Wisconsin
Explore Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Program No. 12512RJ
Discover the Apostle Islands’ many charms as you enjoy local culture, see a presentation on shipwrecks, learn about the region’s ecology and hear tales of early settlers.
Participant Reviews
Based on 51 Reviews
SHOWING
Great trip. Very informative presentations on the Objibewe history and culture, history of the islands and its lighthouses. Although it was foggy for the mornings of the first two days (luckily when we had most of our presentations), the rest of the time we had spectacular weather (late September). Bayfield is a lovely town to explore, but does have hilly streets.
The Grand Tour boat excursion of the Apostle Islands was interesting, but be prepared to be cold, even when air temperature is warm. Being on the water is usually about 20 degrees cooler than on land, and with the boat traveling at 25 mph, those on the top deck exposed to the wind were cold, but did have the best views. Bring a parka if you can, plus knit cap and gloves. The captain's narration of the history of these islands is very interesting.
The tour around Madeline Island was great, particularly the stop for lunch at Big Bay Park. Such a beautiful setting and exploring the shoreline of Lake Superior was so relaxing. Wish we could have had another hour there.
If you get a chance, go hiking on the Meyers Beach trail out to the sea caves overlook, or the Iron Bridge trail in town. Easy to almost moderate, well maintained trails. Other hiking options are .25 mile Siskiwit River Falls and Lost Creek Falls (1.5 mi.) in Cornucopia (very easy).
Accommodations at the Bayfield Inn were perfect, right at the dock with lovely views of the marina. Food was excellent. Mary and Geof are wonderful group leaders. Highly recommend this trip.
— Review left October 1, 2025
Bayfield and Madeline Island were beautiful, enhanced by the lovely weather we had. The Bayfield Inn was nice and perfectly located. Kat's talk on the first night was excellent but having lectures all day Monday was too much . The lecture on Wed. evening was redundant of much info we had already learned about the Ojibwe. I enjoyed the bus tour of Bayfield learning the history of Bayfield and Madeline Island.
The museums of the island and on the mainland weren't too interesting. The Coast Guard talk didn't give much information. Highlights were the boat tour of the Apostles and wading in Lake Superior on Madeline Island. Mary and Geoff were great! They kept the group moving and were always so positive and helpful.
— Review left September 30, 2025
This was a trip that I was looking forward to because it is away from the city and at a place that I have never been before. There were too many lectures on Monday, but the rest of the days were fine. I enjoyed the boat ride around the apostle islands and the trip to Madeline Island. I was glad to learn from members of the coast guard about their rescues and their lives. We had interesting lectures. I like how it started with a lady that was Ojibwa. She was very interesting. I also enjoyed learning the history of Bayfield and the Apostle Islands. The story about the house sinking in the ice water was great. The pictures made it more interesting. The last lecture was good too. It was great meeting people from different parts of the country and about their past adventures.
— Review left July 9, 2025
A truly quality program going well beyond the usual tours. Lectures and focused activities really provided an educational, re-creational experience that I really appreciated.
— Review left June 20, 2025
The trip to the Apostles Islands was a wonderful experience of learning, interaction, and fun. The group leaders are organized and well acquainted with the community and people associated with the program. The educational speakers were interesting and knowledgeable. The outings were integrated into the local community and fit the program well. The accommodations were beautiful, in a lovely location, and staffed by kind and thoughtful people. The food was delicious. I highly recommend this program!
— Review left June 19, 2025
This was my 20th Road Scholar program and (somewhat unexpectedly!) among the best. I chose it partly because it was within 500 miles of where I spend the summer months. It covered a lot of bases, all very well: beautiful scenery in a fairly remote area on Lake Superior, great presenters covering a variety of topics: Native American history and customs, lumbering, the fishing industry, lighthouses, ice caves, orchards, Coast Guard Station visit, historical perspectives on the town of Bayfield and the Apostle Islands. Great variety, great presenters, fun field trips, nice accommodations with excellent meals. Goef and Mary were terrific group leaders: welcoming, well-organized, enthusiastic, interested in each participant, and just plain fun to be around. The town of Bayfield, WI, is charming and has 50 square blocks on the National Historical Register. I'd recommend this program to anyone with the slightest interest in knowing about life on Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes.
