During this challenging time of change for our nation and for our national parks, Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore wants to shine a bright light – a lighthouse beacon if you will – on this very special place and on the people dedicated to protecting the national lakeshore for future generations. That’s the goal of our series entitled “Love our Lakeshore.”
In this report Friends of the Apostle Islands board member and former NPS ranger Neil Howk tells us what it’s like to be a volunteer for the National Park Service, stationed on Sand Island or Waabaabikaa-minis. He says visitors are making the most of the great mid-summer conditions this week; there’s so much to do on Sand Island.
What are you doing here?
Since July 23, conditions have been relatively calm and warm to hot. Ideal for most of the outdoor activities that visitors like to pursue on Sand Island. Many paddlers have kayaked out to the Swallow Point sea caves and to visit the lighthouse as part of a day trip. I have entertained groups led by Trek and Trail, Lost Creek Adventures, and Whitecap Kayaks.
Swallow point paddlers – Neil Howk photo
A lighthouse tour is usually, but not always, part of the adventure. Hikers are walking the two mile trail from East Bay to the lighthouse. The wind has not been great for sailing, but I’ve frequently seen boats cruising past the lighthouse or anchored in one of the bays. I saw lots of power boats last weekend.
Visitors at the top of the Sand Island light – Neil Howk photo
Sailboats anchored off of Sand Island – Neil Howk photo
I’ve seen fishermen early in the morning. A pair of guys in a 14 foot boat beached at the lighthouse to take a tour after giving up on fishing for the day. Folks have tried out paddle boarding near the dock at East Bay.
It has been so hot, visitors have regularly been swimming off the rock shelves at the lighthouse. I arrived at the light a couple days ago to surprise several young men who were skinny dipping in the lake. They were cooling off after their paddle trip. I’m afraid I brought their frolic to an end asking them to cover up before other visitors arrived.
Fishermen come ashore – Neil Howk photo
Swimmers on the Sand Island rocks – Neil Howk photo
The campsites are getting regular use, but have not all been full. I’m a bit surprised they have not been busier. It seems to be prime time for summer camps. Almost every night we have one or two groups from camps in northern Wisconsin and Minnesota. I’ve seen more girl camps than boys so far. The cruise boat brings visitors every Wednesday. Some folks just stop to picnic.
Group campsite – Neil Howk photo
Hiking the boardwalk – Neil Howk photo
I’ve enjoyed seeing so many young people learning to get comfortable in the outdoors. Many visitors like to chat, but many are just seeking a chance to escape. I think many come here looking for solitude and a chance to be free to be themselves…and perhaps take a skinny dip.
Sand Island rocky beach – Neil Howk photo
During this challenging time of change for our nation and for our national parks, Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore wants to shine a bright light – a lighthouse beacon if you will – on this very special place and on the people dedicated to protecting...
During this challenging time of change for our nation and for our national parks, Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore wants to shine a bright light – a lighthouse beacon if you will – on this very special place and on the people dedicated to protecting...
During this challenging time of change for our nation and for our national parks, Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore wants to shine a bright light – a lighthouse beacon if you will – on this very special place and on the people dedicated to protecting...
During this challenging time of change for our nation and for our national parks, Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore wants to shine a bright light – a lighthouse beacon if you will – on this very special place and on the people dedicated to protecting...
Map of Sand Island campsites and trails – NPS map – click to enlarge
Visitors to Sand Island often arrive at the public dock in East Bay. They may camp at one of the 6 individual campsites or 3 group campsites. Most of the sites are near the dock. Some sites have wooden accessible platforms.
Boats often anchor at East Bay, Justice Bay, and Lighthouse Bay, depending on wind conditions. Paddlers sometimes come ashore by beaching their kayaks on a rock ledge beneath the lighthouse at the northern end of the island.
To learn more about your next adventure on Sand Island, visit the Discover the Park section of our website. You can also see current alerts, advisories and additional information about Sand Island campsites on the National Park Service website. You can also search our archives for stories about Sand Island’s rich history and more.
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