Island Guide

Popular Apostle Islands destinations

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a breathtaking archipelago of natural wonders, historic landmarks, and adventurous retreats along Lake Superior. From iconic sea caves and historic lighthouses to pristine beaches, scenic trails, and secluded campsites teeming with bald eagles, black bears, and migratory birds, these must-see islands await your discovery.

Sea caves | Historic lighthouses | Sunken shipwrecks | Sandy beaches | Hiking trails | Camping spots | Wildlife viewing

Sea caves and rock formations

Marvel at nature’s artistry sculpted by wind and waves.

  • Mawicke Bay Sea Caves (Mainland, Meyers Beach): Stunning red sandstone caves with arches and tunnels, perfect for kayaking and photography, especially during winter’s magical ice formations.
  • Devils Island Sea Caves: Dramatic, remote caves with echoing chambers, best explored by kayak for their rugged beauty and photogenic arches.
  • Swallow Point Sea Caves (Sand Island): Beginner-friendly caves etched into a picturesque shoreline, ideal for kayaking and capturing soft-light photos.
  • Julian Bay (Stockton Island): Features unique rock formations and the “singing sands,” a quirky natural phenomenon perfect for photographers.
  • Honeymoon Bluff Sea Stack (Basswood Island): A striking sea stack visible by kayak, offering dramatic views and bald eagle sightings.

Historic lighthouses

Step back in time with these historic beacons of the Great Lakes.

  • Raspberry Island Lighthouse: A beautifully restored “jewel” surrounded by lush forests and sandy beaches, offering guided tours and stunning views.
  • Sand Island Lighthouse: A cliffside sentinel overlooking intricate sea caves, accessible by shuttle or kayak with NPS-guided tours.
  • Michigan Island Twin Lighthouses: Home to the historic Old and New Michigan Island Lights, situated next to one another high on the bluff, with tours showcasing their rich history amidst deer-filled forests.
  • Devils Island Lighthouse: A windswept, automated tower on the northernmost island, photogenic against dramatic cliffs and reachable by boat tours.
  • New La Pointe Lights (Long Island): The first of two automated lighthouses on the sandy shores of Long Island, viewable via boat tours and near the Lucerne shipwreck.
  • New Chequamegon Point Lights (Long Island): The second automated lighthouses on the sandy shores of Long Island.

Sunken shipwrecks

Dive into the underwater history of Lake Superior’s storied past.

  • Fedora (Mainland): This steamer sank in 1901 near Bark Bay, visible by boat, perfect for adventurers.
  • Lucerne (Long Island): A schooner wreck just 0.5 miles from the Old La Pointe Light ruins, accessible to scuba divers or via boat.
  • Sevastopol (Sand Island): A schooner wreck near the island’s shores, a haunting dive site for experienced divers with a National Park Service permit.
  • Noquebay (Stockton Island): A schooner wreck off the island’s coast, offering a glimpse into maritime history for divers with a National Park Service permit.

Sandy beaches

Sink your toes into some of the most pristine shores in the Apostles.

Close to the mainland:

  • Oak Island Sand Spit: A scenic sandy point on the tallest island, offering quiet escapes and views of deer and bald eagles.
  • Big Bay State Park Beach (Madeline Island): A wide, sandy beach perfect for swimming, picnics, and capturing Lake Superior’s vastness.

Further away:

  • Julian Bay Beach (Stockton Island): Famous for its “singing sand” that hums underfoot, this sandy gem is ideal for swimming and sunset photography.
  • Chequamegon Point (Long Island): A long, sandy beach stretching into Lake Superior, known for endangered Piping Plover breeding and serene beachcombing.
  • Bear Island Beach: A tiny little beach tucked into the NE corner of Bear that has long been a destination for a shady picnic on warm summer days. A great jumping rock is located on the rocky point just south of the beach for those who like to swim.
  • Michigan Island Sand Split: This tranquil sand spit boasts soft beaches. Ideal for peaceful walks or picnics, it’s a hidden haven near the island’s historic lighthouses.
  • Raspberry Island Beaches: Sandy beaches near the lighthouse, ideal for relaxation and photographing migratory birds.
  • Outer Island Sand Split: A remote gem, Outer Island’s sand spit offers a serene beach framed by Lake Superior’s vast expanse. This narrow strip, formed by longshore drift, is perfect for quiet strolls, camping under starry skies, and breathtaking photography.

