Old Michigan Island Lighthouse - Public Domain image, National Parks G...
The first lighthouse in the Apostle Islands was built on Michigan Island in 1856.
Sand Island Lighthouse - National Parks Gallery
The Sand Island Light was constructed in 1881 of locally quarried brownstone.
19 - Lost in a Storm - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
This picture depicts the plight of keeper Francis Jacker who was caught in a storm while trying to save his boat in 1885.
La Pointe Lighthouse - National Parks Gallery
The La Pointe lighthouse replaced the original Long Island lighthouse in 1897.
Donor Recognition Board at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Donor Recognition Board at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
HFCA 1607_NPS Equipment_159.jpg
NPS employees loading up ski mobiles onto a trailer of a NPS truck in Apostle Isle National Lakeshore.
National parks: Wooden_Structures_1893 - public domain image
Public domain photo of a monument, historic place, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
White Shinleaf flowers. - National Parks Gallery
White flowers of a Shinleaf. (Pyrola elliptica) Public domain scan of drawing, 20th-century botanical illustration, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
National Parks of Wisconsin - Public Domain image, National Parks Gall...
Did you know "America's Dairyland" is thought to have more dairy cows than any other state? Cows are cool, but so are Wisconsin’s national parks. The Badger State is home to several places protected by the Nati... More
Pink Lady's Slipper flowers, Stockton Island
Pink flowers of a Pink lady's slipper. (Cypripedium acaule)
National parks: views4 - public domain image
Public domain photo of a monument, historic place, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Bunchberry Fruit - free images of Wisconsin
Fruit from a Canada Dogwood or Bunchberry. (Cornus canadensis)
Flowers of a Blue-Bead Lily, Stockton Island.
Yellow flowers of a Blue-Bead Lily. (Clintonia borealis)
Berries of the Blue-bead lily, Stockton Island
Blue berries of a blue-bead lily. (Clintonia borealis).
Bunchberry flower, Stockton Island
Flowers of the Bunchberry or Canada Dogwood. (Cornus canadensis)
National parks: Wooden_Structures_1903 - public domain image
Picryl description: Public domain vintage artistic photograph, free to use, no copyright restrictions image.
Site Plan of Devils Island Light Station and the East Landing
Devils Island Light Station landscape. A site plan drawing shows the arrangement of features on the site and its position at the north end of the island.
View from Michigan Island Lighthouse
The 1929 lighthouse tower on Michigan Island is the tallest in the park. It offers views across the lake to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula more than 20 miles away.
New Tower at Michigan Island - Public Domain image, National Parks Gal...
Michigan Island is home to two of the light towers in the Apostle Islands. This tower replaced the smaller one in 1929. Originally located near Philadelphia on the Delaware River, it was moved to Michigan Islan... More
A View of Spatial Organization at Devils Island Light Station
Devils Island Light Station landscape. A view from the Light Tower shows the extent of the cleared area around the Keeper's Quarters; top (c. 1940s); below (2009). Overall, the spatial organization remains as i... More
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin
These islands in Lake Superior have been inhabited by early Native Americans, pioneer farmers, commercial fishermen, lighthouse keepers and their families. They host the nation's finest collection of lighthous... More
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin
These islands in Lake Superior have been inhabited by early Native Americans, pioneer farmers, commercial fishermen, lighthouse keepers and their families. They host the nation's finest collection of lighthous... More
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin
These islands in Lake Superior have been inhabited by early Native Americans, pioneer farmers, commercial fishermen, lighthouse keepers and their families. They host the nation's finest collection of lighthous... More
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin
These islands in Lake Superior have been inhabited by early Native Americans, pioneer farmers, commercial fishermen, lighthouse keepers and their families. They host the nation's finest collection of lighthous... More
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin
These islands in Lake Superior have been inhabited by early Native Americans, pioneer farmers, commercial fishermen, lighthouse keepers and their families. They host the nation's finest collection of lighthous... More
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin
These islands in Lake Superior have been inhabited by early Native Americans, pioneer farmers, commercial fishermen, lighthouse keepers and their families. They host the nation's finest collection of lighthous... More
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin
These islands in Lake Superior have been inhabited by early Native Americans, pioneer farmers, commercial fishermen, lighthouse keepers and their families. They host the nation's finest collection of lighthous... More
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin
These islands in Lake Superior have been inhabited by early Native Americans, pioneer farmers, commercial fishermen, lighthouse keepers and their families. They host the nation's finest collection of lighthous... More
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin
These islands in Lake Superior have been inhabited by early Native Americans, pioneer farmers, commercial fishermen, lighthouse keepers and their families. They host the nation's finest collection of lighthous... More
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin
These islands in Lake Superior have been inhabited by early Native Americans, pioneer farmers, commercial fishermen, lighthouse keepers and their families. They host the nation's finest collection of lighthous... More
Unusual Low Water Level at Apostle Islands
Unusual Low Water Level at Apostle Islands: Park rangers measured low lake levels in January 2007 which created hazardous conditions for boaters at the park’s dock facilities.
