APOSTLE ISLANDS

• USBFI
• Latitude: 46.8084
• Longitude: -90.8157
• Great Lakes
• Marina in US

Location: Bayfield WI US

The Apostle Islands are a group of 22 islands located in Lake Superior, off the northern tip of Wisconsin, USA. They are renowned for their natural beauty, rich history, and recreational opportunities. While the Apostle Islands are not a major commercial marine port, they boast several facilities and features that are relevant for boating and smaller maritime activities. Below is a description and some specifications related to these islands:

General Description:

• Location: Northern Wisconsin, Lake Superior, USA
• Coordinates: Approximately between 46.7°N and 47.0°N latitude, and 90.4°W and 91.0°W longitude.
• Accessibility: Primarily accessible by water; closest mainland access point is Bayfield, Wisconsin.
• Management: Many of the islands are part of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, managed by the National Park Service.

Key Features and Specifications:

• Islands: 22 individual islands, ranging in size and characteristics.
• Natural Attractions: Sea caves, old-growth forests, sandy beaches, and diverse wildlife habitats.
• Lighthouses: Several historic lighthouses, including the Raspberry Island Lighthouse and the Outer Island Lighthouse.
• Recreational Activities: Boating, kayaking, camping, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
• Harbors and Docks:
  • Bayfield Harbor: The primary jumping-off point for visiting the islands; it contains marinas and docking facilities.
  • Stockton Island: Notable for its public docking facilities and campsites.
  • Raspberry Island: Features docking facilities near the lighthouse.
• Marinas:
  • Bayfield Marina: Offers transient slips, fuel dock, and other services.
  • Pikes Bay Marina: Located just south of Bayfield, providing additional docking options.
• Navigation: Detailed nautical charts are essential due to rocky shoals, variable weather conditions, and narrow channels between some islands.
• Visitor Centers:
  • Bayfield Visitor Center: Main information hub on the mainland.
  • Little Sand Bay Visitor Center: Offers information and services closer to the islands.
• Environmental Conditions: Lake Superior is known for cold water temperatures, rapidly changing weather, and strong winds, thus requiring careful planning for marine activities.

Safety and Regulations:

• Permits: Camping on many of the islands requires a permit.
• Waste Management: Leave No Trace principles are enforced to protect the natural environment.
• Boating Restrictions: Speed limits and wake regulations in certain areas to protect the shorelines and sensitive habitats.

Logistics:

• Access:
  • Ferry Services: Seasonal ferry services from Bayfield to Madeline Island, which has the most developed infrastructure including roads and services.
  • Private Boats: Private and charter boat services are common for exploring the other islands.

Conservation:

• Protected Areas: Much of the Apostle Islands is protected as part of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, ensuring the conservation of natural and cultural resources.

Historical Significance:

• Cultural Sites: Native American history, early European exploration, and lighthouse keepers' stories are tightly woven into the fabric of the islands' history.

In summary, while the Apostle Islands do not serve as a major commercial marine port, they offer a wealth of facilities and natural features ideal for recreational maritime activities, ecological tourism, and historical exploration.