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A Kwik Trip to the Apostle Islands
August 15, 2024
Even with more than 38,000 employees at the 878 Kwik Trip locations in the Midwest, all it takes is one to make a difference. Just over a year ago, Patrick “Mac” McGranahan, a Kwik Trip employee and member of Friends of the Apostle Islands, saw the potential in our Access for All campaign to align with the philanthropic giving philosophy of Kwik Trip. So, he took it upon himself to bring the idea to his company.
They loved it.
“Kwik Trip is very proud to be a corporate sponsor of the Friends of the Apostle Islands and specifically the Access for All Initiative,” said John McHugh, Kwik Trip’s Vice President of External Relations upon announcing a $50,000 donation to Access for All late last year.
“The Apostle Islands are a national treasure and anything we can do to help everyone experience the incredible, majestic beauty is important for us at Kwik Trip.”
John McHugh – Mark Weller photo
This week, a video crew from Kwik Trip’s public relations department came to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore to tell that story. Producer Amy DuPont and videographer Jordan Hedges spent the first part of their journey with Friends Executive Director Jeff Rennicke.
“Kwik Trip has been an important partner in our successful Access for All initiative,” Rennicke said. “They came on board with enthusiasm just as we were really ramping up our efforts. Their support and commitment to the project helped ignite the campaign and took us to new heights.”
Today, with the funding secured, the National Park Service has begun planning, engineering, and preparations for the contractor bidding process for the 520-foot, all-accessible ramp at Meyers Beach. Construction is slated to begin early next summer with the goal of completing the ramp by the fall of 2025.
Conceptual drawing of the Meyers Beach ramp
The video crew spent their first day in the Lakeshore getting the “lay of the land” as Rennicke guided them on a hike along the Lakeshore trail where they marveled at the wonder of the sea caves, filmed a group of kayakers from above, and began to understand the beauty that the project will help make accessible for everyone. They will also be interviewing paddlers, guides, and the National Park Service, as well as taking to the water themselves on a guided trip with Wilderness Inquiry.
Amy and Jordan on the Lakeshore Trail
Paddlers explore the mainland sea caves – Jeff Rennicke photos
The video they will produce from their visit will be shown at a series of Kwik Trip year-end employee meetings involving their more than 38,000 employees to show them all how great ideas begin with one. Then it will be shared with the public highlighting the commitment of Kwik Trip employees to helping others see and experience the beauty of the Apostle Islands.
Stay tuned for more on the Kwik Trip video as it reaches production and release. And remember, you can still support the Access for All program of Friends of the Apostle Islands as we continue to support the National Park Service efforts to make these islands open and welcoming for all.
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