Apostle Islands, Wisconsin, Was Named One of the Best Places to Travel in 2025—How to Visit

A group of forested, rugged islands form a barrier on the northern edge Wisconsin’s Bayfield Peninsula between the mainland, and the vast, crystal-clear waters of Lake Superior. Apostle Islands National LakeshoreThis natural landscape in the Midwest is one of its most stunning. In 1970, it was designated as a national park. This island chain has become a favorite weekend and summer destination among travelers who wish to explore the sea caves, relax on beautiful beaches and look for ancient shipwrecks.

The Apostle Islands have a relaxed charm that draws people back year after year. In 1945, Anna Novak’s grandparents bought a farm on Madeline Island—the largest in the archipelago—as a summer retreat from life in Chicago. Eighty years later, Novak and her cousins are still here—some living in the area as full-time residents, others returning for the summer.

​​”There’s a lot of fishing out of Bayfield. Novak says that many people come to hike, kayak, or bike because of the numerous hiking trails. “It’s no Mackinac Island—we’re not very touristy. We’re like Martha’s Vineyard in that there are a lot more summer residents.

The Ojibwe lived in this area thousands of years ago, before there were ice cream shops and guided tours to sea caves. They fished the deep waters, and collected wild rice near the Chequamegon Bay. French fur traders established outposts in the 17th century that eventually evolved into the towns of today. Bayfield, an art-filled harbor town with bed-and-breakfasts and galleries, is the main jumping off point to the Apostle Island. Meyers Beach can be reached via a short drive to the north of Bayfield.

La Pointe is the only village on Madeline Island. Take the 20-minute ferry ride from Bayfield. Madeline Island is the only town in the Apostle Islands chain, even though it’s part of the archipelago. Drive or bike from La Pointe to hike trails and beaches where you can enjoy the sunset. Only the Great Lakes can offer you a place with such wild beauty and adventure. It is no surprise that it has been named one of The Best Places to Visit in the World. best places to travel in 2025 By: Travel + Leisure.

Best Hotels & Resorts

St. James’s Social

Bayfield’s newest boutique hotel The restaurant is also a historic stay. Annalisa Bermel, a Bayfield resident, reopened the 1884 Italianate property in 2023. The couple renovated the space, adding a modern lounge, eight stylish rooms, and an expansive rooftop sauna with views of Lake Superior and Bayfield.

The Bayfield Inn

You can also find out more about us on our website. The Bayfield InnThe guests can enjoy the harbor activities and ferry traffic from a great vantage point. The boutique inn, located at the edge of the waterfront in downtown Bayfield is the perfect location for visitors who are planning to spend their vacation on the lake. Head upstairs to the rooftop deck in the summer for fish tacos, drinks and live music.

Wild Rice Retreat

Just outside Bayfield, Wild Rice Retreat It is open throughout the year and sits in 100 acres of forest near Lake Superior. The Scandinavian-styled lodging was designed by architect David Salmela, and the large windows provide a view of the Northwoods. Yoga, forest walks and wood-fired Sauna sessions are available to guests. They can also enjoy shared meals prepared with seasonal ingredients.

Old Rittenhouse Inn

The hilltop above Bayfield is a great place to enjoy the view. Old Rittenhouse Inn The hotel is celebrating 50 years in 2025. The property may be most known for its ruddy red Victorian mansion-turned-B&B, but it also includes a sibling inn called Le Chateau Boutin, formerly owned by lumber baron Frank Boutin Jr., and a nearby two-story cottage. Landmark Restaurant offers a five-course menu that includes fresh Lake Superior fish.

Camp on the Apostles Islands

Camping is available on 18 of the Apostle Islands, but access and amenities may vary depending on island. Use National Park Service resources To help you plan your trip in a safe manner, and to ensure that you adhere to the Leave No Trace principle.

The Best Things to do

Explore the Apostle Islands.

You can enjoy the beauty of Lake Michigan in many ways depending on your level of mobility and time constraints. Apostle Island CruisesThe most popular way to reach the islands is by using the. It departs from Bayfield Harbor.

“There’s a grand tour that doesn’t involve getting off the boat, so they’ll take you on a trip around the islands to see some beautiful lighthouses and even get all the way out to Devil’s Island,” says Kati Anderson, public relations manager for the Bayfield Chamber & Visitor Bureau. You can also go to Sand Island and Raspberry, Michigan on certain days.

Other island excursions are available. Contact Wild Pursuits Boat Charters, Willigan’s AdventuresIf you want to know more about a specific topic, please click on the link. Adventure Vacations. Keep an eye on the weather when you are out kayaking or in a boat.

Visit La Pointe on Madeline Island.

The town of La  Pointe on Madeline Island is reachable by a 20-minute ferry from Bayfield. Wander over to Grampa Tony’s Discover local art when you buy ice cream Woods HallSpend an afternoon at the. Madeline Island Museum. Enjoy a beverage and the humorous signage as you end your day. Tom’s Burned Down Cafe.

Catch a show at Big Top Chautauqua.