Sea Cave Along Lake Superior at Apostle Islands
Visitors brave the cold weather to explore the ice cave formations at Meyers Beach.
National Parks of the Great Lakes
This map displays the national parks, forests, lakeshore preserves, nature preserves, and monuments located on the Great Lakes. The map is current as of January 2009, and shows eight units: Isle Royale Nature ... More
Looking out towards Eagle Island
Kayakers regularly explore the mainland sea caves from a launch point at Meyers Beach when conditions are calm. Always take caution and check the lake conditions before you head out.
15 - Keeper's Bedroom - National Parks Gallery
The back bedroom in the lighthouse is set up as the keeper’s room.
Step carefully - free images of Wisconsin
The snow may be thick, and ice may be slippery, so you have to watch your step while visiting the ice caves.
Sunset through the Keyhole - Public Domain image, National Parks Galle...
The Keyhole arch is one of the most well known features at the mainland sea caves.
Stockton's Rocky Shore - National Parks Gallery
Sandstone shelves line the shoreline of Presque Isle Point on Stockton Island.
13 - The Living Room - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
The living room is where the family gathered in the evenings. It contained the traveling library and Edison Amberola. Traveling libraries were passed along to different lighthouses by the Lighthouse Service. Th... More
Balancing Rock - free images of Wisconsin
Balancing Rock is the largest sea stack along the northeast shore of Stockton Island.
Hiking the Tombolo Trail - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
The Tombolo loop is a popular hike on Stockton Island. It passes through a variety of habitats including hardwood/hemlock forest, beach, bog, and boreal forest.
Ripples on the bay - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
The clear water of Lake Superior makes it easy to see to the sand and rocks on the bottom of the lake.
National parks: Bobcat - public domain image
This sighting is only the second time a bobcat has been documented in the park. It was photographed on Sand Island with a motion-activated wildlife camera.
National parks: Freighter - public domain image
It is still possible to catch a glimpse of one of these massive “Lakers” navigating through the Apostle Islands’ west channel.
Talking with the Ranger at Stockton Island
Rangers and volunteers are available at Stockton Island to answer questions and give orientation about the islands.
03 - Raspberry Island Lighthouse
View of the lighthouse and fog signal from the lake.
Gaylord Nelson Wilderness - National Parks Gallery
In 2004, 80% of the land in the national lakeshore was included in the Gaylord Nelson Wilderness.
National parks: Fawn - public domain image
Fawns rely on their camouflaged coloration to protect them from predators.
Boats at Stockton Island Dock - Public Domain image, National Parks Ga...
The boat harbor at Presque Isle makes Stockton Island a popular place to tie up. Dock space is available on a first-come first-served basis.
Moon over the islands - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
On a clear, calm night the reflection of moon beams dance across the lake.
Michigan Island - free images of Wisconsin
The beach at Michigan Island stretches along the bluffs from the dock to the west end of the island.
Volunteers at Michigan Island - Public Domain image, National Parks Ga...
Volunteer lighthouse keepers help to staff several lighthouses at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore during the summer. They help maintain the grounds and offer tours to visitors at places like the Michigan Island Light.
Plovers on Long - National Parks Gallery
Adult and chick piping plovers on Long Island.
Outer 2003 - Outer Island Light
The light on Outer Island is one of the most remote in the Apostle Islands. It is 25 miles from the mainland.
Campfire Program at Stockton Island
A wide range of Ranger-led programs are available including campfire talks, guided hikes, and lighthouse tours.
Sand Castle - free images of Wisconsin
The abundance of sand beaches provides endless opportunities for building sand castles.
Blue light and frost - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
The sunlight turns blue passing through the ice. Photo taken near the garage. Check out the frost on the ceiling!
Swimming Deer - free images of Wisconsin
Deer are one type of animal that can swim from one island to another. Some islands have little or no deer population. Others, such as Sand Island, have populations large enough to require management actions to ... More
04 - Ranger Greeting Visitors - Public Domain image, National Parks Ga...
A ranger meets the visitors from the cruise boat on the dock to give a brief introduction for the tour.
Chequamegon Point Lighthouse - National Parks Gallery
The Chequamegon Point Lighthouse at the west end of Long Island is one of two beacons that helped to guide vessels around Long Island into Chequamegon Bay on their way to Ashland.
Sea Caves - free images of Wisconsin
The most spectacular sea caves in the national lakeshore form in cliffs composed of the Devils Island Sandstone formation.
Nature Walk on the Julian Bay Trail
Ranger-led hikes are offered to campers and day visitors on Stockton Island.
Cat Island sandspit panorama - Public Domain image, National Parks Gal...
A photo of Cat Island, as viewed from the very tip of the sandspit on the southern end of the island.
Skiing to the Raspberry Island Lighthouse
Once the lake freezes over, some of the islands are accessible by ski and snowshoe. Ice conditions can change quickly, so always call the National Lakeshore for the latest ice conditions before you head out.
09 - The Kitchen - National Parks Gallery
Tours enter the house through the kitchen door. This room is not only where food was prepared and eaten, but also served as the laundry room and bathhouse. It was the only room with access to water.
