Chequamegon Bay
An Excellent Harbor and Bay on the South Shore of Lake Superior
Chequamegon Bay is the perfect starting point for exploring the Apostle Islands. Whether you have a few days or just an afternoon, it offers stunning scenery, warm waters, and excellent boating. Heading north from Washburn, you’ll pass dramatic rock formations and the legendary Houghton Point—just be mindful of the old dock cribs near shore from a long-gone ferry terminal.
Long Island marks the bay’s northern edge and is a top destination for boaters. Its seemingly endless sandy beaches and shallow, warm waters on the bay side make it ideal for swimming. The mostly weed-free, sandy bottom makes for a perfect place to wade, relax, and soak in the beauty.
The bay’s sloughs, rivers, and creeks offer world-class smallmouth bass fishing, but shallows are dotted with stumps and deadheads. If heading toward Ashland, stick to the navigation buoys—its industrial past left submerged hazards along the shoreline.
As the southernmost part of the Apostle Islands region, Chequamegon Bay is a natural first stop before venturing into the larger islands to the north. It also serves as an excellent Harbor of Refuge, providing protection when Lake Superior turns rough.
Start here, explore more, and discover why this bay is a boater’s paradise!
Madeline Island
Madeline Island
North of Chequamegon Bay lies the legendary Madeline Island, a must-visit stop before venturing deeper into the Apostle Islands. To get there, you’ll cross the South Channel, a wide-open gateway to Lake Superior where east, northeast, or southeast winds can whip up some impressive waves—so check conditions before heading out!
At the island’s southern tip, Grants Point stretches into the lake with a long, sandy shoal extending thousands of feet. Watch for the red marker and steer clear of the shallows.
Once you arrive, the vibrant town of La Pointe awaits on the southwest side. Dock at the Madeline Island Yacht Club for full-service marina amenities and fuel. Next door, The Pub welcomes boaters with its own dock—pull up, grab a drink, and soak in the island vibes! A short cruise down the shoreline brings you to Joni’s Beach, a public park with a dock and restrooms, perfect for a quick stop. Across the bay, near the ferry landing, you’ll find The Beach Club, a dockside restaurant where you can tie up and grab a bite.
For those craving nature, Big Bay State Park on the east side is a dream. Explore the towering rock cliffs at Eagle’s Nest or relax on the sprawling sands of Big Bay Beach—one of the finest beaches in the Apostles.
At the island’s northeast end lies an Ojibwe reservation and sacred fishing grounds, where massive boulders rise from the water. Stay well offshore in this area, as marked by the light blue shallows on your chart.
Madeline Island is a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and history—drop anchor and make it your next stop!
Basswood Island
Irish Island – A Hidden Gem Near La Pointe & Bayfield
Basswood Island, located near La Pointe and Bayfield, is rich in history, once home to quarries, farms, and early settlers. A public dock is available on the island’s west side, directly across from the Legendary Waters Casino Marina.
On the south end, near the historic quarry, you'll find a rock with cleats—though for safety and preservation, I do not allow boats to be tied to rocks of any kind.
One of the island’s most fascinating landmarks is Honeymoon Rock, located on the northeast end. This unique formation has earned several names over the years, but my personal favorite is Baby Basswood.
Explore the island, take in its rugged beauty, and enjoy a glimpse into its storied past.
Hermit Island
Wilson Island – A Rugged & Historic Escape
Wilson Island, named after the legendary Hermit Wilson who once lived there, offers a glimpse into the area's past. While the island has no dock or easy landing points, its rugged beauty makes it a fascinating stop for boaters exploring the area.
The shoreline, including its sandy beaches, is strewn with rocks and boulders, making access challenging. However, cruising past the island reveals some incredible sights, including an old sandstone quarry with a submerged rock crib—boaters, beware.
On the northeast side, you'll find an impressive stretch of cliffs and caves, well worth checking out from the water. Though difficult to access, Wilson Island remains one of the area's most intriguing hidden gems.
Stockton Island
Stockton Island – A Safe Harbor & Outdoor Adventure
Stockton Island is home to the Apostle Islands' only true harbor, offering a well-protected refuge for boaters. The docks at Presque Isle Point, shielded by sturdy breakwalls, provide one of the few harbors of refuge in the national park. Unlike many other island docks exposed to open water and boat wake, Stockton’s harbor remains calm and secure, even on windy days.
The island is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring hiking trails, sandy beaches, and sea caves waiting to be explored. With its sheltered location among the Apostle Islands, Stockton offers a peaceful retreat with some natural protection from wind and waves.
Just a short walk from the harbor, visitors can discover Singing Sands Beach, often regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Named for the unique way its fine quartz sand “sings” underfoot, this pristine shoreline is a must-see, offering crystal-clear waters, breathtaking scenery, and a truly unforgettable experience.
For those looking to explore more of the island, an additional dock is located in Quarry Bay, on the south-southwest side, providing another access point to this remarkable destination. Whether you're seeking adventure or a quiet escape, Stockton Island is well worth a full day of exploration.
