Basswood Island
JOIN USAbout the Island
Basswood Island is located about 1.5 miles east of the mainland. Because of its location and accessibility, Basswood Island may be the first of the Apostle Islands visited by most novice paddlers.
The southerly half of the island was used for several farms. The island has two stone quarries. The northwest corner is the location of a former fish camp. Basswood is the fifth largest island within the national lakeshore with an area of 1,917 acres. Excerpt 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 – Click image to enlarge
Two men row a skiff at sunrise, with Basswood Island in the distance. Click image to enlarge. – Photo: Jeff Rennicke
Basswood Island – Wiigobiish-minis
Location: 46.8568° N, 90.7379° W
Features:
- Located between Red Cliff and Madeline Island
- 70-foot dock located on the west side
- 6 campsites, 1 group site, primitive camping
- 5.5 mile trail loop
- Honeymoon Rock located off the island’s north end
- Brownstone quarries located on the island’s south end
NPS Basswood Island Information:
- General Information: https://www.nps.gov/places/basswood-island-apis.htm
- Campsites: https://www.nps.gov/apis/planyourvisit/basswood-campsites.htm
- How do I get there? https://www.nps.gov/apis/planyourvisit/commercial-services.htm
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