Home to magical sea caves and cliffs, the highest concentration of lighthouses in North America, and a unique archipelago, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is one of the most beautiful areas in the Midwest. When viewing Apostle Islands photos, the grandeur of this treasure can truly be appreciated.
Scattered along Lake Superior near Bayfield, Wisconsin, the “Apostles” have been carved out by the wild ways of the big lake for numerous years, shaping the 21 islands to what they are today.
With the clear waters of Superior encircling the rural islands, exploring the area on your own can be somewhat challenging. Fortunately, boat tours are available so those wishing to admire the beauty of the Apostles can enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience.
Schedule: Apostle Islands Cruises | Top 12 Reasons to Visit this Year
We don’t have to tell you why you need to see the national lakeshore for yourself when these 11 Apostle Islands photos are proof:
1. The Gorgeous Sunsets of Apostle Islands
What’s better than watching a sunset over Lake Superior? Nothing – especially when you take seeing the fading light shimmer off sandstone cliffs and caves into account.
2. Incredible Blues & Reds
The Apostle Islands’ sea caves are ablaze with color, especially during the summer months. The red sandstone cliffs, interwoven with blues, are wedged between azure waters and emerald forests on the cliffs’ margins. Truly a stunning sight when seen from the water.
3. Crafted Over Time: Millennia of Erosion
The Apostle Islands derived from glaciers that once covered North America. Once the glaciers melted, waves from Lake Superior caused erosion that formed the islands, which are made of mostly red sandstone.
While Native Americans are believed to have inhabited the islands for thousands of years prior, the national lakeshore was established in 1970.
4. Cruising by Cliffs, Caves, and Lighthouses
Apostle Islands Cruises is authorized by the National Park Service and U.S. Department of the Interior as a park concessioner. The company offers narrated sightseeing cruises and charter trips to the islands and offshore locations throughout the national lakeshore.
The Grand Tour, a 2 ½ to 3-hour cruise that brings passengers 55 miles along the gorgeous shoreline, is the most popular excursion. Onboard, passengers will see the historic Raspberry and Devils Island lighthouses, standing rocks, amazing sea caves, and marine wildlife.
5. Hang Out and Enjoy the Views
While being on the water gives people the best view of the islands, being on the islands gives people the best view of the lake.
6. Cherished by All
Whitetail deer have been known to swim between the mainland and the Apostle Islands – can you blame them?
7. Breathtaking Fall Colors
Vibrant autumn colors decorate the islands beginning mid- to late-September into early October. Admire the colorful leaves by cruising by them on a boat – tours run throughout the fall!
8. Beacons of Light
Lighthouses have guided boats around the Apostles since the 1800s. While there are many standing structures, six of the lighthouses were listed as a group on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 under the name Apostle Islands Lighthouses.
9. Sweet Serenity
This isolated formation in the Apostles is a favorite to photograph! But that’s not the only one…
10. Arches Galore
Be sure to take your camera on your adventure. The arches in the Apostles make the most perfect natural picture frame.
11. The Startling Beauty of Lake Superior
Of course, it goes without saying that Lake Superior is breathtakingly magnificent. It never ceases to amaze, from the turquoise tranquility of a serene summer day to the churning dark blues of fall.
Book Your Trip to the Apostle Islands Today
The Apostle Islands is a must for anyone that cherishes natural treasures. Besides the national lakeshore, there are plenty of restaurants, hotels, campgrounds, events, and shopping options in the Bayfield area as well. Book your trip to the Apostle Islands today to take your own photographs and capture memories of a lifetime.