Explore
Bayfield serves as the park headquarters and the primary departure point for guided boat tours.
Most visitors start their Apostle Islands trip in Bayfield. This city provides access to the official visitor center and the main boat cruise service. Stop here before heading out to the islands to check marine weather forecasts and pick up camping permits.
If you plan to take a narrated scenic boat tour, your vessel will depart from the Bayfield docks. The best months for boat tours are June through August.
1 hourVisitor center
The main visitor center occupies the historic Old County Courthouse building. Inside, you will find exhibits, park films, and ranger orientation sessions. Stop here first to get safety updates, secure camping permits, and stamp your National Park passport.
3-4 hoursGuided tour
This is the official boat tour concessionaire for the national lakeshore. They run a narrated 3-hour Grand Tour of the islands. Book this trip to see the historic lighthouses and the Devils Island sea caves without needing a kayak.
