Manitou Island Articles

Discover the Park – Islands

Lakeshore Logbook – Terry Daulton

Lakeshore Logbook – Terry Daulton

As part of our 50th Anniversary celebration, we are collecting and sharing the stories of people connected to the islands, whether they are park guests, former residents or former park employees. This is the 25th in our series called “Lakeshore Logbook,” a collection of memories provided by former National Park Service employees. Living and working in the park on a day to day basis, they’ve experienced a lot to be sure. We hope you enjoy their perspectives. Terry Daulton worked in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore from 1981 through 1989 or 90. As a Student Conservation Association...

Where in the park is Neil? The week 12 answer is Manitou Island

Where in the park is Neil? The week 12 answer is Manitou Island

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 twelfth stop on our digital tour, Neil is on Manitou Island, at 46.9640° N, 90.6594° W. This island is near the center of the archipelago. Beginning in the late 1800s, commercial fishermen built fishing camps on most of the Apostle Islands so they could live closer to locations where they set their...

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore reopens storm-damaged docks

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore reopens storm-damaged docks

Bayfield, WI (National Park Service News Release) – The National Park Service (NPS) is pleased to announce that the Michigan and Manitou Islands docks have been repaired and reopened.  Winter storms damaged these docks, causing safety hazards and the need for temporary closures.  “The Michigan dock gets damaged every year because of its open lake exposure to all storms. When you consider the purpose of lighthouses, it is easy to understand that building a dock by them makes those docks subject to big storms,” said park superintendent Lynne Dominy. “Our innovative and skilled maintenance team...

Winter storms damage docks in Apostle Islands

Winter storms damage docks in Apostle Islands

Bayfield, Wisconsin (National Park Service) – Two docks and a vault toilet in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore were damaged by winter storms.The Michigan Island and Manitou Island docks will remain closed until work crews can fully assess and repair damages to these docks. Island access is still possible along the shorelines when weather permits. The York Island vault toilet is buried by sand and debris and will remain closed until it can be excavated. Beaches on York remain open for day use.“Every year the winter storms take their toll on docks, buildings, and trees on all of the islands....