Apostle Islands, Wisconsin, Was Named One of many Greatest 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 without doubt one of the Midwest’s most putting pure landscapes. This island chain is a well-liked weekend and summer time vacation spot for vacationers who wish to paddle by 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 12 months after 12 months. In 1945, Anna Novak’s grandparents purchased a farm on Madeline Island—the most important within the archipelago—as a summer time retreat from life in Chicago. Eighty years later, Novak and her cousins are nonetheless right here—some residing within the space as full-time residents, others returning for the summer time.

​​“There’s a variety of 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. Perhaps we’re extra like Martha’s Winery, in that we’ve a variety of summer time residents.”

1000’s of years earlier than the world had guided sea cave excursions and ice cream retailers, 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 advanced into the cities we all know right now. Bayfield, an enthralling harbor city stuffed with artwork galleries and bed-and-breakfasts, serves as the principle jumping-off level to the Apostle Islands. Mainland sea caves are accessible through Meyers Seashore, positioned 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 will not be 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 marvel, then, it was named one of many greatest locations to journey in 2025 by Journey + Leisure.

Greatest Resorts & Resorts

St. James Social

Bayfield’s latest boutique lodge and restaurant can also be one in every of its most historic stays. Initially opened in 1884, the outdated Italianate property sat empty for just a few years earlier than it was reopened by Bayfield locals Annalisa and Cody Bermel in 2023. The couple reimagined the area 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, friends get a front-row seat to harbor exercise and ferry site visitors. Positioned 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 outdoors 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. Company can fill their days with yoga, forest walks, wood-fired sauna classes, and shared meals created from seasonal substances.

Outdated Rittenhouse Inn

Perched on the hill above downtown Bayfield, Outdated Rittenhouse Inn celebrates 50 years of internet hosting friends in 2025. The property could also be most recognized for its ruddy purple Victorian mansion-turned-B&B, nevertheless it additionally features a sibling inn referred to 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 always consists of contemporary 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 differ 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.

Greatest Issues to Do

Discover the Apostle Islands.

There are various methods to soak up 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 without doubt one of the hottest methods to get out into the islands.

“There’s a grand tour that doesn’t contain getting off the boat, in order 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. “You may also 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 circumstances 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 Prime Chautauqua.

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

Discover the Bayfield Fruit Loop.

From Could by October, discover Bayfield’s Fruit Loop on the mainland, the place native farms provide pick-your-own and pre-picked berries, apples, and extra. Many of those orchards have been family-run for generations, however there’s at all times one thing new. This 12 months, that features a new spot to take pleasure in Bayfield’s native cider.

“It’s referred to as Apfelhaus Cidery, and it’s related to Hauser’s Superior View Farm. The proprietor simply opened this beautiful taproom, and it’s totally fashionable and has a view of the lake,” says Anderson.

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

Greatest Eating places

Greunke’s First Avenue Inn & Eating

Greunke’s appears like stepping right into a time capsule. The classic decor and assortment of native memorabilia add to its old-school appeal. Traditional breakfast meals, contemporary fish, and do-it-yourself soups fill you up for no matter adventures are in retailer.

Hoop’s Fish

Hoop’s is an element fish market, half seasonal eatery. Contemporary-caught Lake Superior whitefish is the star right here, served fried or blackened with a aspect of coleslaw. Dine open air beneath 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 might be typically spotlight the most effective produce from Wisconsin. Thursday by Sunday, govt 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. Youngsters line up right here for scoops and floats, whereas dad and mom benefit from the shade at out of doors picnic tables or on the roof overlooking the water. It’s a must-stop for a deal with after a seaside day or earlier than the ferry journey house.

The Pub Restaurant & Wine Bar

Steps from the shore, the restaurant at The Inn on Madeline Island affords views as memorable because the meals. Company 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.

Greatest Time to Go to

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

Learn how to Get There

To achieve 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

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

To entry the Apostle Islands themselves, contact one of many many native boating or crusing constitution firms working out of Bayfield, Purple Cliff, Cornucopia, or Ashland. Skilled kayakers with correct gear can take to the water through Meyers Seashore.

Islands to Go to

Satan’s Island

Satan’s Island is on the outer rim of the Apostle Islands, nevertheless it’s properly well worth the rocky boat journey to see probably the most 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 Eighteen 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 might be nice for cliff leaping. It additionally has a singular pure characteristic that is uncommon amongst seashores.

“I at all times 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 a variety of 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 might be nonetheless tended to by the Nationwide Park Service right now. For these not petrified of heights, climb even greater 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 recognized for its fantastically restored lighthouse and family-friendly trails. A brief loop weaves by hardwood forest and opens to sweeping views of Lake Superior. Park rangers provide 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.