Hiking trails

Trek through diverse landscapes with breathtaking views and wildlife encounters.

  • Meyer Beach Lakeshore Trail (Mainland): A 4.5-mile round-trip trail along cliffs above the Meyers Beach sea caves, offering stunning overlooks and bald eagle sightings.
  • Oak Island Lakeshore Trail: Over 10 miles of trails through forests and cliffs, with scenic viewpoints and chances to spot black bears and deer.
  • Stockton Island Lakeshore Trail: Approximately 15 miles of trails winding through lagoons, forests, and sandstone quarries, home to black bears and over 240 bird species.
  • Big Bay State Park Trails (Madeline Island): About 9 miles of trails to cliffs, beaches, and overlooks, with bald eagles and otters in lush wetlands.
  • Circumnavigation Trail (Sand Island): A 15-mile trail (segmentable) passing sea caves, beaches, and historical farm sites, with deer and migratory birds along the way.

Camping Spots

Pitch your tent in some of the park’s most unforgettable wilderness spots. 

Note: National Park Service permit required for all sites. See the NPS website for all available campsites.

  • Presque Isle Campsite (Stockton Island): Offers 19 campsites with top-notch facilities, sandy beaches, and trails where black bears and bald eagles roam.
  • Oak Island Campsites: Multiple campsites on the tallest island, with elevated views, diverse trails, and wildlife like deer and migratory birds.
  • Devils Island Campsite: Ultra-remote campsite perfect for adventurers seeking isolation and astrophotography under pristine night skies. Note: For Summer 2025, Devils Island landing is closed for rehabilitation.
  • Raspberry Island Campsites: Accessible primitive campsites near the lighthouse, ideal for families and those wanting forest trails with bald eagle sightings.
  • Sand Island Campsites: Rustic campsites, including group sites, near sea caves and beaches, with deer and migratory birds as neighbors.

Wildlife viewing

Encounter the vibrant ecosystems of the Apostle Islands.

  • Bald Eagles: Often seen on Mickwee Bay (Meyers Beach), Little Sand Bay, Long Island, Devils Island, and Madeline Island.
  • Migratory Birds: Long Island features the endangered Piping Plovers breeding grounds, and Stockton Island is home to over 240 migratory bird species. Devils Island also has migratory birds soar above its rugged cliffs and rocky beaches.
  • Black Bears: Call Mickwee Bay (Meyers Beach), Little Sand Bay, Stockton Island, and Madeline Island home.
  • Otters: Thrive in the wetlands along Mickwee Bay (Meyers Beach), Little Sand Bay, and Madeline Island.
  • Deer: Spot in the forests on the mainland, Stockton Island, Long Island, and Madeline Island.

Iconic islands with must-see attractions

These eight Apostle Islands are well-known for their standout attractions, such as historic lighthouses, dramatic sea caves, accessible trails, and rich wildlife, drawing many visitors for sightseeing, exploring, and camping:

Mawicke Bay | Devils Island | Long Island | Michigan Island | Raspberry Island | Sand Island | Stockton Island

Mawicke Bay (Meyers Beach, mainland)

Mawicke Bay on the mainland offers access to the most extensive stretch of iconic sea caves, with wildlife like bald eagles and deer thriving in its coastal forests.

  • Formations:
    • Mainland Sea Caves: Iconic red sandstone caves along the Meyers Beach area, renowned for their arches and tunnels. Best photographed via boat.
  • Interesting Sites:
    • Bark Bay Slough: Floating islands and wetlands, ideal for kayaking and ecosystem photography.
  • Wildlife: Bald eagles and deer make this a prime viewing spot.

