Apostle Islands Cruises Offers Wheelchair Accessible Tours
Located in Lake Superior, just off the Bayfield Peninsula, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (www.nps.gov/apis/index.htm) is composed of 21 islands. Early settlers only found 12 of the islands though, so they named the site for the 12 apostles. The only way to explore the lakeshore is by boat – your own or a tour boat – and although there are a number of choices, Apostle Islands Cruises (www.apostleisland.com) provides the most accessible option for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
Anchors Aweigh
Based in Bayfield, Wisconsin, Apostle Islands Cruises offers several tours, including the comprehensive Grand Tour. This 55 mile scenic cruise departs from the Bayfield City Dock, aboard the accessible catamaran, Archipelago.
Accessible parking is available on Front Street near Rittenhouse, in front of the Keeper of the Light Gift Shop. There’s ramp access to the Apostle Islands Cruises ticket office, which is located on the corner of Front and Rittenhouse. From there it’s a short level walk out to the dock; however a loaner wheelchair is available for folks who can’t manage the distance.
There is level access to the Archipelago, and wheelchair-users and slow walkers are preboarded upon request (just ask at the ticket office). There’s plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair around the spacious main deck, which is lined with large windows for panoramic views. There’s also a head on the the main deck that may work for some slow walkers. It has a two-inch coaming and a 28-inch wide doorway, and it’s equipped with one grab bar. On the plus side, the cruise is only 2.5 hours long so it’s easy to plan ahead if this setup won’t work for you.
Best bet is to buy your tickets online as this is a popular summer tour. That said, feel free to call Apostle Islands Cruises if you have any access related questions or concerns (800-323-7619), as the staff is quite helpful.
Along the Way
The Grand Tour features a good overview of the history and natural features of the area, and includes an on-board guide. From the harbor the cruise heads past Basswood Island, which is know for it’s “sea stack” rock formation on the north shore. After that the cruise continues north past the sandstone carved formations on Hermit Island and then passes the tallest of the Apostle Islands — Oak Island.
Next the captain pulls in to give passengers a close look at the Raspberry Island Lighthouse. Built in 1862 this duplex building features the light tower in the middle with living quarters on both sides. The lighthouse keeper lived in one side, while the assistant lighthouse keeper lived in the other.
After that the cruise continues north past Bear Island before it circles Devils Island for a look at another lighthouse and the rocky southern shore. Native Americans believed the island was haunted — hence the name — because the waves that crashed against the rocks sounded like a woman screaming. Today the shore is a popular spot for sea kayakers. The highlight of the island — Devils Island Light Tower — dates back to 1898, and it’s still in service today.
Finally, the cruise heads south past the fish camp on Manitou Island, then skirts Stockton Island, before it returns to the Bayfield City Dock. It’s a pleasant and educational cruise, and a nicely accessible way for wheelchair-users and slow walkers to explore this remote national lakeshore.
