The Apostle Islands provide some of the most spectacular scenery in the Midwest — and we’re off to see them.
Clustered near the south shore of Lake Superior in northern Wisconsin, the 21 Apostle Islands have attracted visitors for generations for their beauty and wonder. From famous ice caves to iconic paddle trips, the Apostle Islands provide heart-racing adventure for those who venture out.
On this trip, you’ll get the experience of a lifetime as we explore the islands by kayak — and the mainland by foot. The Apostle Islands region is defined by water in all its forms. The lake itself offers one of the most iconic paddling experiences in the country: sea kayaking through sandstone caves carved directly into the shoreline. And further inland, waterfalls await curious hikers, with miles of trails to explore to find beautiful ecological and cultural treasures. With experienced outfitters and guides, you’ll move confidently through this dynamic environment, learning to read the land and water, trust your strength, and appreciate just how special — and powerful — this place is.
Fall in love with the northwoods of Wisconsin on this epic 6 night, 5 day adventure packed full of beautiful hiking, a full day of sea cave paddling and camping near the shores of Lake Superior, the greatest of the Greats.
Adventure Rating: Intermediate
This trip is rated Intermediate because the full-day sea kayaking tour is physically strenuous. No prior paddling experience is required, but Wanderers should know that you will be paddling for 3-4 hours in Great Lake conditions, which requires arm strength and endurance.
ACTIVITIES
Full-day guided sea kayaking tour on Lake Superior, exploring the Apostle Islands’ famous sea caves with expert outfitters — an active, awe-inspiring day that highlights the power and beauty of Gichigami (the Ojibwe word for Lake Superior). You’ll paddle to iconic cave formations and learn the cultural and ecological history of the area.
A full day of hiking on the mainland will bring us to gorgeous waterfalls, through boreal forests and to Frog Bay Tribal National Park, the first tribal National Park in the United States, managed by the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.
Take a ferry to Madeline Island to spend the day exploring the small, artsy island town, Madeline Island Wilderness Preserve and Big Bay State Park
Explore Bayfield, one of Wisconsin’s cutest local, small towns, filled with local shops, art galleries and bookstores galore
Plunge into Lake Superior, because no Lake Superior trip is complete without a brisk plunge. On our last morning, visit the beach in Cornucupia Beach for an early morning Lake Superior plunge to say thank you to the beautiful lake Gichigami before we head home.
ACCOMMODATIONS & LOCATION
We’ll be staying at a small campground conveniently located on Wisconsin’s northern peninsula and on the shores of Lake Superior. The campground has modern bathrooms and showerhouse.
About Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
A unique collection of 21 islands and 12 miles of mainland, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (just one of three in the whole country) invites visitors to experience where water meets land and sky and past meets present. Historic lighthouses shine over Lake Superior, nestled along windswept beaches and cliffs.
There is a multitude of ways to enjoy these Jewels of Lake Superior, from a day trip to the lakeshore’s pristine beaches to an extended trip to delight in the peace, solitude, and natural rhythms of the islands. With water activities ranging from sailing to scuba diving, more than fifty miles of maintained hiking trails, and centuries old fishing hotspots, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore’s unique blend of cultural and natural resources offers year-round fun for those looking to escape to the Great Lakes. Source: National Park Foundation
GETTING THERE
If you are flying in from outside of Wisconsin, the closest airport is the Duluth International Airport (DLH) (about a two hour drive away). You’ll need to rent a car to get to the campground, or arrange carpool with a local Wanderer. Carpooling details are sent pre-trip in the private trip Discord channel. Carpooling arrangements can’t be guaranteed, but we try our best to connect Wanderers for coordination!
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Your registration provides you:
Expert planning and two Wander Women guides to help make the weekend as seamless and fun as possible!
Four nights of camping and parking
All but two meals for the weekend, prepared by your guides, including breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks and beverages
Full-day, guided sea kayaking tour with local guide, and rental, including: boat, lifejacket and paddle
Guided interpretive nature hikes
Wanderer swag bag full of goodies
A private trip Discord channel to connect with guides and fellow participants before & after the trip
Comprehensive pre-trip online guide with detailed logistics, packing recommendations, and trip tips
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Participants will be responsible for providing/paying for:
Transportation to/from the trip (we always encourage carpooling and can connect you with other participants to ride with!) and to trip activity locations
Lunch and dinner on Madeline Island
Ferry to Madeline Island
Gear: Participants are able to rent camping gear from Wander Women
Park entrance fees
INVESTMENT
$995
PAYMENT PLAN
We offer payment plans for all our trips, so you can pay a deposit now and the rest over time! WeTravel (our booking platform) easily lets you make a downpayment (this is also your non-refundable trip deposit!) and set up automatic payments for the remainder. For the payment plan schedule, just check the WeTravel page for details. There is NO fee for choosing the payment plan option!
Deposit for this trip: $495