National Lakeshore

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a National Lakeshore in Wisconsin. The NPS currently lists 6 active alerts, 0 campgrounds and 2 visitor centers, and no entrance fee.

Wisconsin National Lakeshore No entrance fee America the Beautiful pass accepted

Updated · NPS Data API

Photograph of Lake Superior sandstone rock stack under a blue sky.
Stockton Island · Photo: NPS Photo / Billy Flynn (via nps.gov)

About the park

“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.”

Active alerts

6

Closures

0

Campgrounds

0

Visitor centers

2

Current alerts and closures

6 active NPS alerts as of Oct 28, 2026: 0 closures, 0 danger, 2 caution and 4 information.

Caution

Hunting Season Safety

Hunting is allowed in parts of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore from mid-September through early January. Wear blaze orange to stay visible and keep pets leashed and in bright vests. Make noise while hiking so others can hear you. Stay aware and enjoy a safe visit. Click the link below for more information on hunting and trapping in the Lakeshore.

Posted or updated Sep 27, 2026 ·Details on nps.gov

Caution

Bear Alert

Black bears inhabit many of the Apostle Islands. Follow safety guidelines: store food and scented items properly, hike in groups, stay attentive, and make noises if you encounter a bear in a visitor area.

Posted or updated Jul 1, 2024 ·Details on nps.gov

Information

Stockton Island Trail Access

The trail between Presque Isle Bay and Quarry Bay on Stockton Island is open, but a footbridge on the western portion of the trail was washed out in a 2024 storm. Visitors must wade through shallow water or take an alternate route.

Posted or updated Jul 19, 2026 ·Park conditions on nps.gov

Information

Ongoing Closure Notices

Devils Island dock and campsites and West Bay Club on Sand Island are closed. These closures affect only a small portion of the Lakeshore. Enjoy your visit.

Posted or updated Jul 19, 2026 ·Park conditions on nps.gov

Information

Construction Activity at Little Sand Bay; Boat and Kayak Access Maintained

Construction for the Little Sand Bay Marina Rehabilitation Project begins May 1. The Town of Russell boat launch and the NPS kayak beach will remain open, with short detours around work areas. Expect reduced parking, delays, and increased noise. The Little Sand Bay Visitor Center will be closed in 2026 due to construction.

Posted or updated Jul 14, 2026 ·Details on nps.gov

Information

Private Inholdings: Sand & Rocky Islands

There are privately occupied residences and docks on the southeast corner of Sand Island, as well as just north of Group Site A on Rocky Island. These areas are closed to the public. Please respect their privacy and do not trespass in these locations.

Posted or updated Jun 25, 2024 ·Park conditions on nps.gov

Entrance fees and passes

This site has no entrance fee, according to NPS fee data.Parking or transportation fees may apply.

The interagency America the Beautiful pass is accepted here. This park is cashless — bring a card or buy your pass online.

Things to do

Activities the NPS lists for Apostle Islands.

BoatingMotorized BoatingSailingBoat TourCampingBackcountry CampingCanoe or Kayak CampingGroup CampingFishingFreshwater FishingGuided ToursHikingHunting and GatheringHuntingPaddlingKayakingJunior Ranger ProgramSCUBA DivingSnowshoeingSwimmingFreshwater SwimmingWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingPark FilmShoppingBookstore and Park StoreGift Shop and Souvenirs

Operating hours

The park is open 24/7 year-round. Visitor centers are open only in summer, with varying hours.

Entire Park
DayHours
MondayAll Day
TuesdayAll Day
WednesdayAll Day
ThursdayAll Day
FridayAll Day
SaturdayAll Day
SundayAll Day

Weather: 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.

Contact and directions

Phone
7157793398
Email
[email protected]
Address
415 Washington Avenue, Bayfield, WI 54814
Coordinates
46.9624, -90.6605· View on OpenStreetMap

Official park page on nps.gov Directions

Visitor centers

Visitor centerStandard hoursPhonePassport stamp
Bayfield HeadquartersDaily: 9:00AM - 4:30PM7157793397Yes
Little Sand Bay Visitor CenterDaily: Closed7157793459Yes

Campgrounds

No NPS campgrounds are listed for this site. Nearby national forests or state parks may offer camping.

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More parks in Wisconsin

Ice Age National Scenic TrailNorth Country National Scenic TrailSaint Croix National Scenic RiverwayAll in Wisconsin

Nearest other NPS sites

Sources

  • Park details, alerts, fees and passes, visitor centers and campgrounds: National Park Service Data API, snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.
  • Official park page: https://www.nps.gov/apis/index.htm
  • Data: National Park Service (NPS) Data API, U.S. Department of the Interior (developer.nps.gov). This product uses the NPS Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the National Park Service. The National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior do not endorse OpenParks. Photos are NPS images shown with their original credits; park descriptions are short excerpts credited to the NPS. Always confirm current conditions on nps.gov before you travel.