Friends cruise guests experience the magic of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Cruise guests watched the sun set from the observation deck - Jon Okerstrom photo

August 9, 2025

It was a magical night for guests on the sold-out Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore cruise. Magical because Canadian wildfire smoke that had shrouded northern Wisconsin for weeks disappeared just in time. Magical because nearly glass-calm conditions made it easy to dine on catered delicacies and home-made treats. Magical because many guests were able to cool off by wading in the clear waters of Julian Bay, then cap off the evening with a beautiful sunset. And magical because a shared love of the Lakeshore brought all of these like-minded people together for an evening of fun and commitment to the Lakeshore we love.

Jeff Rennicke welcomes guests aboard the Superior Princess – Jon Okerstrom photo

Jeff Rennicke welcomes guests aboard the Superior Princess – Jon Okerstrom photo

Guests sampling gormet sandwiches, smoked fish, vegies and sweet treats - Jon Okerstrom photo

Guests sampling gormet sandwiches, smoked fish, vegies and sweet treats – Jon Okerstrom photo

Island City Kombucha offered samples to cruise guests while the captain piloted the boat to Stockton Island - Jon Okerstrom photo

Sampling Island City Kombucha and other beverages – Jon Okerstrom photo

Watch the video to hear Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Executive Director Jeff Rennicke’s message to 60 of our good Friends.

Executive Director Rennicke told the crowd gathered in Stockton Island’s accessible amphitheater, “We talk a lot about a park’s recreation potential. We talk a lot about its wildlife. We talk about its scenery. Let’s talk about its magic too. Because this place has that magic, particularly when you step off the boat with so many great Friends.  We have often billed this trip as a ‘thank you,’ so let me say, thank you.”

He said, “Our job is to work with the park to figure out how we can help to make this park even better than what it is. We raise awareness, we raise volunteers, and we raise funds for projects like this (the accessible ampitheater on Stockton Island) to help make the park better. 

Jeff Rennicke talks to cruise guests in the accessible amphitheater on Stockton Island - Mark Weller photo

Jeff Rennicke: “This is a magical place.” – Mark Weller photo

Jeff Rennicke talks to cruise guests in the accessible amphitheater on Stockton Island - Mark Weller photo

Jeff Rennicke: “We get by with a little help from our Friends.” – Mark Weller photo

Rennicke thanked the current and former members of the National Park Service who joined us on the trip, including trip sponsor Wickcraft Boardwalks, Acting Superintent Tucker Blythe and Communications and Education Director  Lucas Westcott,  retired Superintendent Lynne Dominy, and retired ranger Neil Howk who now serves on the Friends board.

Rennicke also thanked Friends board members and outgoing board member John Boyle. Rennicke presented Boyle with an inscribed compass for his eight years of service. He said Boyle has been a “quiet, solid, insightfull force for our organization.”

Jeff Rennicke and John Boyle - Mark Weller photo

Jeff Rennicke and John Boyle – Mark Weller photo

Engraved compass given to board member John Boyle for his service to Friends - Jon Okerstrom photo

John’s inscribed compass – Jon Okerstrom photo

Rennicke also thanked our business members and donors. “If you are a donor, a member, a former board member or a volunteer to friends, raise you hands. And please give yourselves. a big hand.” 

He then invited guests to make the short hike to Julian Bay to enjoy the singing sand beach, cool water and beautiful view. And he jokingly cautioned that anyone not back to the Superior Princess by eight, might just be left on the island. Thank you, Friends, for making the 2025 cruise as magical as it was. And a special thanks to Co-executive Director Jill Rennicke, and everyone who helped to make it happen, including Island City Kombucha, Bodin Fisheries and Apostle 22. We’ll see you on next year’s cruise.

Julian Bay Trail sign and people walking down the path - Mark Weller photo

Hiking to Julian Bay – Mark Weller photo

Guests wade in the cool water at Julian Bay beach on a hot evening - Mark Weller photo
Guests arrive at Julian Bay after a short hike - Mark Weller photo

Cruise guests enjoying the cool water and singing sands of Julian Bay – Mark Weller photos

The captain takes in the sunset before departing Stockton Island - Jon Okerstrom photo

Captain Dave takes in the sunset before departing Stockton Island – Jon Okerstrom photo

Guests on the upper deck - Greg Lais photo

Guests enjoy the sunset on the upper deck – Greg Lais photo

Sunset over Lake Superior with boat horn and roof in the foreground - Jon Okerstrom photo

Sunset over the upper deck bow of the Superior Princess – Jon Okerstrom photo

Upper deck guests in silhouette as the sun sets - Jon Okerstrom photo

Upper deck guests in silhouette as the sun sets – Jon Okerstrom photo

Spray from the Superior Princess, illuminated by the setting sun - Jon Okerstrom photo

Spray from the bow of the Superior Princess glistens in the setting sun – Jon Okerstrom photo

Boats lined up along the docks in Stockton Island harbor at sunset - Jon Okerstrom photo

Sunset over the Stockton Island harbor – Jon Okerstrom photo

Jon Okerstrom

Written by Jon Okerstrom, a Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore board member and digital and social media volunteer with a background in digital and television journalism, photography and graphic design.

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