Hiking and camping on the Apostle Islands, which offer up old-growth forests, historic fishing camps, and well-maintained trails, are bucket list adventures. Beyond climbing, other winter activities include hiking and cross-country skiing, but a word of caution: trails are not maintained during the winter months. Learn more about one of the best winter day trips in Wisconsin when you visit Wilmot Mountain online. The caves can also be seen by taking a 1.8 mile hike up the Lakeshore Trail. Tickets Available Soon! Marten, which haven't been documented on the islands in more than 40 years, are now thought to be inhabiting several islands. 4350 Mounds Park Rd, Blue Mounds, WI 53517. View the Apostle Island Ice Caves FAQ. Oak Island campers depart Bayfield on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays at 2:15pm. Thank you for supporting Hiking Thru Life! Gooseberry Falls State Park Some 200,000 visitors visit annually to check out this stunning geology, plus explore the islands. At this point you've probably figured out I'll include the Apostle Islands ice caves any time I can. Visiting Madeline Island As soon as the ice is out, the Madeline Island Ferry begins running 4 times a day from Bayfield to the village of La Pointe. Several of the islands also have campgrounds. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore contains . The Apostle Islands sit in a remote northwestern corner of Wisconsin on the shores of Lake Superior. Birch Grove Campground 7. The trail goes across Stockton Island to Trout Point. Meyers Beach Road, off Highway 13 about 5 miles east of Cornucopia, offers lake access, a beach, and a trailhead. Flickr/Sweet Alize. If you're passing through in winter, drive on over to Madeline on the "ice highway". Explore the Apostle Islands. "This is an especially challenging year for everyone. When people picture 'hiking' in their heads, it's usually a big summer scene or in a state park, but don't sleep on the opportunity to get outside for some fantastic hiking destinations this winter. Pro Tip: Winter Hiking Can Be Dangerous. Take a look at the winter frost outside and map out the winter hiking trails you need to hit this year. It is the only island with commercial development and a year-round population, and can be accessed by ferry most of the year and via an ice road in winter. Click on any name for more detailed information. Hiking trails, tours of historic structures, boating, fishing, and wildlife-watching are all available to the public, as well as winter activities, including ice-fishing and snowshoeing. Bass Lake Interpretive Trail 4. Reading: Hiking the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Trail At about 1.75 miles in hikers encounter the first view of a sea cave. Watch for newly formed cracks, slushy areas or thin spots in the ice. These trails will take hikers to lighthouses, former quarry sites, scenic overlooks, individual and group campsites, beautiful beaches, sites of old farms and logging camps, and through beautiful island forest. The freshwater in the Apostle Islands is also nothing like the lakes and rivers of Texas. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is well-known for its cold temperatures, fog, and sudden squalls. A Amy Bannon TRAVEL: Midwest Running Race Cabin Fever Athletes Hiking Doors History Places Campsites are available on some of the other islands, but Stockton Island, with a good range of hiking possibilities, is always a favorite. Welcome to Apostle Islands National Lakeshore A visit to the ice caves at . For those who love to head out to the backcountry for camping, you'll find beautiful spots on many of the islands. Search Apostle Islands Hiking Trails. Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio. Lake Superior Ice Caves - a breathtaking winter adventure THE ICE CAVES ARE CURRENTLY INACCESSIBLE Click Here For More Information from the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Best Winter Resorts in Central Wisconsin. The Apostle Islands is a wild region in the Bayfield Peninsula, at the extreme north of Wisconsin, bordering the Superior Lake and a part of the Apostle Island National Lakeshore. Located off the Bayfield Penninsula in Lake Superior, the Apostle Islands are a grouping of twenty-one islands that can be explored by boat or kayak. . Specific Area. Stockton is the best place to hike, because there are six different trails to wander along. We will update this page as conditions change. The nature preserve lands are open to the public for hiking, skiing, berry-picking and hunting. Apostle Islands Hiking Guides & Outfitters. Rent a moped or bike when you hop off the ferry to really do the island justice. Hiking, skiing, or snowshoeing out to see the Bayfield Apostle Islands Park Ice Caves is the most popular winter event in the area. This makes the National Lakeshore one of the best national parks to visit in December. In the spring, summer and fall we've taken the hiking trail from the Apostle Islands Meyers Beach parking lot to the top of the caves and have caught some impressive views of the caves.. During these three seasons, however, the best view of the caves is from the water . Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Facebook Page Current Conditions Ice Line: (715) 779-3398 x3 2014 Ice Caves The mainland ice caves have developed quite a reputation over the years as a "bucket list" winter activity. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore staff reports that travel on Lake Superior ice requires extra attention to personal safety. Hiking Guides & Outfitters Hiking Trails. Flickr/Sweet Alize. Why you should stay: A no-fuss yurt positioned high above Lake Superior.. A trail camera on Stockton Island in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore captured this image of an American marten, winter 2015. The Apostle Islands Park Bayfield Sea Caves make Meyers Beach a popular departure point for Kayakers wishing to explore the caves. It's a noticeable contrast from the thousands of visitors who walked on the frozen lake to see the ice caves at the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in 2014 and 2015. Lows vary from 40° F in late spring to the 50s mid . The trailhead is located at the Meyers Beach parking lot, on Meyers Road, which is 4 miles east of Cornucopia on State Highway 13. Flickr/stpaulgirl. It is a large gash cut into the stone escarpment. There are multiple trails for every experience level and a few groomed for skiing, as well. 3., and check the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore website. Visitors to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore can enjoy over 50 miles of maintained trails between all the Apostle Islands. We've also done a circumnavigation of the Caribbean. This page contains affiliate links We hope you find value in the products and services we recommend on this site. But many prefer taking the Wind Sled out to the island. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Mainland Trail 3. So, if you're planning a longer, active winter holiday in Apostle Islands, this chaletl will be a great accommodation choice for trips around the area. Whether you wish to enjoy a relaxing winter vacation or an . Mt. Of all the seasons, this is the one that is the most volatile, weather wise. One way to explore the scenic area of the Apostle Islands is by taking a 55-mile . Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is located on Lake Superior in northwest Wisconsin, the Apostle Islands group comprises 22 islands ranging in size from 3 to 9,900 acres. Apostle Islands, Wisconsin, USA. A favorite among locals and. Lake Superior Ice Caves - Bayfield. Set your GPS to 90500 Meyers Road and prepare for a lengthy 1.1-mile walk in each direction. Book your stay here. 7. Winter hiking also has its challenges, . Within the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore are Wisconsin's most northern place, Devils Island, and . Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Island Trails 2. In addition to trails, there are numerous sandy beaches which are great for walking and exploring. Length 2 miles or less 2 - 5 miles 5 - 10 miles Over 10 miles. you move onto the observation platform to take in a sweeping view of Lake Superior and if it is clear possibly the Apostle Islands. Bayfield Waterfront Trail 5. Several hiking trails start nearby. This, though, was a totally different experience. We recommend sturdy boots, ice cleats and ski poles for stability. Stockton Island Overnight Camping Shuttle. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. During the winter, needle-sharp icicles form at the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, creating ice caves that are out of this world. On the busiest days back in . Apostle Islands Hiking Trails. Visitors to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore can enjoy over 50 miles of maintained trails between all the Apostle Islands. The park is currently closed to non-tribal visitors, but once it opens anew, rake the Beach Trail to the water's edge and count the Apostle Islands in the distance. The first 0.75 miles of the Lakeshore Trail is a boardwalk. If you're planning a trip to the area, be sure to bundle up and bring layers! Apostle Islands/northern Ashland County Winter Trip. Winter Hiking Walk In The Woods Day Hike Wilderness Snowshoe Through the Vast Minnesota Wilderness For a memorable and fun winter activity nearly anyone can do, strap on a pair of snowshoes and venture deep into the snow-covered Minnesota wilderness. The trek across the ice can be difficult. Wear sturdy, waterproof boots. Consider bringing ski poles and heavy-duty winter boots along with heat packs, warm drinks, and other essentials. Hiking to the caves is a two-mile roundtrip journey across the ice. Our facilities are cozy and modest to make way for the miles of peaceful terrain maintained and supported by our community of volunteers and donors. Lake Superior Ice Caves - Bayfield. Good to Know