time out here. When choosing a camp site keep in mind the location of the camp site compared to the dock, some sites have you hiking a couple miles to get to your site, like any camping some sites are far better than others.
I do quite a bit of water taxi, scheduling around my trips to Devils Island, over nighters, or where ever adventure seekers want to go. I’ve had people that are coming for the first time camping at the Apostle Islands, to people that have made it a yearly tradition. My enthusiasm for the Apostle Islands mixed with their excitement makes a great experience for all.
It's my goal to hike all the trails at the Apostle islands! I once hiked a 6 mile trail by my self on Basswood Island and I know there was not another soul on the island. I have to say the beauty of the unique Eco system is like none other. It can change several times on a hike, from old growth to new growth, high lands too wet lands and bogs to beaches.
Always keep in mind the lake is the boss! Every plan depends on the weather! Unfortunately a little luck and guessing also come into play. Be prepared for everything, including a longer stay on the island than you had planed. The weather forecasts have never been better so most often we can determine before you set out how the weather will be, however that is best just days before your trip, so if your coming from a long distance away have a second option for if the conditions are just to terrible.
I have a link on my website that leads you to more info on hiking, camping and weather at the Apostle Islands, or just give me a call and I will be happy to answer questions you may have.
Captain Shelly Holland
Escapeexcursions.com
612-805-7454
Experience An Apostle Island overnight.
One of my favorite spots Is Quarry Bay on Stockton Island. In spring time you can be the only one on the dock quite often, having the whole beach to yourself
Escape Excursions
Photo by Diane Perry
Overnights on the Islands
Many of the 21 Apostle Islands are perfect for overnight adventures. The Apostle Islands are so big and vast that many times I never even see anyone else around. When I look around at the beautiful pristine beaches and unique vegetation that only exists on the Apostle Islands it blows my mind that so many people don’t even get to see this. I get it, because this place is so big it can be intimidating, and the waters you have to navigate are so cold that having to swim to shore could be fatal. There is no cell service out here so help is not just a phone call away. That is why it is the law to have a marine ban radio. So you won’t be scrolling through social media, giving your eyes and neck a wonderful break!
Since the beginning of time humans have sat by a warm fire. For hundreds of years people have chose this area to do that simply for the same reason I did, because it is beautiful here.
Photo by Diane Perry
There are a few beaches you are not allowed to have beach fires on, Raspberry Island, Presque Isle Bay and Julian Bay on Stockton Island. That still leaves a great number of beaches you can have fires on, using what ever dry wood you find. Drift wood happens to be in huge abundance on the islands and unless wet it’s very easy to build a fire with only a match. Beach fires are to be well below the vegetation line near the waters edge and no bigger the 3 feet in hight and diameter.
Whether you're parking on the dock or camping in a camp site you reserved the cost is the same, only $15 a night. most of the camp sites are very privet with plenty of distance in-between each other. If your looking for a great escape I recommend camping here! To reserve a site go to https://www.recreation.gov/ and search "Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits."
Escape Excursions
Captain Shelly Holland
My first time at the Apostle Islands
I'll never forget the first time I brought my little boat to the Apostle Island's about 15 years ago. It's majestic beauty saturated my soul with a yearning to be here. In the beginning, I was simply drawn in by the little brown national Park sign that said “Apostle Island National Lakeshore” on U.S. 2 near Ashland WI. I wasn’t even aware of the beautiful sandstone cliffs and sea caves. Truthfully, I had never even put a boat in Lake superior before, so for that to be the first place was so fortunate for me. There was very little wind and everything just looked calm and peaceful. The only waves were from my boat as I cruised along the shoreline of the sandstone cliffs and caves. The water was so crystal clear that I could see huge boulders 20 feet down, alongside ripples of sand. We tried taking a swim, but a little swim it was, as the water was so cold we could not bear to be in it. I always found that maddening about Lake Superior. How beautiful the lake and beaches were but what a mean trick for the water to be so unbearably cold. Little did I know then that 15 years later I would obtain my captain's license and start a tour boat service. Taking people to the outer edges of the furthest islands if they so wish. To Escape into a boaters utopia of pristine beaches, sandstone cliffs and sea caves. To a history of hundreds of people living on the islands before the turn of the century. Come along with me as I explore the Apostle Islands and everything it has to offer. Join me on my boat, Into Wishin, look me up at Escape Excursions and start your own adventure.
Captain Shelly Holland
