Is Apostle Islands Safe for Travel RIGHT NOW? (2024 Safety Rating)

Safety Index:

* Based on Research & Crime Data

The Apostle Islands, a cluster of 22 islands off Lake Superior’s coast near Bayfield, Wisconsin, are an awe-inspiring example of geological history and outdoor adventure.

Shaped by forces over a billion years, the islands’ sandstone cliffs and beaches were sculpted by relentless waves, seasonal ice, and ancient glacial movements.

This ongoing natural process has created a landscape filled with rugged cliffs, hidden sea caves, and beautiful forests.

In 1970, 21 of these islands and part of the mainland were designated as a National Lakeshore to protect their unique ecosystems and historical sites.

Madeline Island, the largest in the group, is the only one outside the National Lakeshore boundary, with developed amenities like restaurants and galleries.

The Apostle Islands were named by early French missionaries, who mistakenly thought there were only 12 islands in the archipelago, mirroring the number of apostles in the Bible.

The best season to visit depends on what you’re after.

Summer and fall offer prime conditions for hiking, camping, and exploring by kayak, while winter reveals something truly magical: the mainland sea caves freeze into shimmering ice caves, with frozen waterfalls and intricate icicles—a rare sight that draws adventurous visitors.

Activities here range from hiking through ancient forests to camping on secluded beaches, exploring historic lighthouses, and paddling into the intricate sea caves that reveal the stunning sandstone formations.

Whether you’re on a guided boat tour or kayaking, you get up-close views of these natural marvels.

The Apostle Islands offer a slice of wild beauty and history that leaves a lasting impression on anyone who visits.

That sounds too good to be true, eh?

There are specific and imminent risks that come with visiting a place this wild on a lake this massive.

We’re going to help you plan a safe trip to this awesome stop in the upper Midwest.

Warnings & Dangers in Apostle Islands

OVERALL RISK: LOW

The risk is low if you're prepared with wilderness, water, weather, and wildlife safety information. It's not as simple as just paddling on a lake. Plus, each season has certain weather risks. With preparation, you'll have a low risk and a major life experience to enjoy.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Bay Area Rural Transit (BART) provides public transportation throughout Bayfield County. To get to the islands, you'll need to take a ferry or private boat. I'll talk about some of those options as we go. Having a rental car on the mainland will help you see more of the beautiful areas of the county.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

The risk is low, as it is rare for an island to be crowded. Use extra caution on the ferries, but there isn't a chronic problem with pickpockets in this region. Truth be told, you're more likely to have your stuff taken by a hungry bear if you have improperly packed food than a human.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

This is a medium risk, and I suggest anyone who doesn't understand the magnitude or power of Lake Superior take a crash course. The water here is prone to swells, squalls, ice, snowstorms, rip currents, and fog with rapidly changing weather conditions. Severe thunderstorms can cancel outdoor plans in the spring and summer. Waves pose another risk for any paddling, especially those heading toward sea caves.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

This is another low-risk, with very few robberies of any kind reported on National Park Service property. Guns can be carried onto park property, but they are limited in some areas, like the visitor's center.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Weather and wildlife are by far the biggest risks, and terrorism is a low risk. The area is sparse and remote, with no hard targets or large cities nearby.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Only use vendors associated with the National Park Service to avoid the risk of fraud or scams. That will help keep the risk low. When you're in Bayfield, use vendors that are part of the Chamber of Commerce to get even more security. Plus, you can check local law enforcement websites for recent scam reports.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women don't face any greater risks than anyone else. You shouldn't go to the islands alone, and kids should understand the safety risks involved in any activity.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The U.S. has strict standards for tap water per the Safe Water Drinking Act. Communities are required to provide a Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) once a year by July 1. However, since the Apostle Islands are part of a National Lakeshore, don't expect potable water to be available. Bring your own bottled water.

Safest Places to Visit in Apostle Islands

There is a website for the Apostle Islands (visitapostleislands.com), but you’ll want to use the National Park Service website or app for information about the public lands.

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore encompasses 21 of the 22 islands in the Apostle archipelago on Lake Superior, except for Madeline Island, which is the largest and not part of the national lakeshore.

