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

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  A digital birthday card to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore from the National Park ServiceSeptember 26, 2020
  Enjoy these birthday greetings from the people who work hard to make the park the world-class destination that it is.
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  A digital birthday card to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore from our partnersSeptember 25, 2020
  We join our Friends of the Apostle Islands partners in celebrating the first 50 years of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and we thank them for supporting the park we all love.
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  Where in the park is Neil? The final answer is “making memories”September 24, 2020
  On September 26, we are observing Apostle Islands National Lakeshore’s 50th anniversary. A wonderful thing about this place is that visitors tend to come here to mark special events in their own lives.
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  Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Kicks Off its 50th AnniversarySeptember 23, 2020
  Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and its partners will celebrate its 50th year with a year-long series of virtual and carefully planned community events beginning on Saturday, September 26, 2020.
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  Happy Birthday, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore!September 17, 2020
  Click here to add your birthday wish to our digital birthday card for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore!
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  Where in the park is Neil? The week 22 answer is Rocky IslandSeptember 17, 2020
  An unusual aspect of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is that hunting, trapping, and fishing are permitted in the park according to Federal and State laws.
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  Friends annouce new Executive Director position – applications now acceptedSeptember 10, 2020
  Now, celebrating the 50th year of the National Lakeshore, and with a strong Board of Directors and a growing base of financial support and programmatic outreach, FAINL is poised for considerable growth and impact. Secure funding, a substantial and growing endowment, and tremendous growth opportunities makes it possible for FAINL to seek its first Executive Director.
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  Where in the park is Neil? The week 21 answer is Otter IslandSeptember 10, 2020
  Today, Neil is travelling back in time 60 years to participate in what was probably the largest campout in the history of the Apostle Islands.
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  Where in the park is Neil? The week 20 answer is the Lakeshore TrailSeptember 3, 2020
  Powerful windstorms this summer toppled hundreds of trees throughout the park, including a stand of century old red pines just north of the “Bowl” at the mainland caves.
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  Shaw Point on Sand Island designated a National Register Historic DistrictAugust 31, 2020
  The newly designated historic district holds a unique collection of three neighboring properties at Sand Island’s southeastern edge.

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