Apostle Islands, Wisconsin Family Vacation

The Apostle Islands, a string of 22 islands in Lake Superior off the northernmost tip of Wisconsin, are an ideal family vacation destination — quiet yet thrilling, secluded but not isolated, and bursting with adventure and untold beauty around every turn. Visitors typically begin their journey to the islands in Bayfield, a scenic small town whose residents welcome island-bound tourists with infinite warmth and friendliness. Most visitors stay in Bayfield and take day trips to the islands to explore sea caves in sleek kayaks, canoe in the lagoon at Big Bay State Park on Madeline Island, take a lighthouse tour and cruise to Raspberry Island, learn about Ojibwe culture, pick fresh fruit in the area's orchards, or even backcountry camp on a remote island. The Apostle Islands offer unparalleled adventure and spectacular scenery that everyone in the family will absolutely love.

The main tourist season in the Apostle Islands occurs during the summer months, when the cool waters of Lake Superior glimmer in the sunlight, the weather is balmy, and the area's outfitters roll out their canoes, kayaks, and sailboats. Even though tourism is less common in other months, the islands are an off-season delight -- visit in the fall for Applefest (the annual apple celebration that brings thousands of people to Bayfield to marvel at the fall leaves and harvest) or during the winter for cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, dog sledding, or wind sledding across the ice to Madeline Island. In the spring, the Apostle Islands emerge from hibernation and visitors relish one of the loveliest times of year here, when it's full of blossoming flowers and fresh buds appear on the trees.

The Apostle Islands have four distinct seasons. Their location right on the water garners cooler temperatures than the rest of the Midwest during the summer, with temperatures averaging in the high 70s. Fall is a lovely (though chilly) time to visit the islands -- highs average in the mid 60s in September and the mid 50s in October. Although winters are brutally cold in northern Wisconsin, the Apostle Islands tend to have milder weather -- the average high in January is about 20 F, February is 27 F, and March is 37 F. Spring comes late to this part of the country and April can be very cold (usually averaging highs of 50 F), but the ferries manage to break through the ice road starting the second or third week in April, just in time to see daffodils pop up through the snow. Get more weather info.

Visitors to the Apostle Islands from the Midwest drive to Bayfield, which is on State Highway 13 about 85 miles east of Duluth, Minnesota. The closest airports are each about two hours away: Duluth International Airport (DLH) in Duluth, which has several major rental car agencies; and Ironwood Gogebic County Airport (KIWD) in Ironwood, Michigan, which has only one local car rental company: Red's Auto (906-932-4449). Madeline Island has a small airport for private planes only.

Most of the local shops and restaurants in Bayfield are within a 10 square block area. Although you'll need a car to get to Bayfield, most visitors explore the small community on foot or by bicycle. Bicycles can be rented in Bayfield from Bayfield Bike Route (715-209-6864) or on Madeline Island from Motion to Go (715-747-6585). A car is necessary for touring surrounding areas, including the nearby orchards (all within 3 miles to 5 miles of downtown, and all with parking), small beaches, and national parks. The Madeline Island Ferry and the Apostle Island cruises depart from Bayfield's marina, which is just one block from downtown. The ferry accommodates bicycles and cars for an extra fee.

• Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race (Early February)
• Manypenny Madness Winter Carnival Weekend (March)
• Run on Water (March)
• Bayfield in Bloom (May-June)
• Blessing of the Fleet (June)
• Independence Day (July)
• Scarecrow Festival and Orchard Tours (September-October)
• Applefest (October)
• Hometown Holiday Tree Lighting (late November)
• Santa Claus Visits Bayfield by Ferry Boat (December)

The Bayfield Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Bureau's Web site contains a wealth of information on Bayfield, the Apostle Islands, and the surrounding area.

Hotel prices drop after the Bayfield apple festival in October and remain discounted through mid-June. Summertime midweek prices are often much cheaper than weekend rates. For up-to-date deals and discounts visit www.bayfield.org.

Of the 22 Apostle Islands, only one -- Madeline Island -- is inhabited. The rest are part of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and protected by the U.S. government.

Bayfield, considered the gateway to the Apostle Islands, is the smallest city in the state of Wisconsin (population 618). It was formerly one of the largest commercial fishing industry towns in the Midwest and once known as the largest producer of canned green beans in the United States. It is now known as a tourist destination where whitefish liver (yes, you read that right) is a local delicacy.

Lake Superior was first named "Gitchigami" by the Ojibwe, which means "Big Water," and later "Le Lac Superieur" by French explorers in the 17th century.

Lake Superior's deepest depth is almost 1,300 feet. There is more water in Lake Superior than the rest of the Great Lakes combined.

Camping opportunities abound for families visiting Bayfield and the Apostle Islands, including utterly remote backcountry campsites on several of the islands. For more information on government campsites, contact the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Headquarters at 715-779-3397. Privately owned campgrounds in Bayfield include the Buffalo Bay Campgrounds and Marina (715-779-3712), Apostle Islands Area Campground (715-779-5524), Dalrymple Campground (715-779-5712), and Little Sand Bay Campground (715-779-5233).