The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a U.S. national lakeshore consisting of 21 islands (Apostle Islands) and shoreline encompassing 69,372 acres on the northern tip of Wisconsin on the shore of Lake Superior. It is known for its collection of historic lighthouses, sandstone sea caves, a few old-growth remnant forests, and natural animal habitats. Visitors can hike, paddle, sail, or cruise to experience these Jewels of Lake Superior.

What to Photograph:

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is best know for its Sea Caves.  Centuries of wave action, freezing, and thawing have sculpted shorelines throughout the Apostles. Some of the Great Lakes’ most spectacular scenery occurs where nature has carved delicate
arches, vaulted chambers, and hidden passageways into sandstone of the Devils Island Formation. These “sea caves” honeycomb cliffs on Devils Island, Sand Island, and near Mawikwe Bay on the mainland.

There are 8 historic Lighthouses in the Apostle Islands all of which require a boat to get to, several are open for tours during the summer.

Best Time for Photographers:

The mainland portion and the islands of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore are open to visitors year round.  Access to the islands in near impossible in the winter do to the freezing of Lake Superior.  Lake Superior is renowned for its cold temperatures, rough seas, fog, and sudden squalls so you should be very watchful of the weather.

Where it is:

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is located in Bayfield, Wisconsin, on Lake Superior.  Though 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 and are only accessible by water.

Maps:

Interactive Google Map

Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.

Cost:

There is not cost for access to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, there are however specific user fees as listed below:

Location Contact Information:

 

Nearest City or Town:

Bayfield Wisconsin

Weather:

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. Even in late summer, surface temperatures rarely exceed 60 degrees, except in protected bays. Average summer winds blow at from 5 to 20 knots with waves of from one to four feet. Winds of 30 to 40 knots and 6 to 12 foot seas are possible.

Check for an up-to-date weather on Lake Superior

Near Shore Marine Weather Forecast, within 5 miles of shore

Offshore Marine Weather Forecast, beyond 5 miles from shore

Weather Station – Devils Island, WI, located on the Devils Island Lighthouse

Weather Station – Oak Island, WI

Weather Station – Sand Island, WI

West Lake Superior Bouy, located 48 nautical miles North of Ironwood, Michigan

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Gallery

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More Photographic Destinations in Wisconsin:

Interactive Google Map

Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page.

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