7 Adventures in the Apostle Islands, Wisconsin

Last Updated on July 30, 2024 by Deanne

Thinking about a trip to the Apostle Islands in Wisconsin? With a striking Lake Superior coast made up of sea caves and rocky cliffs, this area on the northern tip of Wisconsin is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream.

There are endless outdoor activities to engage in, but before we dig into 7 scenic and exciting Apostle Islands adventures, here are some important details about this dramatic destination.

Where are the Apostle Islands located in Wisconsin?

The Apostle Islands sit at the northern-most part of Wisconsin in Lake Superior just off the Bayfield Peninsula. The closest city is Bayfield which is a 6-hour drive from Milwaukee and less than four hours from St. Paul, Minnesota.

How many Apostle Islands are there?

There are 22 Apostle Islands, but only 21 of them make up the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Madeline Island is the largest of the Apostle Islands and the only one that is inhabited. It is not, however, part of the National Lakeshore. This is because there are private homes on the island – too many for the government to buy out when the other islands became a National Lakeshore in 1970.

In addition to the 21 islands, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore includes 12 miles of mainland.

How to get to the Apostle Islands?

From Bayfield on the mainland, there are a variety of different ways to access the Apostle Islands. A car ferry transports people and cars over to Madeline Island. Private vessels, tour boats and charters cruise to the other islands as well as kayakers who paddle their way there.

So, what are the best ways to experience this picturesque spot on the map? Start with these 7 thrilling adventures.

Adventures not to miss in the Apostle Islands, Wisconsin

1. Kayak to the mainland sea caves.

You may have heard rave reviews about kayaking to the sea caves. That’s because it’s the best way to explore in and around the sandstone formations lining the Lake Superior shore. If you only do one thing on your trip to the Apostle Islands, it should be this!

The mainland sea caves are accessible from Meyer’s Beach in Cornucopia – about a 25-minute drive from Bayfield. We recommend kayaking with a tour group. (We had a great time with Lost Creek Adventures!) They provide you with the correct type of sea kayak to manage the Lake Superior waters and the expertise to know what to do if a storm suddenly appears in the distance. Plus, their guides know the most insanely beautiful spots to lead you to.

During our tour we discovered a variety of caves, one so small we had to duck to get through it and another was a crevice so narrow I thought our kayak would get stuck. (It didn’t!)

You’ll want to take pictures along the way, so bring a waterproof case for your camera or phone. (Some kayak tour companies sell these onsite.) You may get a little wet during your tour. There is a waterproof apron they give you that drapes over the opening of the kayak to prevent cold drips from landing on your lap. That was very helpful. If the weather and water temperature call for it, your outfitter may provide a wet suit for you to wear.

We booked a half-day tour which included an hour of instruction, outfitting, and transporting, and 3 hours of actual paddling on the water. Our family of five agreed this was the perfect length of time for a tour.

The strength it took to kayak there and back wasn’t as bad as I thought it might be. However, we lucked out with calm waters that day, and we had three people in our kayak (most are single or double). Our 12-year-old daughter wasn’t old enough to paddle on her own or in a double, so she paddled in the middle of our three-person kayak. This is a great option for kids as young as 5 years old and at least 40 pounds.

Kayaking to the sea caves is popular, so book your tour in advance. One thing to keep in mind before booking, however, is to leave time in your itinerary to hike above the sea caves first. The day before you kayak is a good option. Here’s why…

2. Hike above the mainland sea caves.

Viewing Lake Superior and the sea caves from above is a great way to capture the beauty of the area. Not quite as dramatic as kayaking into the sea caves, you’ll want to hike this trail before you kayak to the caves. That way you’ll be impressed with the overlook views and then as you kayak through them it will be an even bigger thrill.

The Lakeshore Trail starts at Meyer’s Beach in Cornucopia. (Note: This is also where many kayaking tours begin.) The trailhead is next to the parking lot where there is a $5 fee to park. There are also bathrooms at the start.

The tree-lined trail is a 4.6-mile out and back hike that leads you high above the shore to what’s known as “the Bowl.” This is an area that opens up to an expansive view of the rocky Lakeshore coast and sea caves below. The trail continues miles past this area to a campsite, but many people turn around at the Bowl.

You’ll walk over bridges and boardwalks and up and down dirt steps as you make your way along the shore overlook on this moderately rated trail. As you look down there’s a good chance you’ll see kayakers paddling into the sea caves… include them in your snapshots to give your pictures perspective!

(For more stunning Wisconsin sea caves, check out this article!)

3. Enjoy the area’s local craft beverages.

After a day of hiking, kayaking, or other outdoor adventure, it’s relaxing to sit back and sip one of Bayfield’s locally made beverages. Whether you favor beer, wine, or a cocktail, you’re in luck. Bayfield is home to a brewery, it’s own distillery and multiple wineries. During our stay we took advantage of all three. Here’s a look:

• Adventure Club Brewing is Wisconsin’s northernmost brewery located just south of town on Hwy J in the Howl Adventure Center. From the taproom a large garage door opens to an outdoor patio with shaded seating. They have a disc golf course and are kid and dog friendly too.

