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Top 10 Fun Facts about the Apostles island

The Apostle Islands is a national lakeshore located on the Northern tip of Wisconsin that comprises of 21 islands and shorelines. The islands are known for having sea caves, historic lighthouses and rich animal habitats. The island was even featured in America the Beautiful Quarters making it a tourist hotspot.

The islands were formed as a result of glaciers that covered North America in that when the glaciers melted, waves from Lake Superior formed islands. The islands were the Apostles Islands by historian Pierre François Xavier de Charlevoix after the twelve apostles.

1. The islands have more lighthouses than any site in the National Park System

The lighthouse was enacted in 1789, which allocated funds for the construction of lighthouses in various locations across the country. Among the locations where the lighthouses were to be built was Lake Superior waters, where the islands are found.

 By 1843, five towers had been built in Lake Superior, and the number increased to 34 by the end of the decade because ships that were transported had to manoeuvre through the rocky shoals of the Apostles Islands. The number of lighthouses by 2013 was more than 400. Therefore, making the islands a site with the most lighthouses in the National Park System.

2. The Devil Island

The devil island is one of the 22 islands that make up the Apostles Islands. It is famous for the sea caves which cover the shoreline. When there is a thunderstorm, the voice of thunder echoes in the caves and can be heard for miles. This interesting concept attracts tourists to the island as they want to experience the island’s unique nature.

3. Camping on the island

The islands offer an unforgettable camping experience in different islands. 19 islands out of the 22 are equipped with camping grounds that can be accessed using ferry services, kayaks or private water taxis. Camping on a sand island features sea caves and sandy beaches, which make for an ideal holiday destination.

Oak Island offers a secluded experience where visitors can reflect and enjoy the outdoors. The island is ideal for family bonding and reconnection.

4. The islands have hiking trails

The Apostles Islands has over fifty miles of hiking trails which are considered one of the best hiking spots in Wisconsin. Stockton Island is the most popular as it has six trails. The well-named 1.5 mile quarterly trails lead to a popular abandoned quarry.

Additionally, Oak Island has a hiking trail known as the Loop Trail that stretches over 5 miles and leads to the highest point on the lakeshore. Visitors can also hike on the mainland on the lakeshore trail that goes on for 4.5 miles. Therefore,  the visitors have a variety of hiking trails to choose from and this pock one that they feel comfortable with consists of the feature they want to see during the trip.

5. The islands offer a range of accommodation options that cater for families and tourists travelling alone.

The island is known for attracting many tourists from different parts of the country, and accommodation options are a priority in the area. The islands have unique accommodation options known as yurts which merge the need for comfort and simplicity. The yurts are small circular tents that allow the visitors to have a comfortable experience in the woods. There are also Boulder Ridge treehouses with modern utilities that give tourists a chance to enjoy the scenic views from its high vantage points.

Additionally, the islands also have conventional accommodation options that include cabins and resorts. The options are well equipped and thus make for a comfortable stay.

6. The Islands are rich in animal life

Island environments are usually isolated, which provides a  good habitat for mammals, aquatic species and bird species. The Apostles Islands are used for recreational and commercial fishing. Trout and Whitefish are the main fish species caught for commercial use.

Additionally, the dense forests attract bird species as they will be protected from predators. The forests also act as nesting places for neotropical migrants. This means that there will be a large variety of birds in the area. More than 240 species of birds have been documented.

7. Madeline Island is the only island in Apostles island that is inhabited all year round

The island is the biggest island among the apostles. It is also the most southern one in that the other islands are distributed throughout the northern shoreline. Madeline Island is inhabited all year round, with a ferry carrying people from Bayfield to the island four times a day and 11 times during peak times like June. This feature allows visitors to go and explore the islands regardless of the season, as the Madeline Island is habitable.

8. The Apostles Islands visitor centre in Bayfield

The Apostles Islands Visitor Centre is located in Bayfield. The centre is housed in the old county courthouse. Tourists can view exhibits and audio-visual programs that will help them get necessary information about the islands, the activities they can partake in and ways to get around the island. This ensures that they have a wholesome experience as they already have information about the islands and thus appreciate the features more.

9. Kayaking through the sea caves

Visitors have the opportunity to go kayaking through the sea caves and experience the beautiful scenery. There are guided kayaking tours that ensure that the tourists get the most out of the experience. They also ensure that the tourists are safe during kayaking.

Additionally, some of the other activities that tourists can engage in include scuba diving and sailing.

10. There is an Apostles Islands cruise

The tourists can explore the islands on a cruise. The cruise takes about two hours to complete the tour of the islands. It also takes different routes that allow tourists to see the caves, the rocky clifftops, lighthouses and shipwrecks.