Apostle Islands, Wisconsin, Was Named One of many Finest Locations to Journey in 2025—Learn how to Go to

On the northern fringe of Wisconsin’s Bayfield Peninsula, an archipelago of rugged, forested islands kinds a barrier between the mainland and the huge, clear waters of Lake Superior. Apostle Islands Nationwide Lakeshore, which earned its official designation as a nationwide lakeshore in 1970, is likely one of the Midwest’s most hanging pure landscapes. This island chain is a well-liked weekend and summer season vacation spot for vacationers who need to paddle by way of sea caves, lounge on picturesque seashores, and seek for centuries-old shipwrecks.

There’s a laid-back appeal to the Apostle Islands that retains individuals returning yr after yr. In 1945, Anna Novak’s grandparents purchased a farm on Madeline Island—the most important within the archipelago—as a summer season retreat from life in Chicago. Eighty years later, Novak and her cousins are nonetheless right here—some dwelling within the space as full-time residents, others returning for the summer season.

​​“There’s numerous fishing out of Bayfield. Tons of people that come to kayak, bike, or hike due to all of the mountain climbing trails,” says Novak. “It’s no Mackinac Island—we’re not very touristy. Possibly we’re extra like Martha’s Winery, in that we now have numerous summer season residents.”

1000’s of years earlier than the world had guided sea cave excursions and ice cream outlets, the Ojibwe individuals lived all through this area, fishing the deep waters and gathering wild rice across the adjoining Chequamegon Bay. Within the seventeenth century, French fur merchants started establishing outposts that developed into the cities we all know at present. Bayfield, a captivating harbor city crammed with artwork galleries and bed-and-breakfasts, serves as the principle jumping-off level to the Apostle Islands. Mainland sea caves are accessible by way of Meyers Seashore, situated a brief drive north of Bayfield.

Take a 20-minute ferry from the dock in Bayfield to La Pointe, the one city on Madeline Island. Although a part of the Apostle Islands archipelago, Madeline is just not included within the nationwide lakeshore, making it the one city on the chain. From La Pointe, drive or bike out to mountain climbing trails and seashores with unparalleled sundown views. The Apostle Islands are a spot of untamed magnificence and freshwater journey that may solely be skilled within the Nice Lakes area. It is no surprise, then, it was named one of many greatest locations to journey in 2025 by Journey + Leisure.

Finest Motels & Resorts

St. James Social

Bayfield’s latest boutique lodge and restaurant can also be one in all its most historic stays. Initially opened in 1884, the previous Italianate property sat empty for a number of years earlier than it was reopened by Bayfield locals Annalisa and Cody Bermel in 2023. The couple reimagined the house with a contemporary social lounge, eight fashionable visitor rooms, and a spacious rooftop sauna overlooking Lake Superior and downtown Bayfield.

The Bayfield Inn

At The Bayfield Inn, visitors get a front-row seat to harbor exercise and ferry visitors. Situated on the water’s fringe of downtown Bayfield, the placement for this boutique inn is unbeatable for vacationers who plan to spend their day out on the lake. Within the summertime, head upstairs for some fish tacos and drinks on the rooftop deck.

Wild Rice Retreat

Simply exterior Bayfield, Wild Rice Retreat sits on 100 acres of forest alongside the shores of Lake Superior and is open year-round. Architect David Salmela designed the Scandinavian-style lodging, the place huge home windows body views of the Northwoods. Visitors can fill their days with yoga, forest walks, wood-fired sauna periods, and shared meals made out of seasonal components.

Previous Rittenhouse Inn

Perched on the hill above downtown Bayfield, Previous Rittenhouse Inn celebrates 50 years of internet hosting visitors in 2025. The property could also be most identified for its ruddy purple Victorian mansion-turned-B&B, but it surely additionally features a sibling inn known as Le Chateau Boutin, previously owned by lumber baron Frank Boutin Jr., and a close-by two-story cottage. The on-site Landmark Restaurant serves a five-course meal that usually consists of recent fish from Lake Superior.

Camp on the Apostle Islands

Eighteen of the 21 Apostle Islands can be found for tenting experiences, although entry and facilities range by island and particular person web site. Use Nationwide Park Service assets to assist safely plan your journey and abide by Go away No Hint rules.

Finest Issues to Do

Discover the Apostle Islands.

There are a lot of methods to absorb the fantastic thing about the nationwide lakeshore, relying in your mobility stage and time constraints. Apostle Island Cruises, which takes off from the dock in Bayfield Harbor, is likely one of the hottest methods to get out into the islands.

“There’s a grand tour that doesn’t contain getting off the boat, so that they’ll take you on a visit across the islands to see some lovely lighthouses and even get all the way in which out to Satan’s Island,” says Kati Anderson, public relations supervisor for the Bayfield Chamber & Customer Bureau. “It’s also possible to take a separate journey out to Raspberry, Michigan, and Sand Island on sure days of the week.”

For different island tour alternatives, contact Wild Pursuits Boat Charters, Willigan’s Adventures, or Journey Holidays. Be aware of climate situations when boating or kayaking.

Go to La Pointe on Madeline Island.

The city of La  Pointe on Madeline Island is reachable by a 20-minute ferry from Bayfield. Wander over to Grampa Tony’s for ice cream, discover native artwork at Woods Corridor, and spend a day studying native historical past on the Madeline Island Museum. Finish your day by grabbing a drink and taking within the colourful tongue-in-cheek signage at Tom’s Burned Down Cafe.

Catch a live performance at Massive High Chautauqua.

