Where in the park is Neil – the series

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.

We’ve compiled the entire series here. Have fun exploring with Neil as we celebrate 50 years of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

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  New feature: Where in the park is Neil?
  We would like to introduce a new, fun feature for you and your family. It’s a way for you to enjoy the amazing Apostle Islands National Lakeshore virtually… a way to see some of what the islands have to offer, from the perspective of someone who knows the National Lakeshore like the back of his hand.
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  Where in the park is Neil? The week 1 answer is Cat Island
  This island has gone by a number of names including Kagagiwanjikag Miniss (Ojibwe for “Island of Hemlock Trees”), Texas Island, Hemlock Island and Shoe Island.
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  Where in the park is Neil? The week 2 answer is Sand Island
  This is one of the most western-most islands in the National Lakeshore and is clearly visible from Little Sand Bay on the mainland.
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  Where in the park is Neil? The week 3 answer is Gull Island
  This tiny island is located to the north of Michigan Island, on the eastern side of the archipelago.
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  Where in the park is Neil? The week 4 answer is Outer Island
  This island is the easternmost, northernmost and largest island in the National Lakeshore.
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  Where in the park is Neil? The week 5 answer is York Island
  Also known to the Ojibwe as Miskwabimijikag Miniss (Willow Tree Island), this island includes a story fit for Memorial Day.
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  Where in the park is Neil? The week 6 answer is Oak Island
  This island is among the tallest points in the national Lakeshore. This arch is only a memory now…
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  Where in the park is Neil? The week 7 answer is North Twin Island
  This island is remote and wild. You’ll find some plant species that grow nowhere else in the state.
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  Where in the park is Neil? The week 8 answer is at Little Sand Bay
  Neil is exploring a brand new visitor center at Little Sand Bay. A lot of it is accessible now, despite the pandemic.
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  Where in the park is Neil? The week 9 answer is Stockton Island
  In honor of Father’s Day, Neil and his son are visiting the largest island in the national lakeshore
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  Where in the park is Neil? The week 10 answer is Basswood Island
  This island’s mineral resources have been used from Bayfield to Milwaukee and Chicago.
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  Where in the park is Neil? The week 11 answer is Long Island
  This island is located at the mouth of Chequamegon Bay. It’s home to tiny rare birds.
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  Where in the park is Neil? The week 12 answer is Manitou Island
  Fishermen began to use the camp on this island in the early 1900s, occupying a log cabin built by Swedish loggers.
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  Where in the park is Neil? The week 13 answer is Devils Island
  This island is about as far from the mainland as you can go but the destination is worth the effort.
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  Where in the park is Neil? The week 14 answer is Hermit Island
  This island is known to some of the locals as Wilson Island.
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  Where in the park is Neil? The week 15 answer is Raspberry Island
  Hiking, birdwatching, picnicking, boating, sailing, paddling, cross country skiing, sightseeing cruises, playing croquet, and lighthouse tours are all popular ways of enjoying the island.
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  Where in the park is Neil? The week 16 answer is Eagle Island
  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 17 answer is Michigan Island
  This island is home to the first lighthouse and the tallest lighthouse in the park.
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  Where in the park is Neil? The week 18 answer is South Twin Island
  Today Neil is taking a close look at efforts to help revegetate the sandscape on this island, once home to a thriving fishing industry.
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  Where in the park is Neil? The week 19 answer is Bear Island
  From the sandstone ledge on the shore of this island named for a large furry animal you can see Devils Island across the lake to the north.
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  Where in the park is Neil? The week 20 answer is the Lakeshore Trail
  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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  Where in the park is Neil? The week 21 answer is Otter Island
  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 22 answer is Rocky Island
  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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  Where in the park is Neil? The final answer is “making memories”
  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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