50th Anniversary

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.

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.

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50th Anniversary News

• 
  Where in the park is Neil? The week 16 answer is Eagle IslandAugust 6, 2020
  This island is the westernmost and second-smallest island in the chain and the birds like it that way.
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  Where in the park is Neil? The week 15 answer is Raspberry IslandJuly 30, 2020
  Hiking, birdwatching, picnicking, boating, sailing, paddling, cross country skiing, sightseeing cruises, playing croquet, and lighthouse tours are all popular ways of enjoying the island.
• 
  Share your adventure: Julian Bay after the stormJuly 23, 2020
  We love it when visitors to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore share their adventures, their photographs and their videos with us, so we can share them with you.
• 
  Where in the park is Neil? The week 14 answer is Hermit IslandJuly 23, 2020
  This island is known to some of the locals as Wilson Island.
• 
  Where in the park is Neil? The week 13 answer is Devils IslandJuly 16, 2020
  This island is about as far from the mainland as you can go but the destination is worth the effort.
• 
  Where in the park is Neil? The week 12 answer is Manitou IslandJuly 9, 2020
  Fishermen began to use the camp on this island in the early 1900s, occupying a log cabin built by Swedish loggers.
• 
  Project update: construction begins for accessible amphitheater on Stockton IslandJuly 8, 2020
  Sparks are flying in Madison Wisconsin, where crews are now building the framework for the new, universally accessible amphitheater to be installed on Stockton Island.
• 
  Where in the park is Neil? The week 11 answer is Long IslandJuly 2, 2020
  This island is located at the mouth of Chequamegon Bay. It’s home to tiny rare birds.
• 
  First look inside Little Sand Bay Visitor CenterJune 29, 2020
  Not yet open to the public, we’ve got a sneak peek!
• 
  Friends announces Meyers Beach accessibility projectJune 26, 2020
  The project will enable people with mobility issues to access the gateway to the mainland sea caves.

More 50th Anniversary News

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 will be filled with special events celebrating the National Lakeshore.

Find out what’s coming up next and see how you can get involved.

Shop 50th

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

Your purchases help to support the park.

Upcoming Events