Beach Sculpture - free images of Wisconsin
Bleached chunks of driftwood regularly adorn the beaches at Stockton Island.
Early winter at the Mainland Caves
Looking at the ice caves from above is the only way to safely enjoy them as the ice begins to form.
Frozen waterfalls - free images of Wisconsin
Looking north towards Sand Point. Sand Island in the far background.
10 - The Sink and Hand Pump - Public Domain image, National Parks Gall...
Water was stored in a cistern in the basement. It was pumped up to the kitchen by this hand pump.
12 - The Dining Room - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
The dining room was used for big meals and get-togethers. It also served as an office for the light keeper.
21 - Picnic - free images of Wisconsin
Visitors frequently take some time to relax on the grounds. The present automated light beacon is visible on the pole to the left of the brick fog signal building. The brick oil house is to the right of the fog signal.
18 - Master Bedroom - National Parks Gallery
Though this room was the Keeper’s bedroom, it is now used as a place for visitors to congregate and view exhibits before climbing to the tower.
Red-Backed Salamander - National Parks Gallery
Salamanders, like this red-backed salamander, can be found in cool, damp places throughout the islands.
Outer Island Shoreline - National Parks Gallery
The beach at the north end of Outer Island is part of the view looking east from the Outer Island Lighthouse Tower.
View of the Sea Caves from the Mainland Trail
Several nice views of the mainland sea caves can be seen from overlooks along the Lakeshore Trail.
05 - Climbing the Steps - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
From the dock, there is a stairway of 76 steps leading to the lighthouse grounds.
22 - Friendly Rangers - National Parks Gallery
Rangers and volunteers frequently staff the station to guide tours and answer questions.
Little Sand Bay - National Parks Gallery
The Hokenson Brothers Fishery is found along the beach at Little Sand Bay. This beautiful mainland beach is a favorite among many local residents.
View from Julian Bay - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
At 382 miles long and 160 miles wide, Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake by surface area.
Tourist Attraction - Devils Island Sea Caves
The north end of Devils Island is honeycombed with sea caves. Devils Island is the namesake of the colorful, thinly-bedded sandstone formation that contains the most spectacular sea caves.
Lake Superior in winter - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Although the lake rarely ever freezes over completely, ice will typically form around the islands, such as here between Gull Island and the mainland.
Anchors Aweigh - free images of Wisconsin
The Apostle Islands feature a number of protected bays that are attractive anchorages for boaters.
Raspberry Island Picnic - National Parks Gallery
Picnic tables are located in most campsites and near several docks.
Ice Wall - free images of Wisconsin
walls of ice encrust the lower cliffs where wave spray has frozen on the rock.
Sea-kayakers - free images of Wisconsin
Sea-kayaks are the most popular small crafts used to visit the islands. Kayak outfitters are available for boat rentals and leading trips.
Hiking over the ice - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Once the ice on the lake is thick enough, thousands of visitors make the pilgrimage to catch a glimpse of these majestic caves.
Honeymoon Rock - free images of Wisconsin
This “sea stack” off the north end of Basswood Island is one of several such formations found along the islands’ rocky shores.
02 - Pictures from the boat - Public Domain image, National Parks Gall...
When the Cruise Boat gets close to the island, visitors cannot wait to take pictures of this gorgeous lighthouse.
Young Piping Plover - National Parks Gallery
Long Island has the only breeding population of piping plovers in Wisconsin. Park staff helps protect plover nests and band the baby birds of this endangered species.
16 - Dresser - free images of Wisconsin
The dresser and wash basin help furnish the keeper’s bedroom. Public domain photograph of cabinet interior, office, living or dining room, furniture, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
National parks: Dragonfly - public domain image
Dragonflies can fly at speeds of 30 miles an hour or more. This allows them to go between islands in a matter of minutes.
Mainland Sea Caves from the water
The best way to view the sea caves is being on the water. The opening in the center of the photo contains the “Keyhole” arch.
Outer Island - free images of Wisconsin
Rows of pebbles, like these on Outer Island, are left behind as waves decrease after a storm.
Headquarters Visitor Center - National Parks Gallery
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore’s Headquarters Visitor Center is located in the Old Bayfield County Courthouse in Bayfield.
Hazy View - free images of Wisconsin
Foggy conditions frequently obscure views in the Apostle Islands.
Outer Island Sandspit - National Parks Gallery
The beach at the south end of Outer Island is part of a formation known as a sandspit. These are deposits of sand that create long narrow landforms.
Sailing Past the Raspberry Island Lighthouse
The six light stations help make the Apostle Islands a Mecca for sailors.
National parks: Icicles - public domain image
Water dripping from the roof of a sea cave creates long dagger-like icicles.
Bazile and Sophie at the caves - Public Domain image, National Parks G...
Bazile and Sophie Panek checkin' out the caves. Picryl description: Public domain photograph of National Park, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions image.
Loading the Cruise Boat at Stockton Island
Park visitors get ready to load the cruise boat and make their way back to Bayfield. The Apostle Islands Cruise Service offers day trips to the islands and shuttles for overnight campers.