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How to Get to Apostle Islands

How to Get to Apostle Islands

Apostle Islands Wisconsin, USA Travel Guide

Major Airports & Airlines

Nearby Airports

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore does not have its own airport. Visitors typically fly into larger regional airports and then travel by car to Bayfield.

Airport Options

  • Duluth International Airport (DLH): Closest regional airport, approx. 1.5-hour drive (80 miles).
  • Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP): Major international hub, approx. 4-hour drive (200 miles). Widest range of airlines and direct flights.
  • Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB): Approx. 4-hour drive (200 miles).

Airline Connections

Learn about typical routes and connectivity from various airports.

Common Carriers

  • DLH: Mainly serviced by Delta Air Lines (via MSP) and United Airlines (via Chicago O'Hare).
  • MSP: All major U.S. Airlines including Delta, Southwest, American, United. Extensive domestic and international connections.
  • GRB: Serviced by American Eagle (via Chicago), Delta Connection (via MSP or Detroit), and United Express (via Chicago).

Seasonal Pricing

Flight prices are generally higher during peak summer travel (June-August) due to demand. Prices may be slightly lower during shoulder seasons (May, late Sept-Oct).

Airport Facilities

All major airports (DLH, MSP, GRB) offer standard facilities: car rental agencies (DiscoverCars.com), dining, retail, and ground transportation like taxis/ride-shares (for local transfers).

Transfer Options

A rental car is the most practical way to reach Bayfield from any airport. Limited private shuttle services may be available, but no regular public bus service connects airports directly to Bayfield.

Finding Flights

Domestic Flights

  • Use flight comparison sites like Dollar Flight Club to find deals.
  • Skyscanner for broad search options.
  • Book flights well in advance, especially for summer or holidays, to secure better prices and availability.
  • Consider flying into MSP for the widest range of direct flight options from global hubs.

International Connections

  • Direct international flights to the immediate Apostle Islands region are not available.
  • International travelers typically fly into a major U.S. International gateway (e.g., Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP))
  • Then take a connecting domestic flight to DLH, MSP, or GRB.
  • MSP is the most likely entry point due to its direct flight options and reasonable drive distance.

Airport Services

Car Rental

All listed airports have on-site car rental agencies (Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, National). This is the most popular way to get to Bayfield.

Dining and Retail

A selection of restaurants, cafes, and shops are available for pre- or post-flight needs. MSP, as a large international airport, offers the widest array of choices.

Ground Transportation

Taxi services and pre-booked ride-share options (Uber/Lyft) are available at MSP and DLH, practical for local airport transfers.

Travel by Land

Train and Bus Links

While air travel brings you close, ground transportation helps you reach Bayfield and the Apostle Islands themselves.

Long-Distance Travel

  • Train Connections: No Amtrak train stations directly serve Bayfield. The closest is St. Paul, MN (approx. 4-hour drive).
  • Long-Distance Bus: Services like Greyhound or Jefferson Lines operate to nearby larger cities (Duluth, Ashland). Onward travel to Bayfield from these cities needs a rental car or pre-arranged local transport.
  • Direct bus service into Bayfield is not typically available.

Self-Driving Essentials

Self-driving is the most common and flexible way to explore the Apostle Islands region.

Driving Requirements & Routes

  • Driver's License: A valid driver's license is fine. If not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) in conjunction with your license is needed.
  • Age & Insurance: Minimum age for car rental is typically 21 (under 25 may have surcharge). Have adequate car insurance.
  • Routes: From the South, use US Highway 2 to WI Highway 13 North. From the West (Duluth/MSP), take I-35 N to Duluth, then US Highway 2 East, then WI Highway 13 North.

Road Conditions & Navigation

Roads are generally well-maintained, but local conditions matter.

Driving Information

  • Road Conditions: Generally well-maintained paved highways. In winter, snow and ice can make driving challenging; 4-wheel or all-wheel drive and good winter tires are beneficial.
  • Navigation: Cell service can be spotty in rural areas. Downloading offline maps for your GPS or phone is a good idea.
  • Parking: Paid and free parking lots are available in Bayfield. On islands (except Madeline), vehicles are not permitted.

