We recently featured6 must-check-out lakes, and there was one obvious standout that most people have heard of but probably don’t know nearly enough about: Lake Superior, specifically the Apostle Islands.
Because honestly, when you see photos of the Apostles, it’s hard to believe this is right here in Wisconsin.
Pristine blue water. Sandstone cliffs. Sea caves. Lighthouse-dotted islands. The Apostle Islands are THAT girl. Just be prepared to work a little for those Instagram-worthy views.
The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is made up of 21 islands and 12 miles of mainland shoreline, covering more than 69,000 acres of land and water. The area became a National Lakeshore in 1970, and today it’s one of Wisconsin’s best spots for getting outside (and getting very, very far away).
You can hike, camp, swim, explore historic lighthouses or get out on the water. And if you really want to see what makes the Apostles special, kayaking is the move.
There are outfitters around Bayfield that offer guided kayak trips, rentals and safety instruction. If you’re new to kayaking, a guided trip is a much smarter move than trying to wing it.
There are two main kayak launch points on the mainland:
- Meyers Beach: Located off Highway 13 between Cornucopia and Red Cliff. There is a $5 parking fee, and you’ll take a staircase down to the beach.
- Little Sand Bay: Located west of the harbor off Old Highway K and Little Sand Bay Road. Parking is free, although the visitor center is closed throughout 2026 for construction.
From there, you can paddle toward the islands, beaches and, when conditions cooperate, the famous sea caves.
The Apostle Islands’ sandstone sea caves are one of the biggest draws, and for good reason. In the summer, you can see them from the water around Devils Island, Sand Island and along the mainland near Meyers Beach.
Want to make a full weekend out of it? Camping is available throughout the National Lakeshore, with campsites spread across several of the islands. You’ll need a camping permit, and reservations can be made through Recreation.gov. Or, for those who prefer their wilderness experience to include Wi-Fi and an actual bed, there are plenty of Airbnbs around Bayfield.
The Apostle Islands are one of those Wisconsin destinations that make you question why you haven’t been there yet. They’re beautiful, a little wild and just remote enough to feel like you escaped the state without actually leaving it.
Ready to make the trip? Before you throw a kayak in the car and head north, check the latest weather, conditions, access and park info. Lake Superior is gorgeous, but she is also not messing around. Plan your visit with the National Park Service.
And then there are the ice caves…
Now, if you’re feeling REALLY adventurous, keep an eye out for the Apostle Islands ice caves in winter.
When Lake Superior gets cold enough for the right combination of thick, stable ice and calm conditions, you can actually walk across the frozen lake to explore ice formations along the sandstone cliffs near Meyers Beach.
Sounds incredible, right?
Here’s the catch: it almost never happens.
From 2000 to 2023, the mainland ice caves were accessible just 2% of all days. And since 2000, most of the ice-cave openings have happened in just four years: 2004, 2008, 2009 and 2014.
The most recent opportunity was one day in 2026, while the previous opening was a brief nine-day stretch in 2015.
So, basically, if you manage to make it to the ice caves, consider yourself wildly lucky.
Want to see the ice caves for yourself? Keep an eye on current conditions and access updates before making the trek. Check the National Park Service’s ice caves page for the latest info.