Exploring sea caves across the Apostle Islands in Wisconsin, USA

Time to dig out your family's best adventurer look. We're taking you to a world of breathtaking natural beauty. A world where boats are better suited than cars for daily explorations. What are we talking about? The Apostle Islands - an archipelago of about twenty islands located off the Northern tip of Wisconsin on the shore of Lake Superior.  

Our guide for this trip to the enchanted National Park is Nathalie, a French mom of three and travel blogger living around Chicago. She co-founded 'French in Milwaukee' and collaborates with 'French in Chicago', networks that help and welcome French families in the Midwest. 

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"I first came across the Apostle Islands by chance while surfing on the web and I literally fell in love at first sight. The protected area was home to Native American tribes before French missionaries discovered it and developed fur and wood trading. The Apostle Islands not only seduced me for their history and nature but also for their authenticity, tranquility and family-friendly environment. There are tons to do there with the kids.

The best way to discover all the islands with little ones is to hop on a boat. Some cruise companies even offer free rides for children under six years old! During the visit to the National Park, kids will enjoy the notebook provided by the rangers at the entrance. They will have to answer a couple of riddles, draw and find clues to get a Junior Ranger Badge at the end of the visit.

The Apostle Islands are also a wonderful place for aquatic activities: kayaking, paddling, snorkeling or swimming. We always travel with our inflatable kayak but you can also rent one out. It is the best way to explore mystical sea caves carved by the lake. The best spot mainland is Meyers Beach. There are also trails to explore but they can get quite challenging and would best fit kids seven years old and up.

The most magical memory of our trip was to look at the stars on a clear night from our terrace with the kids. Simply priceless!"

  • How to go?

By plane to Duluth airport and then a two hour drive.By land, about four hours from Minneapolis, 5 hours from Thunder Bay, five and a half hours from Madison or six and a half hours from Milwaukee.

  • Where to stay?

Bayfield or Cornucopia - two charming and typical villages. If you are visiting with a baby or a toddler opt for an inn and if you are with friends you might prefer renting a cabin. There are also some camping options available, especially on the islands.

  • Nathalie's favorite addresses/picks

Bayfield. The Candy Shoppe for an ice-cream (217 Rittenhouse Ave, Bayfield), the hands-on Maritime museum and Bayfield Inn's terrace at sunset.Cornucopia. The Green Shed Museum with its ancient boat cemetery, the free-flowing artesian well and Siskiwit Bay Coffee and Curiosities for a brunch or tea-time (88610 Superior Ave, Cornucopia).

Find all of Nathalie's favorite addresses at https://www.mydistrikt.com/profile/frenchinmilwaukee

IN NORTH AMERICA, TRAVEL EXPERIENCESUSA