Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Caution Information See 6 current alerts
Current alerts (6)
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Caution
Hunting Season Safety
Hunting is allowed in parts of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore from mid-September through early January. Wear blaze orange to stay visible and keep pets leashed and in bright vests. Make noise while hiking so others can hear you. Stay aware and enjoy a safe visit. Click the link below for more information on hunting and trapping in the Lakeshore.
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Caution
Bear Alert
Black 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.
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Information
Stockton Island Trail Access
The trail between Presque Isle Bay and Quarry Bay on Stockton Island is open, but a footbridge on the western portion of the trail was washed out in a 2024 storm. Visitors must wade through shallow water or take an alternate route.
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Ongoing Closure Notices
Devils Island dock and campsites and West Bay Club on Sand Island are closed. These closures affect only a small portion of the Lakeshore. Enjoy your visit.
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Construction Activity at Little Sand Bay; Boat and Kayak Access Maintained
Construction 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.
More from the park: Construction Activity at Little Sand Bay; Boat and Kayak Access Maintained
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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.
Hours
Entire Park
| Every day | All Day |
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The park is open 24/7 year-round. Visitor centers are open only in summer, with varying hours.
Visitor centers
Bayfield Headquarters Closed today
Bayfield Headquarters
Today: Closed (Off-Season, Sep 30 – May 15)
Usual hours
| Every day | 9:00AM - 4:30PM |
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The Bayfield Headquarters Visitor Center is open during the summer and closes for the season in September.
Little Sand Bay Visitor Center
Little Sand Bay Visitor Center
| Every day | Closed |
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The Little Sand Bay Visitor Center will be closed throughout 2026 due to construction associated with the Little Sand Bay Marina Rehabilitation Project. We appreciate your patience as we work to improve infrastructure and visitor access.
Visitor center page on nps.gov: Little Sand Bay Visitor Center
About this park
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, located at the northern tip of Wisconsin's Bayfield Peninsula, features 21 stunning islands, a scenic 12-mile shoreline along Lake Superior, and is located within the ancestral homeland of the Ojibwe people. Established in 1970, the park showcases picturesque sea caves, sandy beaches, and the largest collection of lighthouses in the National Park system.