Hermit Island

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

About the Island

Most of Hermit Island slopes fairly steeply from its shorelines up to about 175 feet above the lake at the center of the island. According to legend, the island’s name may have derived from a man named William Wilson. As the story goes, he lived alone on the island after being forced into exile from the Madeline Island community of La Pointe in the mid 1800s.

An abandoned quarry lies about midway along the southeasterly shoreline of Hermit Island. Large blocks of sandstone still await shipment. 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 shape of hermit island on the horizon, with the nearly-calm water reflecting the sun beaming through dappled clouds

Hermit Island solitude. Click image to enlarge. – Photo: Jeff Rennicke

Hermit Island – Eshkwegwindeg-minis

Location:  46.8862° N, 90.6880° W

Features: 

  • 733 acres
  • No dock
  • No hiking trails
  • Primitive camping only
  • Several beaches
  • Historic quarry

NPS Hermit Island Information:

Where would you like to go next?

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Cat Island - Camping

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Eagle Island - No amenities

Gull Island - No amenities

Hermit Island - Camping

Ironwood Island - Camping

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Outer Island - Camping, dock, hiking, lighthouse

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