Devils Island

Renowned for its stunning sea caves and historic Devils Island Lighthouse, this northernmost island captivates kayakers and photographers with its dramatic sandstone formations and bald eagle sightings. Rustic camping and short trails enhance its appeal for adventurers.

  • Lighthouses:
    • Devils Island Lighthouse: Historic, automated. Photogenic with the keeper’s quarters.
  • Rock Formations:
    • Devils Island Sea Caves: Stunning sandstone caves with arches and tunnels, a top photography spot.
    • Cliffs and beaches add dramatic appeal.
  • Beaches: Rocky beaches near the lighthouse offer scenic views and night sky photography opportunities.
  • Camping: Rustic campsites with astrophotography potential (National Park Service permit required).
  • Trails: Short trails to the lighthouse and overlooks.
  • Wildlife: Bald eagles, migratory birds, and deer.

Long Island

Home to the New La Pointe and Chequamegon Point Lighthouses, Long Island boasts sandy beaches and the nearby Lucerne shipwreck, making it a favorite for boat tours and history enthusiasts. Its rocky shores host bald eagles and migratory birds.

  • Lighthouses:
    • New La Pointe Light: Active, automated, viewable by boat.
    • Chequamegon Point Light: Historic, automated, photogenic.
  • Shipwrecks:
    • Lucerne (near Old La Pointe Light ruins): Schooner wreck.
  • Rock Formations: Low cliffs and Old La Pointe Light ruins for historical shots.
  • Beaches: Long, sandy beaches are ideal for beach-combing and photography.
  • Trails: Short paths to lighthouses and ruins.
  • Wildlife: Bald eagles, migratory birds, and deer.
    • Piping Plover breeding ground: The Piping Plover, a federally endangered shorebird, is specifically associated with Long Island, where its critical habitat is designated.

Michigan Island

Featuring twin lighthouses (Old and New Michigan Island Lights), this island offers guided tours, scenic rocky beaches, and trails through old-growth forests teeming with bald eagles and deer. Its rustic campsites and calm waters attract kayakers and campers.

  • Lighthouses:
    • Old Michigan Island Light: First in the Apostles, inactive, NPS tours.
    • New Michigan Island Light: Active, tourable, photogenic with apple trees.
  • Photography: Old-growth forests for landscape shots.
  • Beaches: Rocky beaches, scenic for photography near lighthouses.
  • Camping: Rustic campsites (National Park Service permit required).
  • Trails: Trails to lighthouses and viewpoints.
  • Wildlife: Bald eagles, deer, and migratory birds.

Raspberry Island

Known as the “Jewel of the Apostles,” Raspberry Island features a beautifully restored lighthouse, sandy beaches, and gentle trails through forests alive with bald eagles and deer. Accessible by boat tours and kayaks, it’s ideal for history buffs and photographers.

  • Lighthouses:
    • Raspberry Island Lighthouse: Restored, with NPS-guided tours. Photogenic with the keeper’s quarters and gardens.
  • Beaches: Sandy beaches are ideal for photography and relaxation near the lighthouse.
  • Camping: Accessible, primitive campsites (National Park Service permit required).
  • Trails: Short trails to the lighthouse and beaches.
  • Wildlife: Bald eagles, deer, and migratory birds.

Sand Island

Sand Island entices with its historic lighthouse, beginner-friendly sea caves, and long sandy beaches, while trails reveal historical farm sites and wildlife like bald eagles and deer. The nearby Sevastopol shipwreck adds intrigue.

  • Lighthouses:
    • Sand Island Lighthouse: Historic, with National Park Service tours.
  • Shipwrecks:
    • Sevona and Noquebay (nearby): Wrecks for scuba divers (National Park Service permit).
  • Rock Formations:
    • Sand Island Sea Caves: Smaller but scenic caves, photogenic.
    • Swallow Point caves and cliffs for dramatic shots.
  • Beaches: Long, sandy beaches are ideal for beach-combing and sunset photography.
  • Camping: Rustic campsites, including group sites (National Park Service permit).
  • Trails: Trails to sea caves, lighthouse, and historical sites, like Shaw Farm. Many trails are Handicap accessible.
  • Wildlife: Bald eagles, deer, and migratory birds.