Madeline Island is privately owned and has a small community, while the National Park Service manages the other islands.

It is the only island where you can ferry a car with you to explore more.

On Madeline Island, start with a visit to Big Bay State Park, where you can hike trails along the shoreline or relax on sandy beaches.

The Madeline Island Museum tells the story of the island’s Ojibwe people and fur trade history.

Rent a bike to explore the town of La Pointe, grab local fare at one of the cozy restaurants, or hit the water with a kayak rental.

The NPS property covers 12 miles of the peninsula shoreline and the remaining islands.

Look on this NPS site for “Getting to the Islands” to find the charters and water taxis with specific tour topics and destinations.

Most of those will run seasonally, from late spring through early fall.

The mainland section of Apostle Islands National Seashore is 15 miles from the center of Bayfield, on the other side of the peninsula.

Here, you’ll find Myers Beach.

A four-mile roundtrip trail through some tricky terrain introduces you to the wonder of sea caves.

In winter, sea saves turn into ice caves, and visitors can walk two miles to explore the caves on frozen Lake Superior.

The mainland is also home to the Red Cliff Reservation of Lake Superior Chippewa (redcliff-nsn.gov) and falls under sovereign land.

You can read their website to see what tourist activities are allowed there.

Another option to access the 21 islands is to paddle your way there, but you should be experienced and in good physical condition any time of year.

Islands like Rocky, Sand, and Stockton are popular destinations with established campsites and docks, making them more accessible.

Places to Avoid in Apostle Islands

Crime-ridden areas aren’t a concern here or in Bayfield.

However, you can read our article “How Safe Is Bayfield for Travel?” if you want to know specifically about the city, town, and county.

As I’ve said before, water, weather, wilderness, and wildlife safety are the biggest concerns here.

Avoid going to an island by boat or paddle craft without being fully prepared.

That means understanding the potentially dangerous conditions of the water and incoming weather impacts.

As a paddler, I used to be guilty of seeing an island and thinking, “That’s not too far away; I can make it!”

However, even a mile paddle can become exhaustive if you’re working against the wind or a strong current.

In the next section, we’ll talk about some specific wildlife concerns, including black bears.

It will also be helpful to understand marine weather, climatology, and the potential for lake-effect snow.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Apostle Islands

The National Park Service is the law enforcement agency over the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Follow them on Facebook @apostleislandsnps. The office number is 715-779-3398 if you have any specific safety questions. You can also email through the website.
The Coast Guard also offers support in the waters around the island and Bayfield. You can call them at (715) 779-3950. I can tell you that they recommend everyone in a kayak or boat get a VHF marine radio to stay in touch. Mobile service will be limited at best.
The NPS website or app will always have the latest weather conditions along with any weather alerts. Sea Caves Watch is a website that tracks wave conditions in the caves.
Do not paddle alone. Once you are in a sea cave, the pounding water and waves can easily flip over a kayak, paddleboard, or small boat. Be sure you’re always wearing a life vest. The Friends of the Apostle Islands website and social media pages are also very helpful with safety information.
Black bears roam inland and on some of the islands. Bear spray is allowed, but some would argue that it is only needed in grizzly territory. Be sure to learn about bear-safe behavior, and that includes keeping all food and personal hygiene items (like toothpaste) in bear-proof containers.
Wolves can be found on the mainland of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, but rarely on the islands. Wolves will generally go out of their way to avoid you, but it’s smart to keep an eye out and avoid leaving food or scented items out in the open. While pets are allowed in a limited capacity, it’s best to leave them at home.
The NPS app will allow you to download maps and safety information while you’re connected to the internet. That information can then be available when you’re offline and in the wilderness.
Don’t drink lake water without filtering it or boiling it for two minutes. This will kill off any bacteria risks, like giardia. As noted earlier, some islands will have water available but never depend on that. Bring enough water for each person in your party. Generally, a gallon a day is a good measure.
Wear long sleeves and pants when hiking through the woods to keep biting flies, mosquitoes, and ticks from biting. Bug spray and a citrus-scented deodorant or perfume can be used to help minimize the risk. If a tick is attached, remove it by the head and disinfect the area.
If you want to fish here, a Wisconsin fishing license and a Great Lakes trout & salmon stamp will be required. Hunting is allowed from fall through mid-winter, so wear hunter orange if you are in a place where that activity is happening.