Before You Go: Call the Ice Line for the latest conditions, 715-779-3397 ext. 3h 53m Trout Point trail is very challenging wilderness trail. There are also plenty of opportunities to hike, play on the beach, sight-see, camp out, and enjoy the rhythm of the world's largest freshwater lake, Lake Superior. The unique beauty and temporal nature of these ice formations serves to make the event all the more memorable and desirable. National Park Service Apostle Islands page. Good to Know Before You Go: Call the Ice Line for the latest conditions, 715-779-3397 ext. There are tons of amazing things to do on the Apostle Islands during the winter such as exploring the ice caves and hiking. These Wisconsin northern islands offer hiking trails, waterfalls, ski trails, snowmobile, lakes for fishing and opportunites for camping, swimming and boating. The Apostle Islands in winter are extra magical, and it's one of the best times to visit. Take a Cruise. One more stop on your trek will take you to the base of the 40-foot waterfall of the Caribou River. Ashwabay is a non-profit ski hill and outdoor recreation area in Bayfield, Wisconsin overlooking Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. The ferry stops running when the ice gets too thick. From the mainland trails, you can observe the frozen majesty of Lake Superior and the surrounding areas from some amazing viewpoints. December 18, 2017. . According to the National Park Service, one of the largest concentrations of black bears in North American can be found on Stockton Island. It is the largest of the Apostle Islands but is not part of the Apostle Islands National Seashore. Madeline Island is the largest island in the Apostle Island chain and is located just a short 25 minute ferry ride from Bayfield, WI. These Wisconsin northern islands offer hiking trails, waterfalls, ski trails, snowmobile, lakes for fishing and opportunites for camping, swimming and boating. 15. Flickr/stpaulgirl. According to the National Park Service, one of the largest concentrations of black bears in North American can be found on Stockton Island. We recommend sturdy boots, ice cleats and ski poles for stability. Wilmot Mountain also offers skiing and snowboarding if that is more up your alley, but honestly, going down a tube is classic Wisconsin winter fun. Snowshoeing the hiking trails of the Chequemagon National Forest has been our favorite Northern Wisconsin wintertime activity. The Apostle Islands is a wild region in the Bayfield Peninsula, at the extreme north of Wisconsin, bordering the Superior Lake and a part of the Apostle Island National Lakeshore. The freshwater in the Apostle Islands is also nothing like the lakes and rivers of Texas. 4350 Mounds Park Rd, Blue Mounds, WI 53517. If a noteworthy amount of snow falls just before your visit, try snowshoes for easier hiking. The mainland sea caves of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, which are the same caves that become the world famous ice caves in winter, are accessible via boat and hiking trail from Meyers Beach. Madeline Island is adjacent to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore on the South Shore of Lake Superior in Wisconsin. While the Apostle Islands are ideal for kayak access, the Lakeshore Trail offers a moderate difficulty overnight hiking option at about 11 miles round trip. Especially in winter, there are plenty of things to do in the Apostle Islands like enjoying the gorgeous ice caves. Each year is different, depending on the weather and how the water interacted . × Dismiss alert Have you ever been somewhere just a half day's drive from your home and couldn't believe you'd . While there are no authorized tours, visitors can explore the caves on their own during low-risk conditions. 17. Bluffs, greenery and overlooks make hiking a highlight of this island with 50 miles of trails to choose from. Most people visit the Apostle Islands in the spring, summer or fall, however when the Ice Road is open from Bayfield to Madeline Island it's an easy 1.5-mile drive. (Apostle Islands National Lakeshore photo) Here on the North Shore of Lake Superior, the winter season provides the opportunity for an abundance of outdoor activities. Supporters of the National Park Foundation help protect seashores like these and keep them ripe with hiking, paddling, sailing, and boating opportunities. Here are just a few of the natural wonders that especially shine during the winter: 1. Many of the islands have interesting sea caves dug into their shorelines and most have established hiking paths and campgrounds that visitors can use to explore the inland portions of the island. These trails provide access to lighthouses, abandoned quarries, old farm sites, historic logging camps, beaches, campsites, and scenic overlooks. In reality, that year the trail was pretty well packed so we didn't need our snowshoes, but a set of ski poles helped manage the ice. