Apostle Islands

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore lies in northwestern Wisconsin on the waters of Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world. Our base camp in Little Sand Bay is immediately adjacent to the Apostle Islands on the South Shore of Lake Superior. The area is an enticing mix of rolling hills, sandstone cliffs, sand beaches, and a 22-island archipelago covered with a beautiful mix of northern hardwood and boreal forest that are laced with streams, waterfalls, and wetlands. It is a kayaker's paradise with endless options to explore. The town of Bayfield, Wisconsin, is the jumping-off point for your adventure in the Apostles. Visitors can find a variety of scenic features on the islands, including pristine stretches of sand beaches, spectacular sea caves, and some of the largest stands of remnant old-growth forests in the upper Midwest. Spot diverse populations of birds, mammals, amphibians, and fish, and visit the largest collection of nationally registered lighthouses in the entire National Park system.

Temperatures in the summer and fall months range from 45 F to 90 F. Rainfall can vary, but you should expect at least one day of rain. Weather in the area is strongly influenced by Lake Superior and can change suddenly.

In 2016 the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore received the National Park Service “Accessibility Excellence” Award for developing universally designed campsites at Quarry Bay on Stockton Island and East Bay on Sand Island. Sites now include a boardwalk leading to oversized tent pads, making the sites accessible for individuals with limited mobility. Wilderness Inquiry introduced principles of Universal Design in developing Little Sand Bay Base Camp during renovations starting in 2008, with many improvements since. Our fully-accessible property features tent pads with ramp access, boardwalks over low laying areas, accessible bathroom and shower facilities, in addition to custom-designed kayaks. These features make our trips in the Apostle Islands a perfect choice for novice and expert campers and paddlers alike.

Our experienced Outdoor Leaders will lead you to explore some of the most gorgeous sea caves, cliffs, rock formations, and hidden beaches the Apostle Islands have to offer. Visit Meyers sea caves, explore Sand Island and gaze upon Lake Superior shipwrecks. Learn basic paddling skills, explore new areas, and make new friends all from the comfort of our custom accessible 3-person Current Designs kayaks.

Bayfield County has nearly forty hiking trails and hosts part of the North Country National Scenic trail, the longest national scenic trail in the nation. Explore hidden waterfalls, sea caves, historic steamboat landings, and more! Some of our favorite hiking options include: Lost Creek, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore overlooks, Frog Bay, and Houghton Falls.