So... How Safe Is Apostle Islands Really?

While the National Park Service doesn’t give crime statistics, petty theft will be the biggest concern, and even that is minimal.

I pulled a report about the number of deaths at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

Between 2007 and mid-2024, six people died, and five of those were drownings.

The Apostle Islands will be as safe as you allow them to be.

Paddling here isn’t for beginners.

Hiking can be blissful but also dangerous, as some trails weave along the edge of sea cliffs.

Winter visitors should expect deep snow and very little trail grooming.

Hopefully, we’ve helped you realize some of the precautions to take so you can enjoy this amazing place.

It’s by far one of my favorite spots in the United States.

How Does Apostle Islands Compare?

City	Safety Index
Apostle Islands	78
Las Vegas	62
San Francisco	61
Philadelphia	60
Houston	59
Atlanta	58
St. Louis	58
Brussels (Belgium)	60
Shanghai (China)	66
Belize City (Belize)	37
La Paz (Bolivia)	52
Sao Paulo (Brazil)	45
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)	43

Useful Information

Visas

All international visitors need either a visa defining the purpose of the trip (tourist, work, school, etc.) or a visa waiver. Start the process using the Visa Wizard module on the U.S. State Department website. You can also download the CBP One mobile app to help on the go. Also, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your trip, or you’ll need to apply for a new one.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar (USD) is accepted in the United States. International airports usually have a currency exchange desk on site, while regional airports won’t. Your home bank offers the lowest fees. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee. Credit cards, not debit cards, offer the best fraud protection.

Weather

The Apostle Islands experience varied weather throughout the year. Summers are mild, averaging highs in the 70s°F, with cooler lake breezes. Fall brings vibrant colors and crisp air, while winter is cold, often below freezing, with ice formations along the shore. Spring can be unpredictable, with fluctuating temperatures. The park is open year-round, but that doesn't mean you'll be able to get to all the islands from late fall through early spring.

Airports

The nearest commercial airport to Wisconsin's Apostle Islands is Duluth International Airport (DLH) in Minnesota, approximately 84 miles away. Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is about 233 miles from the islands but will have many more flight options compared to Duluth.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance protects the cost of baggage loss/theft, delays, cancelations, and emergency health issues. Rental car insurance should include roadside assistance and uninsured motorist coverage. Comprehensive insurance offers the best peace of mind. I would recommend adventure insurance if you're planning on exploring the islands or sea caves by kayak.

Click here to get an offer for travel insurance

Apostle Islands Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Jan -7° C

Feb -6° C

Mar -1° C

Apr 4° C

May 9° C

Jun 13° C

Jul 19° C

Aug 19° C

Sep 16° C

Oct 9° C

Nov 2° C

Dec -4° C

Average High/Low Temperature

Temperature / Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °C	-4	-3	2	6	12	17	22	22	18	11	4	-2
Low °C	-9	-9	-4	1	5	9	15	16	13	7	-1	-6
High °F	25	27	36	43	54	63	72	72	64	52	39	28
Low °F	16	16	25	34	41	48	59	61	55	45	30	21

Wisconsin - Safety by City

City	Safety Index
Apostle Islands	78
Appleton	83
Baraboo	82
Bayfield	78
Beloit	60
Cedarburg	79
Eau Claire	77
Fond du Lac	64
Fort Atkinson	86
Green Bay	81
Janesville	81
Kenosha	74
Lake Geneva	82
Madison	77
Milwaukee	34
Minocqua	84
New Glarus	83
Oshkosh	83
Platteville	85
Prairie du Chien	80
Racine	70
Sheboygan	80
Sturgeon Bay	83
Sun Prairie	84
Superior	82
Tomah	83
Waukesha	83
Wausau	68
Whitewater	85
Wisconsin Dells	85

Is Apostle Islands Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Wisconsin : Safety by City