Stockton Island

The largest island, Stockton Island is famed for its singing sands at Julian Bay, extensive trails, and abundant wildlife, including one of North America’s largest black bear populations. Its sandy beaches, campsites, and the Noquebay shipwreck make it a hub for hiking, camping, and nature lovers.

  • Rock Formations:
    • Balancing Rock: The Apostle Islands’ largest sea stack, a striking pillar sculpted by Lake Superior’s waves.
  • Sites of Interest:
    • Julian Bay Singing Sands: Unique sand that “sings” when walked on, photogenic.
    • Tombolo and cliffs for landscape shots.
    • Fields of delicious wild blueberries.
  • Beaches: Long, sandy beaches at Julian Bay and Presque Isle, ideal for photography, swimming, and beach-combing.
  • Camping: Multiple campsites, including group sites (National Park Service permit).
  • Trails: ~15 miles to beaches, bogs, and bear habitats.
  • Wildlife: Black bears, bald eagles, deer, migratory birds (over 240 species), and foxes.

Madeline Island

Madeline Island is not part of the National Lakeshore, but is a major destination because it’s the most prominent and accessible of the Apostle Islands. It boasts Big Bay State Park’s sandy beaches and cliffs, vibrant cultural events, and wildlife like bald eagles and deer. Reachable by ferry or water taxi, it offers trails, shopping, dining, and historical sites for year-round visitors.

  • Rock Formations: Cliffs and forests for scenic shots.
  • Beaches:
    • Big Bay State Park Beach: Sandy beach is excellent for swimming, photography, and picnics.
    • Big Bay Town Park Beach: A quiet, sandy beach for relaxation and sunset shots.
  • Camping: Campsites at Big Bay Town and State Park Campgrounds.
  • Trails:
    • Big Bay State Park Trails (~9 miles): Lead to cliffs, small sea caves, beaches, and overlooks.
    • Madeline Island Heritage Trails: Explore historical sites.
    • Fairy Village Trail: Follow the trail to the little, hidden village of small stone houses. Great for kids!
  • Places: Madeline Island Museum, numerous art galleries, shops, bars, and restaurants.
  • Photography: Beaches, cliffs, quaint town, and historical sites.
  • Transportation: Bike or moped rentals for island exploration.

Secluded islands with untouched charm

These less-visited islands offer solitude, pristine landscapes, and unique experiences, appealing to those seeking quiet adventures and untouched natural beauty.

Basswood Island | Bear Island | Cat Island | Eagle Island | Gull Island | Hermit Island | Ironwood Island | Manitou Island | North Twin Island | Oak Island | Otter Island | Outer Island | Rocky Island | South Twin Island | York Island

Basswood Island

Basswood Island, with its Honeymoon Bluff sea stack and small rocky beaches, offers kayaking and rustic camping amidst forests where bald eagles and black bears roam. Short trails and the nearby Fedora shipwreck make it a serene escape for adventurers.

  • Shipwrecks:
    • Fedora (nearby): A steamer sunk in 1901, visible during water tours, especially night tours with lights.
  • Rock Formations:
    • Honeymoon Bluff Sea Stack: A photogenic rock formation.
    • Rugged shorelines with coastal cliffs and small sea caves are prime photography subjects.
  • Beaches: Small, rocky beaches along the shoreline, ideal for quiet exploration and photography of Lake Superior’s rugged edge.
  • Camping: Rustic campsites with Lake Superior views (National Park Service permit required).
  • Trails: Short trails to historical sites and Honeymoon Bluff viewpoints.
  • Wildlife: Bald eagles, deer, black bears, and migratory birds.

