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Apostle Islands: The Accessible National Park

March 16, 2017 16 Comments

Combined with Wilderness Inquiry’s accessible base camp near Little Sand Bay, these improvements make the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore one of America’s most accessible national park units. Photo: Julia Schweitzer

Spending time on Stockton and Sand Islands in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore may have been noisier than expected during the summer of 2016, but the result was worth the ruckus. This February, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore received the National Park Service “Accessibility Excellence” Award for developing universally designed campsites at Quarry Bay on Stockton Island and East Bay on Sand Island. Sites now include a boardwalk leading to oversized tent pads, making the sites accessible for individuals with limited mobility.

Combined with Wilderness Inquiry’s accessible base camp near Little Sand Bay, these improvements make the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore one of America’s most accessible national park units.

Raised picnic areas make navigating the park’s campsites easier for all. National Park Service

Wilderness Inquiry introduced principles of Universal Design in developing Little Sand Bay Base Camp during renovations starting in 2008, with many improvements since. Our now fully-accessible property features tent pads with ramp access, boardwalks over low laying areas, accessible bathroom and shower facilities, in addition to custom-designed kayaks. These features make our trips in the Apostle Islands a perfect choice for novice and expert campers and paddlers alike.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore has been an incredible partner in making the area more accessible for all people. Kudos to their dedicated staff. We invite you to enjoy our base camp and the improvements out on the islands this summer. See you at the Lake!

Wilderness Inquiry’s Little Sand Bay Base Camp accessible tent platforms. Grant Armour
Picnic tabletop extensions provide access for all. Julia Schweitzer
Moving between campsites is easier for all with raised boardwalks. Amber Mullen

Check out all of Wilderness Inquiry’s Apostle Islands kayak tour options.

Tags: Accessibility, Apostle Islands, National Park Service

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Karissa DeCarlo says

    March 24, 2017 at 10:57 am

    Congratulations to everyone on the Apostle Islands team who supported the work recognized with the 2016 NPS “Accessibility Excellence” award. Everyone can #FindYourPark, and universal design makes it easier and fun for all!!! Well Done!!!

    Reply
  2. Andrew Leibs says

    March 24, 2017 at 12:15 pm

    I participated in an Apostle Islands adventure in 2014. I can still hear happy interjections from my canoe mates echoing inside those lakeside caves! Wilderness Inquiry made every step of the journey safe, accessible, and sublime!

    Reply
    • Wilderness Inqiury says

      March 24, 2017 at 4:17 pm

      Andrew – Thanks for your kind words. We’ll have you back anytime!

      Reply
  3. Peter Rozeboom says

    March 24, 2017 at 3:15 pm

    Congrats Apostile Island team! This was fantastic to hear/read!

    Back in 2015, I volunteered as a Trip Assistant for the Base Camp trip. I’ve been on plenty of adventures, expeditions, and know the drills when getting new and experienced individuates in the outdoors. Said that, my time with Wilderness Inquiry as a TA was one of my most rewarding experience from start to finish. Having the opportunity to help out on a trip was priceless. I loved seeing the passion Wilderness Inquiry instructors had for getting EVERYONE outdoors enjoying nature by land and sea (well more like big ol lake lol). Everything ran so smoothly and the instructors, facility, gear, and location was all outstanding! I’ve been trying to get back there to volunteer again or just get on a trip because I had such a blast!

    Reply
    • Wilderness Inqiury says

      March 24, 2017 at 4:21 pm

      Peter – Thanks again for being a TA and helping provide access for all. You should stop by our offices sometime. Your photo contest winner was not only a catalog cover but is a poster that we used at the Outdoor Retailer conference.

      Here’s the link for Trip Assistant openings for those who would also like to help out.

      Reply
  4. Jana Klein says

    March 24, 2017 at 4:02 pm

    I participated in a women’s group trip with Wilderness Inquiry to the Base Camp in 2015. I loved it so much, I went back with my husband on a group trip in 2016! Both trips were so much fun! I have to say that both my husband and I were pushing our comfort zones, and the guides made us feel safe at all times, everyone felt included, and we learned so much!

    Thank you Wilderness Inquiry, you guys are amazing!

    Reply
    • Wilderness Inqiury says

      March 24, 2017 at 4:28 pm

      Jana – You’re so welcome! Thank you for sharing the adventure with us – twice.

      Reply
  5. Jerry Willis says

    March 27, 2017 at 7:02 am

    “Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime” – no fake news here – just real-world proof of WI’s global leadership in getting people of all abilities outside. Kudos to NPS for partnering with a leader and getting it right. May the adventure for all ethos spread like wildfire.

    Reply
  6. Ted G says

    March 27, 2017 at 8:21 am

    I’m very proud of my colleagues and friends at Apostle Islands. Well done!

    Reply
  7. Donald Leadbetter says

    March 27, 2017 at 8:56 am

    Congratulations and kudos to everyone involved in this great project! Our nation’s parks and public lands need to provide opportunities for everyone to enjoy them, and this is a shining example of making that happen.

    Reply
  8. Garyck Hoenig says

    March 27, 2017 at 11:23 am

    All of us at Apostle Islands would like to thank Wilderness Inquiry for this recognition. This is a testament to the hard work of our devoted staff and the continuing support of our visitors, volunteers, and friends groups. This work and support combined with Wilderness Inquiry’s accessible base camp allows us to continue improving accessibility throughout the park.

    Reply
  9. Lori Schneider says

    March 29, 2017 at 11:17 am

    Congratulations to Wilderness Inquiry for setting the standard for the adventure world to follow. Your award for making campsites and our wonderful Apostle Islands National Lakeshore more available to all, is well deserved! Thank you for filling a niche in the world of outdoor accessibility and enjoyment! Keep setting the bar high for all to follow! It is much appreciated.
    Lori Schneider ~Founder ~Empowerment Through Adventure LLC

    Reply
  10. Jim Peacock says

    March 29, 2017 at 3:23 pm

    Congrats to Apostle Islands National Park! Am grateful for the dark skies and protection of the islands and shoreline of my homeland Gichigumi. (Lake Superior)

    Reply
  11. mary frantz says

    March 29, 2017 at 7:40 pm

    We enjoyed the base camp trip in 2015 at age 92 (each). I think it’s great that you have helped the park to establish the sites on Sand and Stockton. We have fond memories of many journeys on our own to all of the islands in our slightly younger days.

    Not too likely that we’ll make another Wilderness trip, but I’m glad to know you are still going strong.

    Mary and John Frantz

    Reply
  12. CD says

    July 20, 2017 at 4:39 pm

    Congratulations WI! and Apostle Islands National Lakeshore! Well deserved.

    Reply
  13. Sandra Wilson says

    January 30, 2021 at 5:52 pm

    How can I come to Apostle Island? I would love it! I am on s limited income so if it cost a lot, it won’t work for me. I do have a son that is strong and healthy that loves the outdoors and Mau be a perfect fit to work here. Do you hire people?
    Thanks, Sandy

    Reply

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