Sand Island Lighthouse
- Built in 1881
- Automated in 1921
- Light moved to steel tower c.1933
- Light moved back to lighthouse 1985
- Still in service, guided tours available
New Michigan Island Light Tower
- Built in Pennsylvania in 1880
- Dismantled 1918
- Re-erected on Michigan Island 1929
- Automated 1943
- Still in service, guided tours available
Raspberry Island Lighthouse
- Built in 1862
- Placed in service 1863
- Enlarged 1906
- Automated 1947
- Light moved outside building 1957
- Guided tours available
- Shuttle boat schedule
Manitou Island Fish Camp
- Built in 1890’s
- Used as a camp for fisherman and a weekend retreat until the 1930’s
Outer Island Lighthouse
- Built in 1874
- Automated 1961
- Temporarily closed to public access due to construction activity
Devils Island Light Tower
- Temporary tower built in 1891
- Permanent tower built in 1898
- Permanent tower placed in service 1901
- External braces added 1914
- Automated 1978
- Lens removed 1989
- Lens replaced 1992
- Still in service
Old Michigan Island Lighthouse
- Built in 1856
- Place in service 1857
- Abandoned 1858
- Re-lit 1969
- Retired 1929
- Guided tours available
- New museum exhibits open
La Point Lighthouse, Long Island
- Built in 1897
- Automated 1964
- Still in service, not open to public
FAQs
COVID-19 Preparedness
Apostle Islands Cruises has worked diligently with local health officials to implement several COVID-19 preventative measures. Here are a few of the major changes we've made:
Frequently-touched surfaces on the boat will be disinfected before and during each cruise.
Several other measures are being taken by our staff before and after you visit us. For any specific questions or for more information on our plan please call our office or email us at info@apostleisland.com
Reservations, Refunds & Seating?
Reservations are highly recommended! We are anticipating a busy 2023! After purchasing tickets on our regularly-scheduled cruises you have up to one hour prior to departure to either transfer your tickets to another cruise or receive a full refund. If we cancel a cruise due to weather you will have the same options. All seating on all cruises is first-come, first-served.
Where can I park?
Parking is available on all streets in Bayfield. Rittenhouse Avenue and Front Street provide 2 hour parking only, most side streets in downtown Bayfield offer free, daily parking.
Is the boat handicap accessible?
The Apostle Islands Cruises team works closely to assist customers with any particular needs or special requirements. The Lower Decks are handicap accessible on the Superior Princess & Archipelago.
*Please note that there are stairs to the upper deck. For inquiries to best serve special needs, please email us at info@apostleisland.com or call 1-800-323-7619 at least 24 hours in advance and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Are there restrooms on the boats?
Yes, all boats are equipped with restrooms.
Do you accept credit cards?
We accept MasterCard, Visa, & Discover for ticket purchases. Concessions on all of our boats only accept cash.
How long do the cruises last?
The Grand Tour- approximately 3 hours.
Lighthouse Tours- customers are out in the islands for approximately 4 hours total. Approximately 2 hours at the Lighthouse.
Stockton Day Hiking- customers are out in the islands for approximately 4 hours total. Approximately 1.5 hours on Stockton.
Camping- based on your schedule!
Stockton Island Hiking & Michigan Island Lighthouse Tour: approximately 4.5 hours
Raspberry Island Lighthouse Tour: approximately 4 hours
*Please note that all tour routes and lengths can be modified due to weather.
Can we bring our pets?
We do not allow any pets on board our cruises. In accordance with the ADA, service animals are allowed, however this does not include emotional support animals or therapy animals.
Camping, Lighthouse & Shuttle questions
We will be operating the Camping and Lighthouse tours June 24th-September 2nd this season.
What should/can we bring?
Typically, air temperature is about 10-15 degrees cooler out on the water. It's always a good idea to have an extra layer of clothes.
We sell beverages on board the boat. We do allow passengers to bring their own food/beverages in a small personal cooler. Alcohol is allowed, we just ask that you behave yourselves!
Partner Cruises
Experience the best of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore by sea kayak! Apostle Islands Kayaking is a premier sea kayak outfitter offering guided full-day and half-day tours in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
Discover Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, America’s first National Lakeshore and one of Mother Nature’s treasures. Cruise along Superior’s shoreline and take in brilliantly colored cliffs and seas caves, cascading falls, and pristine beaches. Lovers Leap, Indian Head, Miners Castle, and Chapel Rock are landmarks that anchor the many tour highlights.
Immerse yourself in the history of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Explore Huron’s hidden shipwrecks from Lady Michigan’s glass-bottom viewing deck. Preserved shipwrecks, scenic shorelines, and majestic lighthouses highlight this unique Lake Huron tour.
Cruise the waters of the St. Clair River into mighty Lake Huron. Pass under the Blue Water Bridge and take in Michigan’s oldest working lighthouse, the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, standing proud along Lake Huron’s shoreline. Get a unique, up-close view of passing freighters!
Experience panoramic views of the Mackinac Bridge, majestic Mackinac Island, and some of Lake Huron’s oldest lighthouses. Star Line’s Hydro-Jet Ferries produce distinctive 35′ rooster tail spray and offer an unforgettable ferry ride to Mackinac Island.