Basswood Island

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

About 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 showing the island outline and features

NPS Map – Click image to enlarge

Two men row a skiff at sunrise, with Basswood Island in the distance

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:

Where would you like to go next?

Basswood Island

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Little Sand Bay – Mainland

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Long Island

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Manitou Island

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Meyers Beach – Mainland

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Basswood Island - Accessible features, camping, dock, hiking, popular

Bear Island - Camping

Cat Island - Camping

Devils Island - Camping, dock, hiking, lighthouse, popular

Eagle Island - No amenities

Gull Island - No amenities

Hermit Island - Camping

Ironwood Island - Camping

Little Sand Bay: Mainland - Accessible features, dock, mainland, popular, visitor center

Long Island - Dock, hiking, lighthouse

Manitou Island - Camping, dock, hiking

Meyers Beach: Mainland - Camping, hiking, mainland, popular

Michigan Island - Accessible features, camping, dock, hiking, lighthouse, popular

North Twin Island - Camping

Oak Island - Camping, dock, hiking, popular

Otter Island - Camping, dock, hiking

Outer Island - Camping, dock, hiking, lighthouse

Park Headquarters: Mainland - Accessible features, mainland, popular, visitor center

Raspberry Island - Dock, hiking, lighthouse, popular

Rocky Island - Camping, dock, hiking

Sand Island - Accessible features, camping, dock, hiking, lighthouse, popular

South Twin Island - Camping, dock, hiking

Stockton Island - Accessible features, camping, dock, hiking, popular, visitor center

York Island - Camping