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
Free — you won’t need your pass here.
Free entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
- Fee type No fee — No fee is charged here.
- HoursThe park is open 24/7 year-round. Visitor centers are open only in summer, with varying hours.
- Source National Park Service ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
- Official pagewww.nps.gov ↗
- Contact 7157793398 · apis_information@nps.gov
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is located in northern Wisconsin along the shores of Lake Superior. The Lakeshore has several entrance points, with much of its area accessible primarily by water.
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Apostle Islands National Lakeshore — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
No Is there a fee at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore?
No — it’s free to enter, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
Yes Can you kayak, paddle, or boat here?
Yes — there’s water for boating and paddling at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.
Yes Can you camp at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore?
Yes — camping is available. Reserve ahead where required; you can check availability on Recreation.gov.
Depends Can you have a campfire?
Sometimes — campfires are subject to seasonal fire restrictions and bans. Always check current fire conditions first.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include Anderson Loop Trail, Basswood Island Trail, Boardwalk, and more. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Depends Can you ride OHVs or ATVs here?
Yes — off-highway vehicle use is among the activities here. Stay on designated routes and check any permit or registration rules.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Usually only leashed and in developed areas, campgrounds, and paved paths — not on most trails or in buildings. Pet rules vary by park, so check first.
No Are drones allowed?
No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Park Service land.
Yes What are the hours?
The park is open 24/7 year-round. Visitor centers are open only in summer, with varying hours.
Nearby sites
I, the copyright holder of this work, hereby publish it unde / CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge
CheckThis U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
NCTA National Park Service North Country National Scenic Trail
ConfirmedFree entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