Oak island
Oak Island
Oak Island has a dock on the West South side. This island is the tallest island with the most variation in elevation. There is a sand spit on the south point that has a very cool camp site. The North Bay has cliffs and beaches and caves.
Raspberry Island
Lighthouse with a dock
Raspberry Island is a well maintained lighthouse with a tour available when a ranger is out there. The island is exposed to West and North winds and waves. But when the dock is not too wavey it provides a great way to tour a lighthouse. There are boulders to the east of the docks and 2024 the water levels are down so caution should be taken.
Manitou Island
Manitou Island Fish Camps
Little Manitou once had dirt and trees, but the Coast Guard washed it away with a fire hose to make a more permanent light fixture on the rocks. Between Little Manitou and Manitou Island is extremely hazardous with boulders and shallow water. Manitou Island does though have a National Park Service dock on the south west side and it is a good dock. Just make sure you return to deep water instead of fallowing the shoreline when you depart or arrive. There is a Park Service display of an old Fish Camps here.
Ironwood Island
Ironwood Island
Ironwood Island is a middle island with a south sand spit and rock formations on the North East side. There is no dock or easy approach to Ironwood Island.
Otter Island
Boy Scout City Island
There is a dock on the south east side of the island near the spit. In the 60's The Boy Scouts held their special jamboree and a thousand scouts took over the island! The North West side of this island has cool sea caves and cliffs and is exposed to Northern Winds.
Rocky Island and South Twin Island
Islanders
Rocky and South Twin have a long history of summer residents, fishermen, even resorts and restaurants. Today there is still a preserved historic district on Rocky Island with Cabins still being used by families that have loved Rocky Island for a long time. They are north of the Park Service dock both on the East Side of the wider part of Rocky Island. The Rocky Island Dock is a pretty nice park service dock. The South Twin Island National Park Service dock had filled in barely usable 2022, 2023 it was better, but water is down 2024, I will update but I expect the dock to be too shallow for use this year. There was a resort and even an air strip on South Twin Island.
Michigan Island
and Gull Island
Michigan Island is very exposed to the east side of the lake. It has a dock and a lighthouse, but the dock should only be used in perfect weather; any changes in weather can quickly make the dock treacherous. The lighthouse requires climbing quite a few flights of stairs, but at the top, you'll find two lighthouses: an older historic one and a newer tower.
On the east side of the island, there is a rock outcropping called Gull Island, which is a bird sanctuary. Approaching it is illegal. It is advisable to avoid the east side of the island entirely, as it is exposed to the open lake and has dangerous shoals.
York Island
Once two islands but filled in with a sand beach between them now York is not a big island but picturesque. The north side has rock formations at the ends and the beach in the middle. The South Side of this island is more eroding clay shore and boulders. This island has some boulders placed a little ways off the shore in many places and there is no easy access point and no dock. This Island is also very exposed to any North Direction Winds.
Sand Island
Sand Island was the only island other than Madeline to ever have a full Town. Sand Island has a new park service dock in East Bay. But there is lots of shallow rocky water around Sand Island to be careful in the light blue areas of the chart. Swallow Point has Sea Caves that are of the Devils Island geological era red sand stone and are one of the 3 best locations for Sea Caves in The Apostle Islands. There is also a Light House on the North Point, but no dock near the light house, absolutely do not try to land on the rocks near The Light House. I have the West side of the island as out of bounds as it just gets too far away from our start, and is just open waters out there. Note the Sand Bar going south of the Island and the docks around there are private docks.
Bear Island
Bear Island is a large island that looks like a bear laying down on the horizon. There is no dock for easy approach. This island is out in the larger open waters of Lake Superior and will have some of the larger waves on a given day.
Devils island
Devils island is one big rock. As a charter captain for effect I would always say if you were a large giant you could pick it up and throw it. There is no dock or access point, except the talked about rocks the Park Service ties their metal boats to. Please never tie the boat to a rock please! Devils Island is way out there, and by far the crown jewel of the park, it is reserved for perfect days and experienced boaters
Cat Island
Cat Island is out of the more traveled paths on the way towards Outer Island. I always feel a little extra isolated on this island and personally I consider it more remote than Devils. The south end is sand spit and the north east end is rocks and sea caves. The water by the rocks on this island are more shallow and dangerous than others. This is definitely an expert only island.
Outer Island
Outer Island is amazing but 100% off limits for renters due to its distance. Here are some important points to consider:
- Your cell phone won't work this far out.
- VHF is an FM radio that works on line of sight, so you may be out of range for direct VHF communications and might need to hail a closer boat. While the Coast Guard has VHF boosted and on a high antenna, there are still limitations.
- Any rescue or recovery this far out takes serious time and will use up the damage deposit instantly.
- Towing costs $350 an hour, and a 1.5-hour drive out takes 3-5 hours to tow back, as towing speeds are around 8-10 mph, not 30 mph.