Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
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Apostle Islands National Lakeshore at a glance
- Best time
- June–September
- Trip length
- Half day–1 day
- Don't miss
- Main Apostle Islands National Lakeshore highlights — see Things to Do for current listings
- Nearby city
- Bayfield, WI
Explore this park
About Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
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. Established in 1970, the park showcases picturesque sea caves, sandy beaches, and the largest collection of lighthouses in the National Park system.
6 current NPS alerts
- Caution: Hunting Season Safety
- Information: Stockton Island Trail Access
- Information: Ongoing Closure Notices
- +3 more in the Alerts tab
Source: National Park Service (as of Nov 11, 2026). Official Apostle Islands National Lakeshore page on nps.gov
Weather Information
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. Average daytime high temperatures range from 60 degrees Fahrenheit in May, to the upper 80s in mid-summer, to the mid-60s in September. Average lows vary from 40 degrees in May, to the upper 50s in mid-summer, to 50 degrees in September. Average water temperatures in May and June are only in the 40s.
Operating Hours
Entire Park
The park is open 24/7 year-round. Visitor centers are open only in summer, with varying hours.
- MondayAll Day
- TuesdayAll Day
- WednesdayAll Day
- ThursdayAll Day
- FridayAll Day
- SaturdayAll Day
- SundayAll Day
Common questions
Planning Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
The summary above covers timing and highlights. These go deeper on reservations, crowds, and logistics — check Alerts for live updates.
Reservation rules vary by season and activity for Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. See Overview on this page for fees, timed entry, and campground details before you travel.
