Little Sand Bay kayak launch site offers increased accessibility

Paddling the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is an amazing opportunity for kayakers, including those who face mobility challenges.

The National Park Service has now installed an accessibility mat at the Hokenson Fishery Kayak Launch at Little Sand Bay on the mainland. The mat makes it easier for people who might need wheelchairs or other mobility aids to access the sandy launch site, which is to the west of the harbor.

The view from the kayak launching area toward the harbor breakwater. Erica Peterson photo.

The other official launch site is at Meyers Beach, where paddlers currently need to carry their boats down a set of wooden stairs to the beach. The Meyers Beach launch provides access to the amazing mainland sea caves. The Friends is working with the park on a significant project that will make this kayak launching site more accessible too. We’ll have more to say about that important and exciting initiative in the weeks and months to come.

National Park Service Map

Before you hit the water, the Friends and the National Park Service encourage you to use the proper equipment, know your abilities and keep a close eye on the weather. Lake Superior might be glass calm when you launch but conditions can change quickly.

For more information on safely kayaking the Apostle Islands, visit the NPS website.

Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus. For more information about Apostle Islands National Lakeshore,  call (715) 779-3398 or visit go.nps.gov/ApostleConditions.

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