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore staff reports that travel on Lake Superior ice requires extra attention to personal safety. Call the Apostle Islands Ice Line at 715-779-3397 Ext. Winter Camping in Wisconsin When in northern Wisconsin, you may want to consider a day the Apostle Islands. Apostle Islands. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore has nearly 70,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness and the islands are home to some beautiful hiking trails. 3., and check the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore website. The remote Apostle Islands are hard to get to, but the park's new leader wants to change that. But the frozen sea caves of the Apostle Islands on the coast of Lake Superior are a . | Lutsen & Tofte | Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts. There are multiple trails for every experience level and a few groomed for skiing, as well. Brownstone Trail 9. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (Bayfield) . Over the years, we have sailed over 12,000 saltwater miles up and down the Eastern Seaboard and in the Bahamas. These trails will take hikers to lighthouses, former quarry sites, scenic overlooks, individual and group campsites, beautiful beaches, sites of old farms and logging camps, and through beautiful island forest. We are hopeful this trip will be "back to normal" in 2022. It features over 35 miles of skiing and hiking trails, which means that you won't run out of things to do, no matter the season. This section is fairly easy for any hiking level to do but you will not see any of the caves on the boardwalk. Wilderness Inquiry Kayak Base Camp Watch on View by Itinerary View by Date If a noteworthy amount of snow falls just before your visit, try snowshoes for easier hiking. THE APOSTLE ISLANDS Best Time to Visit Wisconsin. The state park also boasts a 70-foot beach, the tallest waterfall in the state, and a plethora of wildlife, including bears, otters, and moose. At this point you've probably figured out I'll include the Apostle Islands ice caves any time I can. Especially in the early Spring months, it is possible to still have snow, freezing rain and below freezing temperatures in the Apostle Islands. The Apostle Islands are the perfect place for hiking, and you can easily stay in an Apostle Island lodging cabin or do a little Apostle Island camping to extend your hiking days a little. There are downed trees, many of which had the trail marker on them. Clayton Creek Trail 10. Commonly used for access to the mainland sea caves (in summer) or ice caves (in winter), or hiking the Lakeshore Trail. When you visit Madeline Island during the spring, summer, or fall, you will board a ferry with your RV in Bayfield, Wisconsin. Hiking to the caves is a two-mile roundtrip journey across the ice. The trek across the ice can be difficult. We personally did the boat tour and hiking but wished we would have done a kayak tour around the islands. On your way out of the park . Madeline Island in Wisconsin offers one of the most scenic places in Wisconsin. MIWP is committed to education and advocacy — each summer we sponsor field trips and evening programs. Madeline Island (not part of the National Lakeshore) has camping at Big Bay SP, and a must-see Tom's Burned Down Cafe. Bring a compass to navigate the trail and do not attempt unless prepared. With over nine miles of hiking trails, the park offers . Within Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, there are 155 miles of shoreline, 15 public docks, 59 miles of hiking trails, 35 vault toilets, 65 campsites, 7 historic light stations, and over 150 historic buildings, spread out across 21 islands in 270 square miles of Lake Superior. Sea kayaking in the Apostle Islands is great for both novice and experienced paddlers. Oak Island campers are dropped off and picked up on the shuttle's way to Raspberry Island. Winter Hiking: NEW Hiking Adventures! Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Ice Caves: Hiking - See 220 traveler reviews, 166 candid photos, and great deals for Bayfield, WI, at Tripadvisor. 291 followers A popular Bayfield, Wisconsin winter attraction is touring the Lake Superior Bayfield Ice Caves of the Bayfield Peninsula. VIEW FULL MAP Reviews (2,121) Photos (2,988) 5 4 3 2 1 4.7 2,121 Reviews Sort by: Mark Lyon reviewed Meyers Beach Sea Cave Trail April 2, 2022 Hiking Watch out for falling ice and rock in and around the cliffs and caves. Between 1856 and 1929, nine lighthouses—the most in any national park—were built on six of the islands. - Check availability here. Nearest town: Bayfield; Sleeps: 6; Minimum stay: 1 night; Rates start from: $75/night; At the end of a .8-mile trail lies the Terra Cotta Yurt, a charming glamping site where you can sleep above the trees and take in fantastic views of the nearby Lake Superior — and even a few of the Apostle Islands. If planning a winter trip to the caves, call the automated Apostle Islands Ice Line at (715)779-3398, extension 3, for current ice conditions at the mainland caves, or