Home

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore was established in 1970 to preserve the naturally wild and beautiful Lake Superior islands in northern-most Wisconsin.
“The Friends” have supported the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore since 2002.

Gift a Friends
membership
50th Anniversary
Memories
WATCH: Sense
of Adventure
Buy a
Book!
Join Our
Cause
Current Island
Wind & Waves

Latest News from the Friends

A time capsule letter to the future stewards of the Apostle Islands
What would you say to future stewards of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, as they celebrate 100 years of the park?
Erica Peterson’s legacy will live on in many forms as she steps down after nearly eight years of guiding the Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Erica saw her role with the Friends as “an opportunity to give back to the Park for all its beach walks, bog smells, wild storms, eagle sightings, and night skies,” …
Of sun dogs and sunlit winter mornings in the Apostle Islands
There is a place for scientific explanations, but on mornings like this with the bright sun shimmering over the sea smoke rising over Lake Superior, it is not science that …
The trail ahead: Friends charts the course for 2022 and beyond
The sun will soon set, ending a tumultuous year of challenges, changes, and setting the stage for tomorrow’s sunrise to begin the new year ahead. Seems like a good time …
Explore the Top 10 Friends website stories of 2021
DRUMROLL PLEASE! It has been a big year in the Apostle Islands — from fun and fanfare to tragedy averted. During this last week of the year,, Friends of the …
The day the sun stood still: winter solstice
The winter solstice marks the moment the sun reaches it furthest point in its southerly journey and seems to pause, just a moment, before beginning its slow trajectory back towards …
Dance of the birch trees
A walk in the dancing forest this morning reminded me of another windstorm, this one in December of 1874 and made famous by John Muir.
Leading the way: Friends Executive Director accepted into the National Park Foundation Leadership Institute Class of 2023
More than a training program, the Institute is a professional and personal development experience that provides participants with a unique opportunity to understand and develop their leadership style, build fundamental …
Give a gift that lasts all year. Give a gift of the Islands.
Do you have a paddler on your holiday list this season? Perhaps a sailor or hiker or lighthouse lover? Friends of the Apostle Islands can make your holiday shopping fast …
Sea Smoke: Winter in the air, and on the lake
Whatever the official definition of “sea smoke” is, it does not explain its effect on the human soul.
A Year to Remember: A letter from the Executive Directors and the Friends 2021 Annual Report
Read the 2021 Annual Report from the Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
Watch now: Friends receives 2021 Lake Superior Magazine Achievement Award Tuesday in Bayfield
The official presentation took place at 1:30 Tuesday afternoon at the Washington Avenue beach in Bayfield.
Top stories archive

WHAT A GREAT CELEBRATION IT WAS!

We hope you’ve enjoyed the 50th Anniversary celebration for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. We invite you to explore the coverage on our website as we plan for some exciting initiatives to start the next 50 years.

Learn More

Yes, I want to help

Your investment in the Friends of the Apostle Islands helps us to enhance and protect the park we all love. Learn about giving options for individuals and businesses.

Donate now with a debit card or credit card or with PayPal

Learn about how the donation process works.

More ways to invest in the park you love

Four pillars of the Friends mission

Accessibility

From the brand new amphitheater to board-walks and docks and approachable information, Friends works to improve accessibility to the Park for visitors of all abilities.
Learn more

Education
Sand Lighthouse

Part of our mission is to help protect, preserve and share the rich history of the Apostle Islands for future generations.
Learn more

Service
Meyers Beach Kayakers

We focus on practices and projects that safely enhance the visitor experience while encouraging a sense of adventure.
Learn More

Stewardship

We strive to build a foundation that ensures sustainable protection of all park resources – cultural and natural.
Learn More

Join our cause

Want to be a Friend? Invest your time, talent or treasure in the park we all love.

Join our cause with an individual or a business contribution.

Or join our list of volunteers to help improve your National Lakeshore.

Connect with us

We want to hear from you! Use our online form, email us or write us by mail at:

Friends of the Apostle Islands
P.O. Box 1574
Bayfield, Wisconsin 54814

Sign up for the Friends newsletter.

Shop with Friends

Show your love of the islands and support for the Friends by purchasing our beautiful annual Apostle Islands fine art prints.

Also, visit our 50th Anniversary store to see special commemorative gifts, many made by local artisans.