Pre-Trip Fun for Apostle Islands, Wisconsin

"Iron Will" -- An exciting family film about sled dog racing that features Native American actors from the Apostle Island region. (All ages)

Strawberry Mousse or Blueberry Muffins —To warm up your taste buds to the delicious berries you'll be picking at one of the many orchards in Bayfield.

Macaroni and Cheese -- Even though Bayfield's specialty is whitefish liver, your kids will appreciate the Wisconsin artisan cheeses more than the liver dishes.

"On Sand Island" by Jacqueline Briggs Martin -- A poignant, beautifully illustrated book about a motherless boy named Carl who lives on Sand Island (one of the Apostle Islands) and trades work for help from grown-ups in building his very own boat. (Ages 4-8)

"The Birchbark House" by Louise Erdrich -- The author's first young adult novel focuses on a feisty Ojibwe girl nicknamed Little Frog who lives on Madeline Island in 1847. The sequel, "The Game of Silence," takes place on Madeline Island, as well. (Ages 9 and older)

"Trouble at Fort La Pointe" (American Girl History Mystery) by Kathleen Ernst -- This award-winning book is a historical drama about Madeline Island. (Ages 9 and older)

"Little House in the Big Woods" by Laura Ingalls Wilder -- This much-loved book takes place in the big woods of Wisconsin. (All ages)

"Paddle-to-the-Sea" by Holling C. Holling -- A classic and award-winning adventure story first published in 1941, this exciting story teaches children about the Great Lakes region and Lake Superior. A must-read for a trip to the Apostle Islands. (All ages)

Lighthouse in a bottle -- To better appreciate the bygone days of lighthouses that guided boats on Lake Superior.

Super sailboat -- Bring this floatable sailboat to Lake Superior.