Explore the sea kayaker's paradise of the Apostle Islands on the south shore of Lake Superior, known for its majestic sea caves, sandy beaches, historic lighthouses, and sunken shipwrecks. Kayak among these 22 islands during the day and camp on a different island each night. Venture to Outer Island to see sand spits shaped by Lake Superior's ever-changing moods. Or paddle to Raspberry Island to visit the turn-of-the century lighthouse. Experience breathtaking sunsets over Superior and listen to waves crash along the shore. Whatever your route, the scenery is stunning and the possibilities are endless.
Sample Itinerary
DAY 1: Your trip officially starts at the Wilderness Inquiry's Little Sand Bay property in the early afternoon. Upon arrival, review personal gear and repack gear into dry bags. Participate in a kayak orientation, learn to size your wet suit, and practice paddling around Little Sand Bay.
DAY 2: Get up early for breakfast. Pack up camp and launch from Red Clif Bay. Paddle to Oak Island and settle in at a group campsite on a grassy knoll with a spectacular view overlooking Lake Superior.
DAY 3: Explore the shoreline and trails of Oak Island and visit Hole-in-the-Wall, circumnavigating the rocky and beautiful shores of the island. Take a side trip to the old fish camp on Manitou Island. Enjoy dinner and a breathtaking sunset over Lake Superior. Camp on Manitou among the hemlock and pine trees.
DAY 4: Visit the old lighthouse on Raspberry Island, or take a day trip to the shores of Rocky Island and hike to the overlook.
DAY 5: Paddle back to Red Clif then pack for the ride home. Your trip officially ends after lunch in the early afternoon. Those who use WI's van transportation can expect to return to Minneapolis in the evening.
Travel, Terrain, Etc...
TERRAIN/ROUTE CHOICES: Most of your time is spent on the beaches and grassy shoreline of the islands. The islands are made up of red sandstone, covered with a mixed forest of birch, pine, oak, and maple. Except for a few cliffs, the terrain is gentle and rolling. With all the islands, bays, and shorelines in this area, we have several routes from which to choose. Wind and weather determine our route and storms can delay our paddling.
TYPE OF TRAVEL/DISTANCE: You will travel in 21-foot Grand San Juan sea kayaks, which hold 2 or 3 people plus all necessary gear. An average day's travel consists of 3-5 paddling hours, depending on weather conditions. Be prepared for the possibility of a wind-bound day. We will substitute other activities if weather prevents paddling on the lake. Travel distances vary each day. To protect the environment, WI practices "Leave No Trace" camping techniques.
WEATHER: Temperatures in the summer months range from 45 F to 85 F. Rainfall can vary, but you should expect at least a day of rain. The weather is greatly affected by Lake Superior's large expanse of cold water. Lake Superior is notorious for sudden weather changes.
LODGING/BATHROOM FACILITIES: This is a camping trip. At night you will sleep in a comfortable Eureka Timberline tent. Typically, there are 3 people per 4 person tent (although other arrangements can be made). We recommend that you bring your own personal sleeping bag and "camprest" foam core inflatable mattress (a limited number of sleeping bags and mattresses are available as loaners for individuals who need them). Bathroom facilities consist of an outhouse or a foldable commode chair set up in a privacy tent. We make every effort to ensure privacy and cleanliness.
GROUP SIZE: The group size ranges from 10 to 15 participants, plus 2 or more Wilderness Inquiry staff. Each group consists of people of various ages, backgrounds and abilities, including people with disabilities.
CAMP CHORES: Our trips are cooperative in nature. WI staff will assist you in whatever areas you need, however most people pitch in where they can. Part of the adventure involves learning about daily camp activities.
EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING: If you are new to outdoor activities, you need not spend a lot of money on gear. Wilderness Inquiry will provide all necessary kayaking and camping equipment. All you need to provide is your personal gear, such as clothing and a sleeping bag. A detailed equipment list will be sent to you upon confirmation of your participation. If you need to borrow personal gear, that can usually be arranged.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: No previous experience is needed to complete this trip.
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Wilderness Inquiry is proud to serve Caribou Coffee on all our trips. Great food, great coffee, and great company are just some of the ingredients that make Wilderness Inquiry trips special.
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[ Dates & Fees ]
The unique geological features, rich cultural heritage and diverse ecological system of the Apostle Islands has attracted visitors for centuries. One story says that Jesuit missionaries, believing that there were only 12 islands in this 21-island archipelago, named the region after the twelve apostles in the Bible. Another, quite different story is that they were named after a well-known band of pirates - the Apostles.
The history of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore predates these missionaries by eons, however, as the region's bedrock can be traced to Precambrian times. Nearly a billion years ago, sand and silt were deposited in this region via northwesterly flowing streams and rivers. Under the weight of additional layers the sediment slowly compacted and began to bond together.
These layers eventually experienced tremendous pressure as the ice age began and glaciers thousands of feet thick covered the forming sedimentary rock. The cycle of advancing and receding glaciers continued to shape the Apostles landscape until 10,000 years ago. Although the glacial activity formed much of what we see today, other dynamic processes continue as differential erosion alters the islands' beautiful sandstone arches, pillars and caves.
These geologic wonders are partly responsible for attracting the native inhabitants and present day visitors. The Chippewa, or Ojibwe, were the first people in recent history to inhabit the islands. Hunting, fishing and maple sugaring provided food and supplies, and were eventually traded with the Europeans. During the mid-1800's the islands' resources attracted European settlers and for 80 years these resources were seriously exploited. Brownstone was quarried and used to construct buildings and lighthouses, forests were cleared and turned into farmlands, commercial fishing increased and mills and mines were established.
By the time of The Great Depression, the islands' natural resources were scarce. While unfortunate for the people of the US, the Depression saved the archipelago as it all but stopped development of the islands.
Today, the islands, which were dedicated a National Lakeshore in 1970, are governed by the National Park Service. Ecological succession has returned this system to a natural balance and visitors enjoy abundant wildlife, heavily forested islands and geologic wonders worthy of the Park Service's protection.
For more information, visit these links:
National Park Service - Official Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Website
Wilderness Suitability Study for the Apostle Islands
"The Riddle of the Apostle Islands: How do you manage a wilderness full of human stories?" by William Cronon
The Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
Support the Apostle Islands, join the Friends!
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