Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Trailie
Build your Apostle Islands National Lakeshore itinerary
Tell Trailie your dates, pace, and interests — get a day-by-day Apostle Islands National Lakeshore plan with hikes, drives, and must-see stops.
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
Alerts(4)
Construction Activity at Little Sand Bay; Boat and Kayak Access Maintained
NPS detailsConstruction for the Little Sand Bay Marina Rehabilitation Project begins May 1. The Town of Russell boat launch and the NPS kayak beach will remain open, with short detours around work areas. Expect reduced parking, delays, and increased noise. The Little Sand Bay Visitor Center will be closed in 2026 due to construction.
Ongoing Closure Notices
Devils Island dock and campsites, West Bay Club on Sand Island, and the trail on Stockton Island between Presque Isle Bay and Quarry Bay are closed. These closures affect only a small portion of the Lakeshore. Enjoy your visit.
Bear Alert
NPS detailsBlack bears inhabit many of the Apostle Islands. Follow safety guidelines: store food and scented items properly, hike in groups, stay attentive, and make noises if you encounter a bear in a visitor area.
Private Inholdings: Sand & Rocky Islands
There are privately occupied residences and docks on the southeast corner of Sand Island, as well as just north of Group Site A on Rocky Island. These areas are closed to the public. Please respect their privacy and do not trespass in these locations.
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.