Raspberry Island

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Green islands on blue water with Raspberry Island called out in orange

About the Island

Raspberry Island is one of the smaller islands in the archipelago, only about 1 mile long from southwest to northeast and less than 0.5 mile wide. The history of Raspberry Island centers on the lighthouse, which served to guide steamships through the West Channel between the lighthouse and the mainland. It was built at the insistence of Bayfield’s founder and influential St. Paul politician, Henry Rice.

There are no designated campsites on the heavily used Raspberry Island, but primitive camping is limited to areas outside of the lighthouse grounds and sandspit area. Powerboats and sailboats usually anchor overnight in the sandspit area. Excerpts from Apostle Islands Water Trips by John C. Frank. Buy a copy here.

Proceeds benefit Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and the park.

Fast Facts

NPS map showing the island outline and features

NPS Map – Click image to enlarge

The restored Raspberry Island Light Station, with its white siding and red roof, sits high above Lake Superior

Raspberry Island Light Station. Click image to enlarge. – Photo: Jon Okerstrom

Raspberry Island – Miskominikaani-minis

Location:  46.9753° N, 90.7944° W

Features: 

  • 1 lighthouse, built in 1862, now restored
  • Public tours may be available if COVID protocols permit
  • 33.8 acres
  • 2 hiking trails
  • Primitive camping only
  • Public dock at lighthouse
  • No wild raspberries – keepers grew them

NPS Raspberry Island Information:

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