Sea Arrival Options

Sea arrival mainly points to ferry services connecting the mainland to the islands.

Ferry Services

  • Madeline Island Ferry Line: Regular vehicle and passenger service between Bayfield and La Pointe on Madeline Island. Runs frequently in summer. Check Madeline Island Ferry Line for details.
  • Apostle Islands Cruises: Operates tour boats and passenger ferries from Bayfield to islands within the National Lakeshore (e.g., Stockton Island, Oak Island). Check Apostle Islands Cruises for details.
  • Private Water Taxis: Several operators in Bayfield offer on-demand water taxi services to all 21 islands. Useful for campers and kayakers.

Safety on the Road

  • Deer are common, especially at dawn and dusk. Drive carefully and be alert for wildlife.
  • Always adhere to posted speed limits and traffic laws.
  • Pay extra attention to road conditions during adverse weather, especially in winter with snow and ice.
  • There are no international sea arrivals or cruise ports in the Apostle Islands, so no specific immigration procedures are collected at domestic ferry docks.
  • River transportation is not applicable as the Apostle Islands are on Lake Superior.
  • Remember to factor in time to refuel your rental car before returning it to the airport.

Departing the Apostle Islands

Departure Procedures

Planning your departure from the Apostle Islands is as important as planning your arrival.

Airport Departures

  • Domestic Flights: Arrive at the airport 2 hours before departure for checking bags and security.
  • International Flights: Plan to arrive 3 hours before departure for longer check-in and security checks.
  • Factor in time to refuel your rental car and for any shuttle services to the terminal.

Airport Facilities

Major airports (MSP, DLH, GRB) feature standard amenities for departing travelers.

Amenities Available

  • Restaurants and Cafes: Various dining options, from fast food to sit-down restaurants.
  • Shops: Retail outlets for last-minute souvenirs, reading materials, or travel necessities.
  • Waiting Areas: Comfortable seating areas, often with charging stations for electronic devices.

Exit Fees

No specific exit fees or taxes are collected on travelers departing the United States, whether by air, land, or sea. Airline ticket prices will include various taxes and fees, but these are part of the ticket purchase.

Ferry Departures

If departing from Madeline Island via the ferry to Bayfield, allow extra time, especially on busy summer weekends. Vehicle queues for the ferry can be long, causing delays. Check the ferry schedule for final departure times.

Airport Connectivity

Free Wi-Fi is generally available throughout airport terminals, allowing you to stay connected while waiting for your flight.

Reaching the Islands by Water

Ferry & Cruise Options

Sea arrival mainly points to ferry services connecting the mainland to the islands, rather than international cruise ship arrivals.

Water Transport Services

  • Madeline Island Ferry Line: Vehicle and passenger ferry between Bayfield and La Pointe on Madeline Island. Runs frequently in summer.
  • Apostle Islands Cruises: Operates tour boats and passenger ferries from Bayfield to specific islands (e.g., Stockton Island and Oak Island). Offers scenic "Grand Tour" cruises.
  • Private Water Taxis: Several private operators in Bayfield offer on-demand water taxi services to all 21 Apostle Islands. Useful for campers and kayakers needing specific island drop-offs.

Connections & Safety

Ensure smooth transitions between water and land travel.

Ground Links & Important Notes

  • Ferry Docks: Centrally located in Bayfield, allowing easy walking access to shops, restaurants, and other services.
  • For vehicles on Madeline Island ferry, parking is available near the dock or elsewhere in Bayfield.
  • No specific immigration procedures apply at these domestic ferry docks; U.S. Entry procedures are handled at your initial port of entry. River transportation is not applicable.

Departure Checklist

Flight Status

Confirm your flight status and gate information before heading to the airport.

Traffic Delays

Allow for potential traffic delays on the drive to the airport, especially during peak travel times.

Rental Car Return

Factor in time to refuel your rental car and for any shuttle services from the rental car center to the airport terminal.

Smooth Departure

Planning your departure from the Apostle Islands is as important as planning your arrival.

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