check the current conditions or the park's Facebook page for status of the ice caves before visiting. Explore the tallest of the Apostle Islands! Beautiful Lakefront Cabin on a Private Peninsula - Hayward Big Ravine Trail 6. A natural stone arch bridges over the gap while 100 feet below the waves of Lake Superior crash into the gap. During winter, when the conditions are just right, it's possible to visit the Apostle Islands' ice caves. Drummond Ski Trails 11. Birkebeiner Trails 8. Hiking Trails in Bayfield County 1. Visit the largest island in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore! The Apostle Islands are 22 islands situated in a beautiful stretch of Lake Superior. Hikers can enjoy more than fifty miles of maintained trails on the islands of the National Lakeshore. One of just three national lakeshores in the U.S., the Apostle Islands is comprised of 21 islands and 12 miles of mainland shoreline, which boast sculptured red cliffs and sea caves galore. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore | Find Your Park This trip has been canceled for the 2021 season. 3 to get current ice conditions. This is a must for nature lovers, so make sure to bring your camera! The lakeshore is full of things to do, with everything from laid-back tours, to adrenaline-pumping adventures. Difficulty Easy Intermediate Difficult. Over the years, we have sailed over 12,000 saltwater miles up and down the Eastern Seaboard and in the Bahamas. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore has nearly 70,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness and the islands are home to some beautiful hiking trails. Trails are easy to reach as there are day-hiking cruise ship shuttles operating each day from Bayfield to Stockton. 15. This park has a nice 1.5 mile beach, a long boardwalk and about seven miles of hiking trails (but no biking trails). Getting there requires a two-mile hike on the ice of Lake Superior, which makes for a unique experience in itself! This, though, was a totally different experience. We've also done a circumnavigation of the Caribbean. We first snowshoe hiked out to the Bayfield Wisconsin & Apostle Island Ice Caves in 2007. Lake Superior may still have ice, too. Keyword. THE APOSTLE ISLANDS Best Time to Visit Wisconsin. A total wilderness experience can be had mere miles from the comforts of downtown Bayfield. Hiking in Winter Winter hiking on the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a very popular activity. When the conditions are just right—wintery weather and not too much wind—the Mainland Ice Caves at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore form delicate structures along Lake Superior. Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts. Photo: Airbnb. Winter hiking is a vastly underrated activity, but this year it will be extra crucial as a means of escape. There are so many ways to explore the Apostle Islands - from hiking, to kayaking or paddle boarding, or by boat. Camping is allowed on 19 of the islands and boat shuttles . During these months, the islands will be waking up from the winter season. As snow and ice transform the quiet landscape during the winter season, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore offers a popular attraction […] (Note for backcountry campers: there is a camping area 2 miles down the Lakeshore trail near Sand Point.) The hike begins to get more challenging as you leave the boardwalk and start the inclines over the rocks, roots, and gravel terrain. We may earn a small percentage of sales at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase through links on this page. Several of the islands also have campgrounds. Camping and hiking shuttles may be available by water taxi depending on the COVID status and National Park Service guidance. The National Park Service-protected area includes 21 of the clustered islands, a twelve-mile strip along the northwest shoreline of the Bayfield Peninsula, and the one . Winter Hiking: NEW Hiking Adventures! Explore Apostle islands - view hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Beginning at the popular Meyers Beach, the Lakeshore Trail is the only hiking trail within the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore that is also on mainland. Reference your own map of the ice cave area. Keep safety in mind at all times. The maximum vehicle length for the Meyers Beach parking lot is 45 feet. Visits require a two-mile hike across Lake Superior, so access to the caves is highly dependent on weather conditions (so don't get too excited just yet - "hiking" across Lake Superior right now may . 1. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore moderate (2) Length: 10.8 mi • Est. Endless Apostle Island Exploration The Grand Tour boat cruise takes you on a 3-hour trip with 55 miles of scenery. . Enjoy miles of hiking trails, beaches, and starry skies. The average daytime temperatures range from mid-60s in late spring and early fall to upper 80s in mid-summer.