Offering some fascinating shipwrecks, plus clean, clear water and amazing underwater rock formations, Wisconsin's Apostle Islands are located in Lake Superior. A fantastic place to spend a day or weeks on end exploring, this area is one of America's natural treasures, with lighthouses, boreal forest, more than 800 incredible plant species, and abundant wildlife. Let's take a closer look.
About the Apostle Islands: Wildlife, Birds, Fish, and Much More
Given the site's name, you might think that there are 12 islands; in fact, this is a group of 22 islands. On Madeline Island, Stockton Island, and several others, the ecosystem features bogs and dunes with deep bays and enclosed lagoons, and on Stockton Island, Sand Island, and Oak Island, the likelihood of a black bear encounter is quite good; Stockton Island is home to one of the largest concentrations of black bears in America. The bears travel from one island to another by swimming, so keep an eye out as you are diving! If you see a bear dive, as they sometimes do, you'll be amazed at the beauty and power these animals display while making short dives in search of fish.
The lakeshore habitat is home to a number of colonial nesting birds, including cliff swallows, cormorants, a few gull species, and great blue herons; the blue heron rookery is located at Eagle Island.
The fish in the area are abundant. There are several different trout species here, along with salmon, golden shiner, walleye, mudminnows, lamprey, sturgeon, shad, chub, carp, and many more. You'll find most of these fish at depths between 10 and 30 feet.
Finally, there are a number of other creatures you might encounter while diving, particularly in shallow areas - frogs, a few different salamander species, and lots of turtles and crayfish inhabit the lakeshore.
Prominent Features
There are a number of caves along the shoreline; some are above water, and others are at or below the waterline. These are mainly composed of clay or sandstone, and they don't go back very far. Still, explore with caution. The best are at Devil's Island, Sand Island, and Stockton Island, and most are at depths between 10 and 25 feet.
"The Wall" is one area most divers want to visit at least once; here, the area's geology is the highlight, with submerged sandstone ledges that drop away into water over 100 feet deep. The Wall is located on the southwest side of Stockton Island.
Submerged Dock Cribs that date back to the 1890's, when the Apostle Islands were quarried for sandstone can be seen at Basswood Island, Stockton Island, and Hermit Island, at depths between 4 and 25 feet, and there are a number of shipwrecks to visit. Some favorite wrecks include:
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The Lucerne Wreck - A 195 foot schooner sunk in 1886, upright and intact at a depth of 25 feet, this site is buoyed during the boating season. Visibility here is usually between 5-40 feet, and a 2 knot current is normally present. It is located off the northeast side of Long Island.
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The Sevona Wreck - A 373 foot bulk freighter built in 1890 and lost in 1905, this wreck is outside the park's boundaries off Sand Island Shoals, beneath 20-25 feet of water. While broken in half, it is still a great ship to visit.
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The Noquebay Wreck - A 205 foot schooner barge built in 1872 and burned before sinking in 1905, the Noquebay is an easy wreck to visit; maximum depth is just 15 feet, and visibility is generally very good. The bottom is sand, and while the wooden wreck is broken, many features remain. It is located in Julian Bay, just off Stockton Island.
These are just a few of the wonders that await at the Apostle Islands. Be sure to pay close attention to the weather, and wear a dry suit during spring and fall; during the summer, a quarter inch wetsuit is recommended. While surface temperatures can reach 70 degrees, underwater conditions average 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit. Dive charters are available in nearby Bayfield, and you will need to obtain a National Park Service Diving Permit before you visit any cultural dive sites. They're free; you can obtain one at park headquarters or in Bayfield. With just a little planning and preparation, you can easily enjoy a fun, low cost dive vacation at the Apostle Islands. Don't be surprised if you find yourself returning again and again - the area offers an incredible wealth of natural and historic treasures.