Bear Island

A remote haven for wildlife enthusiasts, Bear Island’s rocky beaches and rugged cliffs are home to black bears, bald eagles, and migratory birds. Its rustic campsites and minimal trails provide solitude for campers seeking an untouched wilderness experience.

  • Rock Formations: Rugged cliffs for dramatic photography. 
  • Beaches: Small, rocky beaches offer secluded spots for photography and exploration, with views of Lake Superior.
  • Camping: Rustic campsites for solitude seekers (National Park Service permit required).
  • Trails: Minimal trails to beaches and viewpoints.
  • Wildlife: Black bears, bald eagles, deer, and migratory birds.

Cat Island

Cat Island’s pristine sandy and rocky beaches and quiet forests attract bald eagles and migratory birds, offering a peaceful retreat for kayakers and campers. With primitive campsites and no formal trails, it’s a secluded spot for nature lovers.

  • Rock Formations: Rocky shores for wilderness photography.
  • Beaches: Sandy and rocky beaches, pristine and untouched, are ideal for serene photography and beach-combing.
  • Camping: Primitive campsites (National Park Service permit required).
  • Wildlife: Bald eagles, migratory birds, and deer.

Eagle Island

Tiny and rarely visited, Eagle Island’s rocky micro-beaches and cliffs are a haven for bald eagles and migratory birds. Best explored by experienced kayakers, it offers a minimalist wilderness experience without campsites or trails.

Note: Restricted; landing prohibited during certain periods to protect eagle nesting.
 
  • Rock Formations: Small cliffs for minimal photography. 
  • Beaches: Rocky micro-beaches, offering secluded spots for photography.
  • Wildlife: Bald eagles and migratory birds.

Gull Island

A protected bird sanctuary, Gull Island’s rocky beaches and cliffs host nesting seabirds like gulls and cormorants, viewable from a distance by boat tours. With restricted access and no camping or trails, it’s a niche destination for birdwatchers.

Note: Restricted, landing prohibited.

  • Rock Formations: Rocky cliffs for bird photography (restricted access).
  • Beaches: Small, rocky beaches are inaccessible to protect nesting birds.
  • Wildlife: Seabirds (gulls, cormorants) and migratory birds.

Hermit Island

Steeped in historical lore, Hermit Island’s sandy and rocky beaches and short trails offer solitude and scenic views, with bald eagles and deer as familiar sights. Primitive campsites make it a quiet retreat for campers.

  • Rock Formations: Rocky cliffs for scenic shots. Historical hermit lore adds intrigue.
  • Beaches: Sandy and rocky beaches are photogenic and quiet for exploration.
  • Camping: Primitive campsites (National Park Service permit required).
  • Trails: Short trails to historical sites and beaches.
  • Wildlife: Bald eagles, deer, and migratory birds.

Ironwood Island

Ironwood Island’s pristine beaches and fishing heritage provide a tranquil setting for rustic camping, and spotting bald eagles and fish like trout. Minimal trails and its remote location ensure a peaceful wilderness experience.

  • Rock Formations: Cliffs for wilderness photography.
  • Beaches: Pristine sandy and rocky beaches, ideal for solitude and landscape photography.
  • Camping: Rustic campsites (National Park Service permit required).
  • Trails: Minimal trails to beaches and fishing sites.
  • Wildlife: Bald eagles, deer, and migratory birds.

Manitou Island

Home to a preserved historical fishing camp, Manitou Island’s sandy beaches and short trails offer a glimpse into the past, with bald eagles and deer roaming its forests. Rustic campsites and calm waters make it a serene kayaking destination.

  • Photography: Forests for serene shots. Manitou Fishing Camp is a unique subject.
  • Beaches: Sandy and rocky beaches, great for quiet exploration and photography.
  • Camping: Rustic campsites (National Park Service permit required).
  • Trails: Short trails to Manitou Fish Camp and viewpoints.
  • Wildlife: Bald eagles, deer, and migratory birds.