Sync your go to to the Apostle Islands with a efficiency by one in all your favourite artists at Massive High Chautauqua. On the base of Mt.  Ashwabay, this 900-seat tent theater with hanging blue-and-white stripes has welcomed legends like Johnny Money, Willie Nelson, Joan Baez, and The Seashore Boys alongside regional acts because the Eighties.

Discover the Bayfield Fruit Loop.

From Could by way of October, discover Bayfield’s Fruit Loop on the mainland, the place native farms supply pick-your-own and pre-picked berries, apples, and extra. Many of those orchards have been family-run for generations, however there’s all the time one thing new. This yr, that features a new spot to take pleasure in Bayfield’s native cider.

“It’s known as Apfelhaus Cidery, and it’s linked to Hauser’s Superior View Farm. The proprietor simply opened this attractive taproom, and it is very trendy and has a view of the lake,” says Anderson.

Different Fruit Loop stops embody Blue Vista Farm, Bayfield Vineyard and Blue Ox Cider, and Erickson Orchards & Nation Retailer.

Finest Eating places

Greunke’s First Avenue Inn & Eating

Greunke’s looks like stepping right into a time capsule. The classic decor and assortment of native memorabilia add to its old-school appeal. Basic breakfast meals, recent fish, and home made soups fill you up for no matter adventures are in retailer.

Hoop’s Fish

Hoop’s is a component fish market, half seasonal eatery. Recent-caught Lake Superior whitefish is the star right here, served fried or blackened with a facet of coleslaw. Dine open air below the pavilion and revel in views of the lake.

St. James Social

Don’t miss Tuesday pizza evening at St. James Social. Pies are served Neapolitan-style with sourdough crust and toppings which can be usually spotlight the most effective produce from Wisconsin. Thursday by way of Sunday, government chef Leonard Colton Burton’s expanded menu features a rotating lineup of small plates, entrees, and decadent deserts.

Grampa Tony’s

Proper within the heart of La Pointe, Grampa Tony’s is celebrating its eightieth anniversary in 2025. Children line up right here for scoops and floats, whereas mother and father benefit from the shade at outside picnic tables or on the roof overlooking the water. It’s a must-stop for a deal with after a seashore day or earlier than the ferry journey dwelling.

The Pub Restaurant & Wine Bar

Steps from the shore, the restaurant at The Inn on Madeline Island affords views as memorable because the meals. Visitors collect for breakfast or dinner in a wood-beamed eating room with floor-to-ceiling home windows overlooking the lake. Anticipate hearty Midwestern classics, pleasant service, and sunsets that encourage.

Finest Time to Go to

The refreshing waters of Lake Superior are most pleasant to swimmers and kayakers in late summer season, from July by way of August. And in early October, go to Bayfield to have fun the Bayfield Apple Pageant, the annual artwork truthful and meals market centered round celebrating native farmers.

Learn how to Get There

To succeed in the Apostle Islands Nationwide Lakeshore, drive to the city of Bayfield in northern Wisconsin, about 90 minutes east of Duluth. From there, ferries, crusing charters, and personal boats present entry to the islands. Madeline Island is the one one with common ferry service; the others are reachable by kayak or tour boat.

Learn how to Get Across the Apostle Islands

Journey the ferry to Madeline Island on foot or together with your automobile. From there, you possibly can drive across the island, discover La Pointe, or hire scooters or bikes for the day to move out to Massive Bay State Park or Massive Bay City Park. In Bayfield, navigate by automobile, by foot, or by benefiting from the Bay Space Rural Transit (a.okay.a. the BART Bus.)

To entry the Apostle Islands themselves, contact one of many many native boating or crusing constitution corporations working out of Bayfield, Crimson Cliff, Cornucopia, or Ashland. Skilled kayakers with correct tools can take to the water by way of Meyers Seashore.

Islands to Go to

Satan’s Island

Satan’s Island is on the outer rim of the Apostle Islands, but it surely’s properly well worth the rocky boat journey to see one of the vital dramatic stops within the archipelago. Vacationers come from everywhere in the world to kayak round its sculpted sea caves and towering sandstone cliffs. A mountain climbing path results in an Nineties-era lighthouse perched above Lake Superior.

Stockton Island

Seen from the north finish of Madeline Island, the outside shoreline of Stockton Island has good sand seashores, sea caves, and climbable sea stacks which can be nice for cliff leaping. It additionally has a singular pure characteristic that is uncommon amongst seashores.

“I all the time go to Stockton Island for the singing sands on Julian Bay,” says Novak. “There are only some seashores on the planet the place, while you swirl your palms within the dry sand, it makes a sound like a singing bowl.”

Michigan Island

Disclaimer: There are numerous stairs concerned in a visit to Michigan Island. Dock on the southern fringe of the island and climb the steps to see the orchards and gardens planted by former lighthouse keepers which can be nonetheless tended to by the Nationwide Park Service at present. For these not fearful of heights, climb even larger up into the Michigan Island Gentle Station for panoramic views of the Apostle Islands.

Manitou Island

Manitou Island affords a glimpse into the previous with its preserved industrial fishing camp, maintained by the Nationwide Park Service. Accessible solely by boat, the island options quiet trails, pebble seashores, and one campsite on the north finish. It’s an off-the-grid vacation spot for historical past buffs and campers alike.

Raspberry Island

Raspberry Island is greatest identified for its superbly restored lighthouse and family-friendly trails. A brief loop weaves by way of hardwood forest and opens to sweeping views of Lake Superior. Park rangers supply excursions in the summertime, making this one of many extra accessible islands to discover. See the unique Raspberry Island lighthouse lens within the Madeline Island Museum.