— Review left June 17, 2025
Another great trip! We learned about the history of the Apostle Islands and their lighthouses along with the families that tended them. I left with an appreciation for the Ojibwe culture, especially their philosophy. Expert speakers, who kept us laughing and engaged, told us about the women of the islands, plants and animals. A cruise around the islands was a highlight as we viewed lighthouses and sea caves. We explored museums, local art exhibits, a Coast Guard Station, and 2 local orchards with tastings and gift shops. Our lake front inn served delicious meals and is in the middle of the quaint town of Bayfield. Our group leaders were fun, well organized and flexible. I enjoyed it ALL!
— Review left June 15, 2025
This was a really wonderful program! The location was excellent, the activities were varied, really interesting and informative. The group leaders were exceptional. I have some physical limitations that they accommodated most graciously. I would do this trip again in a heartbeat and highly recommend it!
— Review left June 13, 2025
This was a pleasant, relaxing trip. Presenters were good.
— Review left February 20, 2025
Amazing program! This trip was not only educational, but we experienced the beauty of nature everywhere. We highly recommend this program!
— Review left October 12, 2024
I started filling out your eval but could not remember the names of all the speakers so did not complete. I would give Geoff and Mary excellent marks on everything. Mary was very good at trouble shooting the computer video/audio problems. They were very personable and inclusive. Very adept at taking care of the various needs of the participants.
The Bayfield Inn was lovely. Accommodations and food were excellent. So nice we stayed an extra day!
I thought Kat and the retired park service speakers were enthusiastic and knowledgeable. They all loved where the live! The speaker on the shipwrecks was very mediocre. We had over an hour on the Edmund Fitzgerald and its minutia. No great stories of shipwrecks.
The day on Madeline Island was very interesting. The guide was great. I liked lunch at the state park and the museum.
The cruise of the islands was beautiful and we had a perfect day. Fascinating caves. The area is spectacular and I loved it. Would give the tour an almost perfect score!
Thank you.
— Review left October 2, 2024
Other reviewers have commented well on how beautiful and interesting this area (Apostle Islands and Bayfield) is and how excellent the program is. I want to add that it provides a wonderful opportunity for individuals with all levels of mobility to enjoy the beautiful natural setting. The centrality of our lodging and meals made it easy to get around. The bus rides and boat rides took us out into nature without having to be physically active. On the other hand, there was time and opportunity for more active participants to hike or walk around Bayfield. It was a group of folks, all able to go at their own speed, and have a good time together.
— Review left September 25, 2024
Informative and educational. Excellent presenters! A beautiful location!
— Review left September 22, 2024
My wife and I enjoyed this experience and highly recommend the Apostle Island National Lakeshore adventure to all Road Scholars interested in one of the world's most amazing natural resources.
— Review left September 21, 2024
This is an easy going, informative time in a quaint small town. Bayfield is comfortably walkable. Our speakers were knowledgable and entertaining. The boat ride on Lake Superior would have been better without the fog, but we know we can't control the weather.
— Review left July 10, 2024
Outstanding in every respect.
— Review left June 23, 2024
I had a great time!! I highly recommend this program.
— Review left June 14, 2024
I highly recommend Road Scholar program for the educational and personal value received. The organization and leadership was outstanding. I will be taking more tours. I also identified with many of the participants ages and education.
— Review left June 13, 2024
I would encourage anyone to sign up for a Road Scholar program! If you like great locations, meeting interesting people from all over, educated and knowledgeable local speakers that are experts in their respective fields, excellent locations and food, and just a great overall experience, I cannot recommend Road Scholar highly enough!
— Review left June 8, 2024
A perfect trip for a solo first time scholar. You get a good feeling about how RS operates and the quality they provide.
— Review left October 8, 2023
We celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary with a trip to the Apostle Islands. It was our first time traveling
with the Road scholar program. We have traveled before by ourselves and with other groups but have decided
to travel with the Road Scholar program from now on. Every day was well planned from accommodations and interesting speakers, to our meals and program directors that encouraged questions, friendship and laughter.