North Twin Island

North Twin Island’s small, rocky beaches and untouched forests harbor bald eagles and migratory birds, offering a quiet escape for kayakers and campers. Primitive campsites and minimal trails ensure solitude in this remote locale.

  • Photography: Rocky shores for wilderness shots.
  • Beaches: Small, rocky beaches, pristine for photography.
  • Camping: Primitive campsites (National Park Service permit required).
  • Trails: No formal trails; exploration is possible.
  • Wildlife: Bald eagles, migratory birds, and deer.

Oak Island

Oak Island’s sandy and rocky beaches and minimal trails provide a secluded retreat for kayakers, with otters, bald eagles, and deer adding to its charm. Primitive campsites make it ideal for those seeking a quiet wilderness adventure.

  • Rock Formations: Cliffs and forests for varied shots.
  • Beaches: Sandy and rocky beaches are great for photography and exploration.
  • Camping: Multiple campsites, including group sites (National Park Service permit).
  • Trails: ~10 miles to overlooks, beaches, and logging sites.
  • Wildlife: Black bears, bald eagles, deer, and migratory birds.

Otter Island

Otter Island is remote with rustic camping.

  • Rock Formations: Rocky shores for serene shots.
  • Beaches: Sandy and rocky beaches, ideal for wilderness photography.
  • Camping: Primitive campsites (National Park Service permit required).
  • Trails: Minimal trails to beaches and viewpoints.
  • Wildlife: Bald eagles, deer, migratory birds, and otters.

Outer Island

The northernmost island, Outer Island features a historic lighthouse, pristine sandy beaches, and trails through forests alive with bald eagles and deer. Rustic campsites and its remote setting offer solitude and stunning night sky views for campers.

  • Lighthouses:
    • Outer Island Light: Historic, automated, with NPS tours.
  • Rock Formations: Cliffs for dramatic shots.
  • Beaches: Pristine sandy beaches, photogenic and secluded.
  • Camping: Rustic campsites (National Park Service permit required).
  • Trails: Trails to the lighthouse and beaches.
  • Wildlife: Bald eagles, migratory birds, and deer.

Rocky Island

Rocky Island’s sandy beaches and fishing history create a peaceful haven for kayakers and campers, with bald eagles and fish like salmon in abundance. Rustic campsites and short trails make it a quiet destination for wilderness seekers.

  • Rock Formations: Rocky shores for wilderness shots.
  • Beaches: Sandy and rocky beaches, great for photography and solitude.
  • Camping: Rustic campsites (National Park Service permit required).
  • Trails: Short trails to beaches and fishing sites.
  • Wildlife: Bald eagles, deer, and migratory birds.

South Twin Island

South Twin Island’s rocky beaches and untouched forests offer solitude for kayakers, with bald eagles and migratory birds as familiar sights. Primitive campsites and minimal trails make it a serene escape for nature enthusiasts.

  • Rock Formations: Rocky shores for wilderness shots.
  • Beaches: Small, rocky beaches, pristine for photography.
  • Camping: Primitive campsites (National Park Service permit required).
  • Trails: No formal trails; exploration is possible.
  • Wildlife: Bald eagles, migratory birds, and deer.

York Island

York Island’s small, rocky beaches and minimal trails provide a tranquil setting for kayaking and camping, with bald eagles and deer roaming its forests. Primitive campsites ensure a secluded wilderness experience in this lesser-known gem.

  • Rock Formations: Rocky shores for serene shots.
  • Beaches: Small, rocky beaches are ideal for quiet photography.
  • Camping: Primitive campsites (National Park Service permit required).
  • Trails: Minimal trails to beaches.
  • Wildlife: Bald eagles, migratory birds, and deer.

Apostle Islands & numbered campsite maps

Explore these detailed maps of the islands, guiding you to sea caves, beaches, numbered campsites, and more. Plan your adventure with ease!

Apostle Islands map | Numbered campsite map

The Apostle Islands map

Numbered campground map

Source: U.S. National Park Service

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