The Apostle Islands

By Tod DeHart

Nestled along Lake Superior in the upper Northwoods of Wisconsin you will find the beautiful Apostle Islands.  The Apostle Islands are made up of 22 islands and are located in northwestern Wisconsin, off the Bayfield Peninsula.  The islands themselves and a 12-mile portion of Wisconsin’s mainland comprise the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. 

The first settlers of these islands were the Ojibwe Indians, now known as the Lake Superior Chippewa.  These Native Americans settled here sometime in the early 1600's when they split from the original Ojibwe Indian Tribe on the upper Atlantic coast.  They followed west along the Great Lakes until they came to the south shore of Lake Superior in what is now known as Wisconsin.  It was here that the Indians found food plentiful including what they called "food that grows on water" (wild rice) on Madeline Island.  The Lake Superior Indians are still the largest settlers in the Apostle Islands today.  Many areas surrounding the islands are part of the Cherokee Indian Reservation.  The islands are spiritual and commercial centers of the Cherokee Nation.

It wasn't until the late 1700's when the white man would begin to explore the Apostle Islands and northern Wisconsin.  The islands were formally named the Apostle Islands by French historian Pierre François Xavier de Charlevoix, who named them after the 12 apostles.  Over the next two centuries the islands and territory were used for farming, logging, quarrying stone, and fishing in the plentiful waters of Lake Superior.  Island inhabitants began to included early pioneer farmers, commercial fishermen, lighthouse keepers and their families. 

The shipping industry followed the new found industries and economy of the Apostle Islands.  However, the sometimes rough waters surrounding the Apostle Islands were not always "friendly" to early ships.  The waters around the islands have been the scene of many shipwrecks.  Stories of survival and loss of life are documented and preserved at the Bayfield Maritime Museum.  The museum includes hands on demonstrations, history of the Apostle Islands, commercial fishing industry, boat building, traditions, lighthouses, sailor crafts, shipwrecks and much more.  A great place to start your Apostle Islands vacation.

The small villages of Bayfield, WI and Ashland, WI are the mainland hubs of the Apostle Islands.  It is here where the Apostle Islands mainland marinas are located for commercial and private vessels.  In Bayfield, visitors board the Apostle Islands Cruise Service.  The cruise service offers continuous ferries to several of the inhabited islands as well as sightseeing cruises.  The "Grand Tour" is the best in my opinion.  This tour offers sightseeing around many of the islands passing beautiful natural features of Lake Superior.  The cruise tour also passes by beautiful historic Raspberry and Devils Island Lighthouses, standing rocks, sea caves and marine wildlife.  The guides will inform you of some of the 800 plant species occurring within the lakeshore, including Wisconsin listed endangered and threatened species.  The island’s wildlife includes a large and diverse population of nesting and migrating birds and a variety of mammals, amphibians, and fish.  Bayfield offers plenty of historical buildings that house restaurants, museums, shops and boutiques. 

For the outdoors type, The Apostle Islands offer many water and land recreational opportunities.  Camping, hiking, sailing, power boating, sea kayaking, fishing, cave exploring and scuba diving are just some of the more popular activities.  The National Lakeshore, as well as private establishments, offer camping and cabins.  Lodging can be found in Bayfield and Ashland from quaint motels and bed and breakfasts to larger hotels and resorts.  The best time to visit is June-September, the warmest months. But autumn brings beautiful fall foliage in last September and early October as well.  For more information on the Apostle Islands visit www.apostleislands.com.   please email me with your travel suggestions or comments at  tod@directionsllc.com 

Until next month, happy travels!