50th Anniversary

Join us in celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

2020 marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Nearby communities, two local tribes, and all who have visited feel the pull of Gichigami and the enduring allure of the islands. If you’ve visited, you’ve felt it too.

This year we celebrate the park’s significance, it’s rich history and promising future. Check back regularly as we add events, news, special features and more. For media inquiries, or to get involved as a partner, fill out the contact form and mention the 50th Anniversary in your comment.

History

Established by an act of Congress on September 26, 1970, the purpose of the park is “to conserve and develop for the benefit, inspiration, education, recreational use, and enjoyment of the public” the islands and their related geographic, scenic, and scientific values.

Partners

See the community and business partners helping us celebrate 50 years as an integral part of Wisconsin’s North Coast and learn how your business can join the celebration.

Events

2020 and 2021 will be filled with special events celebrating the National Lakeshore.

New! The online version of the Apostle Islands 50th Anniversary Resource Stewardship Symposium

Shop 50th

Browse official 50th Anniversary commemorative gifts, many made by local artists.

Your purchases help to support the park.

Enter to win an Apostle Islands Print

We would love to hear your Apostle Islands stories and learn what the islands mean to you. Tell us your story and be entered to win our special edition 50th Anniversary framed photograph featuring one of the Apostle’s most loved scenes. For more information please read the official give-away rules.

50th Anniversary News

On the Islands and on the air: Apostle Islands Symposium recap on Wisconsin Public RadioApril 15, 2021
Hosted by award-winning radio personality Robin Washington, the first half of the hour-long program offers a taste of several of the nearly 30 programs given at the Symposium
Friends teams up with Bigtop Chautauqua to celebrate Earth Day and the IslandsApril 15, 2021
Cue the stage lights, strike up the band, or at least tune in at 7 pm on Friday, April 23rd for a Tiny Tent Show celebration of Earth Day and the Islands with Bigtop Chautauqua and Friends of the Apostle Islands.
A is for Apostle Islands—virtual book reception and reading on April 26April 9, 2021
Join this celebration of the Apostle Islands 50th and the forthcoming book A is for Apostle Islands, an ABC book for all ages!
Watch now: celebrating the science, arts and future of the Apostle IslandsApril 7, 2021
Watch, learn and enjoy hearing from experts in all aspects of the national lakeshore, as we celebrate the first 50 years of the park we love and look to the future.
A challenge for participants and for you, as the Apostle Islands 50th Anniversary Resource Stewardship Symposium endsApril 1, 2021
Saying, “stewardship starts with collaboration,” Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Superintendent Lynne Dominy closed the 2-day online symposium with three questions.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Superintendent opens 50th Anniversary SymposiumMarch 30, 2021
Lynne Dominy welcomed participants to the two-day-long virtual event and thanked everyone for “making it real” after years of planning and work.
Resource Stewardship Symposium participant informationMarch 29, 2021
The 50th Anniversary Resource Stewardship Symposium begins at 9:30am central time, Tuesday, March 30th. If you have registered to join us, here’s what you need to know.
Program released for 50th Anniversary Resource Stewardship Symposium, March 30-31March 24, 2021
Check out the outstanding lineup of speakers for this incredible, free, online learning event.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore implements Federal mask requirement for COVID-19 prevention and protectionMarch 24, 2021
We need everyone to protect other unvaccinated visitors and our community from the spread of this virus by continuing to practice social distancing, hand washing, and mask wearing.
Time is short to register for 50th Anniversary Resource Stewardship Symposium, March 30-31March 22, 2021
Join us for the virtual Apostle Islands National Lakeshore 50th Anniversary Resource Stewardship Symposium on March 30-31, where twenty-six presenters will share the rich story of the Apostle Islands – from archeology, cultural resources and traditional ecological knowledge to water quality, fisheries, fire, plants, wetlands, birds, amphibians, and mammals to climate change and innovative youth programs.