4 Ways to Explore Wisconsin’s Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Updated: Sep. 15, 2020
Discover all the amazing sights and birds the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore has to offer, and learn how to explore the scenery via land and water.
Bird Migration Hotspot
The park sits on one of the most trafficked migratory flyways in the Great Lakes area and hosts rare birds in the breeding season. In the autumn, look for songbirds, falcons and hawks making their way south for the winter. As spring approaches, keep an eye out for waterfowl and shorebirds, along with bald eagles and a variety of warblers, returning to raise the next generation. Check out the top 5 Great Lakes birding hotspots for spring migration.
More Activities to Do
Explore the Water
One of the best ways to get acquainted with Lake Superior’s shoreline is from the water. Hop on a short cruise around the islands to catch a glimpse of a shipwreck or a few rock caves. Or if you are feeling more active, rent a kayak and explore the inlets on your own. Here’s another Wisconsin weekend getaway worth checking out.
Find a Lighthouse
Climb to the top of a lighthouse to get a higher vantage point. Visitors can tour most of the nine historic lighthouses, but the one on Raspberry Island is the easiest to access and allows you to ascend to the top. Due to COVID-19, accessibility will be limited in 2020. These are the best national park road trips to take all year long.
Take a Hike
From the mainland, put on your boots and head to the Lakeshore Trail. This 4 1/2-mile path along some of the best stretches of coastline starts near Meyer’s Beach and leads to a rustic camping area. The path begins as a boardwalk but gets rougher as you go. Check out the most scenic campsites in every state.