Visit the Apostle Islands and enjoy a concert by your favorite artist at Big Top Chautauqua. At the base Mt.  Since the 1980s, Ashwabay’s 900-seater tent theater, with its blue-and white stripes, has welcomed legends including Johnny Cash and Joan Baez as well as regional acts.

Discover the Bayfield Fruit Loop.

Bayfield Fruit Loop offers pre-picked and picked-yourself berries and apples from May through October. These orchards are often family-run and have been for generations. But there is always something new. Bayfield’s local apple cider is now available in a brand new location.

“It is called Apfelhaus cidery and it’s related to Hauser’s Superior View Farm. “The owner has just opened this beautiful taproom. It’s modern, with a lake view,” Anderson says.

Fruit Loop stops are also available at: Blue Vista Farm, Bayfield Winery and Blue Ox Cider. Erickson Orchards & Country Store.

Best Restaurants

Greunke’s First Street Inn & Dining

Greunke’s Feels like you’re walking through a time machine. Its old-school charm is enhanced by the vintage decor and local memorabilia. The classic breakfast, fresh fish and homemade soups will fill you up to take on whatever adventure awaits.

Hoop’s Fish

Hoop’s It’s a seasonal restaurant and a fish market. Here, the fresh-caught Lake Superior Whitefish is served blackened or fried with coleslaw. You can dine under the pavilion while enjoying the views of Lake Superior.

St. James’s Social

Don’t miss Tuesday pizza night at St. James Social. The pies are made in a Neapolitan style with a sourdough base and toppings which often feature the best Wisconsin produce. Executive chef Leonard Colton Burton’s expanded menu is available Thursday through Sunday. It features a rotating list of small dishes, entrees and decadent desserts.

Grampa Tony’s

Grampa Tony’s will be celebrating its 80th Anniversary in 2025 in the middle of La Pointe. The kids line up for scoops of ice cream and floats while the parents relax in the shade at picnic tables outside or on the roof. After a beach trip or before boarding the ferry, this is a must stop.

The Pub Restaurant & Wine Bar

Just steps away from the sea, you will find the restaurant at The Inn on Madeline Island Views are as unforgettable as the food. Breakfast or dinner is served in the wood-beamed dining area with its floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking Lake Michigan. You can expect hearty Midwestern favorites, friendly service and stunning sunsets.

When is the best time to visit?

From July through August, Lake Superior’s waters are at their most inviting for swimmers and kayakers. Bayfield celebrates the Bayfield Festival in early October. Bayfield Apple FestivalThis annual food and arts fair celebrates local farmers.

How to get there

Driving to Bayfield in northern Wisconsin (about 90 minutes east from Duluth) will take you to the Apostle Islands National lakeshore. There are ferries, sailing tours, and private boats that can take you to the islands. Madeline Island, the only island with regular ferry services, is also accessible by tour boat or kayak.

The Apostle Islands: How to get around

You can drive or walk to Madeline Island. Rent scooters or bikes to explore Big Bay State Park, Big Bay Town Park, or drive around the island. Bayfield is easily navigable by car, on foot or with the Bay Area Rural Transit. BART (Bay Area Rural Transit) is a bus that runs between Bayfield and the BART bus station.

For access to the Apostle Islands, contact one or more of the many local boating or sailing charter companies Operating out of Bayfield or Red Cliff, Cornucopia or Ashland. Kayakers with the right equipment and experience can paddle on the water using Meyers Beach.

Islands to Visit

Devil’s Island

Devil’s Island lies on the outer rims of the Apostles Islands. It’s worth the rough boat ride to experience one of the most dramatic sights in the archipelago. Kayaking around the sculpted caves of its sea and sandstone cliffs is a popular activity for travelers from all over. Hiking trails lead to a lighthouse built in the 1890s perched over Lake Superior.

Stockton Island

Stockton Island’s exterior shoreline is visible at the north end Madeline Island. There are perfect sands beaches, sea caverns, and sea stacks you can climb to make great cliff jumps. This beach has an unusual natural feature.

Stockton Island is my favorite place to visit. singing sands on Julian BayNovak. “There are few beaches on the planet where you can hear a singing sound when you swirl the sand with your hands.”

Michigan Island

Disclaimer: A trip to Michigan Island involves a lot of stair climbing. Dock at the southern end of the island, and then climb the stairs. You’ll see orchards that were planted by lighthouse keepers and are still maintained by the National Park Service. Climb even higher into the Michigan Island Light Station to get a panoramic view of the Apostle Islands.

Manitou Island

Manitou Island is a great place to get a feel for the past. The National Park Service maintains a preserved commercial fishing camp. Only accessible by boat, this island has quiet trails, pebbled beach, and one camping site on its north end. History buffs and campers will love this off-the grid destination.

Raspberry Island

Raspberry Island’s most famous features are its restored lighthouse and trails for families. The short loop winds through hardwood forests and offers sweeping views of Lake Superior. The summer rangers provide tours, making it one of the easier islands to explore. The Madeline Island Museum has the original Raspberry Island lens.