Outer Island

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

About the Island

Outer Island’s name is descriptive in that it simply is the island farthest away from the mainland – its sandspit is 24 miles out from Bayfield and 22 miles from Buffalo Bay and Little Sand Bay. The island claims perhaps the largest well-developed sandspit among the islands. The main trail through the center island has become exceedingly difficult to to follow. A crossing trail leads to an old logging camp.

The Outer Island Lighthouse was built in 1874, a 90 foot tall brick tower painted white and located at the northern tip of the island. 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

Top parts of the Outer Island lighthouse

Outer Island Lighthouse. Click image to enlarge. – Photo: Jon Okerstrom

Outer Island – Gichi-ishkwaayaan-minis

Location:  47.0478° N, 90.4330° W

Features: 

  • Easternmost and third largest island
  • 8,000 acres
  • 1 Lighthouses built in 1874
  • Original light visible for 20 miles
  • 2 hiking trails
  • 1 campsite located near the sandspit and lagoon
  • Primitive camping
  • Dock at lighthouse

NPS Outer Island Information:

Where would you like to go next?

Basswood Island

Basswood Island

Bear Island

Bear Island

Cat Island

Cat Island

Devils Island

Devils Island

Eagle Island

Eagle Island

Gull Island

Gull Island

Hermit Island

Hermit Island

Ironwood Island

Ironwood Island

Little Sand Bay – Mainland

Little Sand Bay – Mainland

Long Island

Long Island

Manitou Island

Manitou Island

Meyers Beach – Mainland

Meyers Beach – Mainland

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