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Lake Superior, Wisconsin
Apostle Islands and Bayfield
Twenty-one islands off Wisconsin's Bayfield Peninsula: sandstone sea caves, historic lighthouses, the ferry to Madeline Island and the hillside harbour town of Bayfield with its orchards.
Photo: Apostle Islands sea cave in winter, Jeff the quiet, CC0
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore protects 21 islands and a strip of mainland shore, where waves have carved the red sandstone into caves and arches.
Bayfield is a small harbour town on a hill, surrounded by orchards and berry farms. Ferries cross to Madeline Island, the largest island and the only one with a town.
Outdoors and nature
Trails, lookouts, waterfalls, beaches and time on the water come first.
Sights and attractions
Museums, landmarks and the places people come here for.
Raspberry Island Lighthouse
A restored lighthouse on an island. Seasonal access by boat.
Season Seasonal, check official site.
Bayfield Visitor Center
National Lakeshore exhibits in an old courthouse.
Madeline Island Museum
Island history near the ferry dock.
Season Seasonal, check official site.
Markets, shops and festivals
Main streets, markets and the dates worth planning around.
Book a tour or activity
Cruises, tours and experiences people book here. Each one goes to the operator's official page, and you can still add it to your trip.
Apostle Islands Cruises
Boat tours of the islands and sea caves from Bayfield.
Season Seasonal, check official site.
Madeline Island Ferry
Car and passenger ferry from Bayfield to La Pointe.
Part of our Western Lake Superior guides.
Make it a weekend
Why stay the night
- Island cruises leave from Bayfield.
- Big Top Chautauqua concerts on summer nights.
- Orchards in fall.
Nearby and worth the drive
The lift bridge and North Shore.
Marquetteabout 4 h 30 · Guide ↗Presque Isle.
Ready-made trips with Apostle Islands and Bayfield
Good to know
- Lakeshore: National Park Service.
- Lake Superior: Cold water and fast-changing waves. Paddle the caves only with a guide or strong experience.
- We list only places we can check against an official source. Hours, seasons and prices change, so confirm before you go.
Photos on this page
Photo: Apostle Islands sea cave in winter, Jeff the quiet, CC0
Photo: An aerial view of Madeline Island, off La Pointe, August Schwerdfeger, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Devils Island Lighthouse, Apostle Islands, Bahrsoap, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Lighthouse on Raspberry Island, U.S. Department of the Interior, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Bayfieldwi, The original uploader was Nationalparks at English Wikipedia., CC BY-SA 2.5