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Friday, February 13, 2015
5 Types of People Who Should Visit the Apostle Islands
5 Types of People Who Should Visit the Apostle Islands
After spending five days exploring the Apostle Islands, I’ve come to the conclusion that there are five groups of people who need to visit this area of Wisconsin.
Now, if you’re looking for over-commercialized shops, chain
restaurants, and ginormous waterparks; you won’t see yourself on this
list. So give these descriptions a read and see if the Apostle Islands
appeal to you for your next vacation.
Big Bay State Park KayakersAdventurer. The 22 islands that make up the Apostle Islands (21 of them are part of the Apostle Island National Lakeshore
which is Wisconsin’s only National Park) offer unlimited areas to
explore. Getting to the islands is half of the adventure itself. Once
you’re there, you may find some trails and primitive campsites, but for
the most part, you’re left to your own devices. If you enjoy open water,
there’s plenty of that to paddle, but what I think makes Lake Superior
unique are the caves you can kayak
in, around and through. Sea caves are located on the mainland portion
of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, but also around Sand Island
and Devil’s Island – which I would say were the most breathtaking. And
even if you’re just planning a trip to Madeline Island, leave your vehicle on the mainland and explore places like Big Bay Town Park and Big Bay State Park by bike or moped – rentals are conveniently located just blocks from the ferry dock.
Raspberry Island LighthouseSite-seer. So
you’d like to see some of the things I described above but would prefer
to do it from the comfort of a guided tour. Perfect. There are many
tours to choose from. During our trip, we took an Evening Grand Tour and
a Glass Bottom Boat Tour from Apostle Islands Cruises,
based out of Bayfield, WI. Our captain took us past numerous eagles and
talked about bear sightings on recent tours (we weren’t as lucky to see
one for ourselves). Depending on the route the captain takes, you’d
also see a few of the 8 lighthouses on the islands. Note: The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore has more lighthouses than any other national park in the country.
I was amazed by the captains skill at piloting the boat right alongside
the sea caves… at one moment, I thought he was going to drive right
into one. During our glass bottom boat tour, we were able to see one of
the many shipwrecks in Lake Superior. With deeper water and recent
storms, it wasn’t possible to see the wrecks that were below 15 feet
deep during our trip. There are other tours where you can get off the
boat and stretch your legs as you visit the Raspberry Island Lighthouse
or discover the Singing Sands of Julian Bay on Stockton Island.
Plein Aire PainterArtist. Whether
you’re a professional artist or just an admirer of the arts, make your
way to the Apostle Islands. It’s impossible to NOT be inspired by this
place. Sunrises, sunsets, sea caves (and ice caves), lighthouses,
northern lights, wildlife, wild flowers, even a storm passing over Lake Superior can be moving. On Madeline Island
alone, over 100 artists are represented in galleries and shops. I was
told that there are more galleries on the island than bars… and in
Wisconsin, that’s saying a lot. We also discovered the Madeline Island School of the Arts, or MISA. National and internationally renowned artists are brought in to conduct 5-day workshops in media ranging from watercolor painting and photography to quilting
and writing. And since you stay right on site, you’re able to mingle
with the artists throughout your stay – even when not in class.
Devil’s Island Sea CavesGeologist. Barrier spit, cuspate forelands, sand spits, tombolos and beaches.
To many, those words may not mean much (except for beaches – who
doesn’t love catching the sun on a beach), but they describe the five
“sandscapes” that appear on the Apostle Islands. The sand on Julian Bay
has a “musical” quality that can only be found on 10% of beaches in the
world – referred to as the Singing Sands. Some of the most notable
geological wonders of the islands are where land and water meet. Rock
pools have been found on Bear, Devil’s and Stockton Islands – each
sustaining a micro-ecosystem for a variety of creatures. And we already
discussed the sea caves and ice caves where centuries of wave action
sculpted the sandstone shoreline on some of the islands and mainland of
the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Madeline Island Historical Museum
Historian. For over 400 years ago, Native
Americans, fur traders, and missionaries have inhabited Madeline Island
with the flags of three nations flown on its shores. It’s hard to
imagine that just about as the same time as the pilgrims were landing on
Plymouth Rock, Etienne Brule, a French explorer visited Madeline
Island. Just the maritime history of sailing and boating on the Lake
Superior could have you immersed for years. Even the lighthouses on 6 of
the islands have unique stories dating back to 1856. Today, you can
tour the lighthouses and stop by the Madeline Island Museum which
includes the only remaining building of the American Fur Company
complex built at La Pointe in 1835. Planning your visit in summer, the
museum’s “Connecting Cultures” historical encampment demonstrates
everything from ink making, stone carving and smoking lake trout over a
campfire.
So if you truly, I mean truly, need to get away from it all, get
yourself on “island time” and make your way to the Apostle Islands. And
be sure to catch the premiere of “The Island Life: Apostle Islands” Feb.
14-15 on Discover Wisconsin. (For air times, visit our broadcast guide.)
Madeline Island School of the Arts
Lupines on Madeline Island – Gary Knowles
Boat on the Water – Don Albrecht
Plein Aire Painter
Devil’s Island Sea Caves
Big Bay State Park Kayakers
Madeline Island Sunset
Beach Life at The Inn on Madeline Island
Big Bay State Park
Sea Cave Kayaking
Madeline Island School of the Arts
Madeline Island Historical Museum
Raspberry Island Lighthouse
Sea Cave Kayaking
Big Bay State Park
PHOTO CREDITS: AJ
Marz, Chad Diedrick, Lois Carlson, Ros Nelson, Kiki Annis, Dustin
Scholl, Steve Renne, Marty Curry, Gary Knowles, Dave Meiss, Don
Albrecht, Steve McHugh, Hannah Hudson, Wisconsin Historical Society, August Johnston
Chad Diedrick is the managing producer for the nation’s longest-running tourism TV show, Discover Wisconsin.
In his 12+ years of discovering Wisconsin, Chad has seen virtually
every corner of the state. Between filming breaks, you’re likely to
catch Chad trying his hand at a round of disc golf at a local course.
(His goal is to hit every disc golf course in Wisconsin!) Watch Discover
Wisconsin Saturdays at 10 a.m. on FSN Wisconsin’s outdoor block.
If you have Family, Friends or Neighbors that are struggling with their mortgage there are options! Contact Amber Castonguay, your local CDPE & SHORT SALE EXPERT to see what your options are!
5 Types of People Who Should Visit the Apostle Islands
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