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Discover the Park – Activities

Roots, rocks, and ravines… the rigors of hiking the Lakeshore Trail

Roots, rocks, and ravines… the rigors of hiking the Lakeshore Trail

May 21, 2026 |

The most popular trail at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is the Lakeshore Trail. Starting at the Meyers Beach parking area off of Hwy 13, the Lakeshore Trail extends 6 miles through forests and along red sandstone cliffs high above Lake Superior and terminates at a reservable backcountry campsite.Lakeshore Trail map - NPSMost visitors walk the trail to enjoy views of the mainland sea caves. A crevasse with a spectacular natural bridge and the first glimpses of the sea caves is 1.8 miles from the trailhead. Traversing this section of the trail can be a challenging walk. Hikers must...

Taking the long view during a walk on the Lakeshore Trail

Taking the long view during a walk on the Lakeshore Trail

Dec 10, 2024 |

There's nothing like a walk in nature to recharge your batteries and clear your mind when life gets complicated. Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore board member Neil Howk notices the small but important things, as he takes us along for a hike on the Lakeshore trail, accessed from Meyers Beach.The days are getting shorter and there’s a long winter ahead. Usually, I look forward to winter because I love to cross country ski. This year, however, knee replacement surgery will force a change in plans. I’ll not only miss the ski season, but spending time outdoors will be a real...

Making tracks and following them: exploring Little Sand Bay in late winter

Making tracks and following them: exploring Little Sand Bay in late winter

Mar 1, 2023 |

On this first day of meteorological spring, let's be honest. Any hope that the mainland ice caves will open to foot traffic will have to wait until next winter. But if you're a fan of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, that's perfectly fine. Especially if you're prepared to take what the lake and the weather give you - and make the most of it.If you've been following our Facebook posts, you know that the vast majority of Lake Superior is open water right now, as has been the case all winter. The weather simply hasn't been cold enough, or calm enough, long enough to make more ice. As one...

Apostle Islands ice caves remain closed

Apostle Islands ice caves remain closed

Feb 18, 2021 | , , , ,

BAYFIELD, WISCONSIN (National Park Service) – Public access to the mainland ice caves in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore remain closed due to unstable ice conditions. As recently as February 4, there was open water at the caves, and ice cover on Lake Superior was at record lows. In spite of the recent cold temperatures, most of Lake Superior remains open water and the ice that has formed near the caves is unstable, jagged, and rough, creating high risk conditions. “Ice at the caves is so unstable and jagged that it will not allow safe access by rescue teams using snowmobiles," said Chief...

Where in the park is Neil? The week 20 answer is the Lakeshore Trail

Where in the park is Neil? The week 20 answer is the Lakeshore Trail

Sep 3, 2020 | , , , , , , ,

As part of the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, we’re going on a virtual tour with Neil Howk, a man who has spent decades exploring the islands and teaching people about what makes them special. He knows the islands like the back of his hand. Though the National Park Service’s goal is to preserve the Apostle Islands “unimpaired” for future generations, the fact is that the area changes all the time.  When you visit the same area repeatedly, you can often note of the changes.  Today, Neil is visiting an area that he has been to many times over the...

Where in the park is Neil? The week 9 answer is Stockton Island

Where in the park is Neil? The week 9 answer is Stockton Island

Jun 18, 2020 | , , , , , , ,

As part of the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, we’re going on a virtual tour with Neil Howk, a man who has spent decades exploring the islands and teaching people about what makes them special. He knows the islands like the back of his hand. At the ninth stop on our digital tour, and in honor of Father’s Day, Neil and his son Forrest are on the largest island in the park, Stockton Island.  Stockton is a great spot for family recreation. It is located at 46.9304° N, 90.5928° W. Stockton Island features 15 miles of hiking trails including a loop...

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