• Copper Crow Distillery is located minutes north of Bayfield in Red Cliff. They have a tasting room and an outdoor patio. I enjoyed my Copper Crow vodka slush up the hill by the firepit watching people play cornhole. The place has a definite fun and friendly atmosphere.

• There are multiple wineries to explore in and around Bayfield. We visited Bayfield Winery. Driving up to the back of a farmhouse situated among vineyards, we enjoyed tasting a flight of award-winning wines right next to the growing grapes in the peaceful outdoors. The winery offers delicious hard cider, too.

4. Hike to Lost Creek Falls.

Another hike not to miss is Lost Creek Falls in Cornucopia. The 2.2-mile out and back trail is tree-covered and includes wooden walkways during portions of it. It’s a moderate hike that leads you to an enchanting mossy creek and waterfall.

The day we were there the sun was shining through the trees highlighting the bright green leaves and coppery pool of water exuding a magical feel. Be sure to venture behind the waterfall for some extra fun.

5. Cruise around the Apostle Islands.

Taking a cruise around the Apostle Islands in Wisconsin is a popular thing to do in the summer. If you plan to take a cruise, book it in advance because they do sell out. We booked a 2.5 hour Grand Tour evening ride with Apostle Islands Cruises. They depart from the Bayfield pier and allow you to bring snacks and a small cooler of drinks with you.

At first we thought we needed to get in line early to get a good seat. We wanted to sit on top where it’s uncovered and we could get good pictures. But it turned out to be super cold and windy on top (even though we brought multiple layers to wear), and there were so many people that it was impossible to take a picture without someone’s head in the way. Once the boat started sailing I ventured down to the main level and stood at the stern for the entire ride. It was the best place to get pictures without the crazy wind or having to shoot through a window on the main level.

The captain of the boat narrates the tour and always made sure to turn the boat so each side could see the striking scenery equally. The two highlights of the cruise are the picturesque Raspberry Island lighthouse and the beautiful sea caves that surround Devil’s Island.

6. Cliff jump into Lake Superior in Big Bay State Park on Madeline Island.

One unique adventure to embark on during your visit to the Apostle Islands is cliff jumping into Lake Superior. The water is cold but the experience is worth it (or so I’m told!) My entire family – husband, 17-year-old son, 15-year-old son, and 12-year-old daughter had a blast jumping from the roughly 20 feet high cliff into the turquoise water below. (If you’ve read my other posts, you know I don’t do cliffs. Or cold water. So I took part as full-time videographer.) The brave souls who make the leap are rewarded with an adrenaline-filled experience among the most scenic surroundings.

However, I do have to caution you to be safe. Don’t just jump off any cliff you find in the area. The cliff my family safely jumped from was in Big Bay State Park on Madeline Island. A ferry takes passengers and cars to the island from Bayfield. I highly recommend paying the extra fee to transport your car, too, because Big Bay State Park is on the opposite side of the Island from where you dock. My family saw other people jumping from a spot near Big Bay Point on the east side of the park and decided to join in the fun. Don’t jump unless you know it’s safe.

Some people say if you’re not going to venture all the way to Big Bay State Park not to bother bringing your car on the ferry. But I say, if you don’t plan to go to Big Bay State Park, then a trip to Madeline Island isn’t necessary at all. There’s not much to do on the island besides exploring the state park.

7. Catch the sunrise and sunset over water.

Bayfield is the most central location for accessing all the fun and adventure of the Apostle Islands. Lodging in or near Bayfield is the most convenient to restaurants, shopping, boarding the Madeline Island ferry, and picking up the Apostle Islands cruise. It’s also a prime spot to view the sun rise over Lake Superior.

With many accommodations located right on the water, you may be able to walk right outside your place and see the sunrise. But don’t be so sure. We stayed one block off the water, so our first morning we got up early and walked to the shore to view the sunrise. However, we didn’t realize parts of the shoreline are forested and jut out blocking our view.

The next morning, we knew better. We drove into town and walked out onto the rocks at the end of the Bayfield pier and watched the sun rise right between two of the Islands. Couldn’t have asked for a better panorama.

To see a magical sunset, head over to the west side of the peninsula. Meyer’s Beach in Cornucopia is a good option. Prepare to be wowed by fiery orange, yellow and pink hues as the sun goes down over Lake Superior.

An Apostle Islands Wisconsin getaway is filled with adventure set among spectacular Lake Superior scenery. If you’ve been there, do you have something to add to this list? Comment below. We’d love to hear from you.

For another exciting outdoor Wisconsin adventure – this time on the shores of Lake Michigan – check out our article on Door County!