— Review left October 6, 2023
This is an informative and well-organized program, which was enhanced for me by colorful fall foliage. I knew very little about this area, about Lake Superior and the early history of its settlement. As usual, when I learn about the people who explored and built the New World, I am awed by their perseverance and ingenuity, and hope those of us on the planet today can succeed as well as they did. Leaders, location, lectures and field trips were excellent.
— Review left September 29, 2023
The Apostle Islands are a hidden gem. Our group leaders and speakers were top-notch and our excursions were interesting. I particularly liked the visit to Madeline Island; loved the modern Native American art in its Historical Museum. This program requires a car to get to it, but if you have a way of getting there, definitely put it on your must-do list.
— Review left September 29, 2023
If you are interested in this area on Lake Superior I can think of no finer way to learn more. You may fall in love with this area is my only precaution.
— Review left September 25, 2023
Great class and the weather was very good.
— Review left September 24, 2023
This was our first program and we would prefer to wait before recommending.
— Review left September 21, 2023
Another great Road Scholar experience...will definitely return in the future....
— Review left June 19, 2023
The Apostle Islands are a well kept secret. This Road Scholars trip exposes the geography, natural beauty and role of indigenous people and early settlers in shaping the history of this Great Lakes region.
— Review left June 17, 2023
This is an outstanding program with wonderful leaders, informed presenters, and held in a beautiful part of the US.
— Review left October 2, 2022
Made me feel alive and fun again.
— Review left October 2, 2022
This trip was fun and informative. The beauty and history of the Apostle Islands and the Bayfield area are amazing. Every thing was well planned out and worthwhile in every way. I would recommend this trip while heartedly.
— Review left September 27, 2022
I highly recommend this program to those who enjoy the outdoors and wish to expand their knowledge of the history and present life on the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. it's a fascinating story of exploration and settlement in this beautiful part of our country.
— Review left September 26, 2022
Very educational and informative.
— Review left September 24, 2022
Very thorough. Very fun
— Review left September 22, 2022
The boat trip to the Apostle Islands was fantastic! Madeline Island was very interesting, also. We had spectacular weather, but the trip could focus more on the three museums if the weather was inclement.
— Review left September 22, 2022
Bayfield and the Apostle Islands are a well kept secret. A Road Scholars trip helps unlock the beauty, enchantment and lore of this wonderland!
— Review left September 22, 2022
A visit to the Apostle Islands (Wenzbozho ominisan) is steeped in history and culture of the Ojibwe American Indians. When viewing the sandstone cliffs, sea caves, windows and arches, sea stacks, cuspate forelands and beaches you quickly resonate with the words of Julian Nelson, a commercial fisherman, "The lake is the boss. No matter how big you are or what kind of a boat you've got, the lake is still the boss. Mother Nature dictates a lot of things." Visiting the Apostle Islands is breathing in the spirit of oneness...a gift from the Ojibwe .
— Review left June 17, 2022
My experience with the Road Scholar program was amazing. I could relax and not worry about hotels, food, and transportation, it was very relaxing. It was a friendly experience with many lovely people.
— Review left June 15, 2022
Very easy to gather information
— Review left June 14, 2022
This is an excellent vacation for one who wants to see an interesting destination and desires an “easygoing” experience. Our tour leaders, Geoffrey and Mary, were delightful. It was nice to stay at The Bayfield Inn and to eat all of our meals in the hotel’s dining room. Meals and service were excellent.
My suggestion is for Road Scholar to offer more programs of this activity level.
— Review left June 10, 2022
This trip allowed me to experience a fraction of what my wife had experienced when she lived on Lake Superior for part of 9 years.
— Review left October 4, 2021
The area, program, lodging, meals, etc. were great for the most part. Seeing the Apostle Islands and not having to make individual reservations for aspects of a visit were perfect for me. The lectures and slides of the retired NPS personnel were a highlight as was the guide and bus/ferry trip to Madeline Island. If you have a chance, try one or more Lake Superior whitefish liver as you'll likely never be given the chance to do so elsewhere and they are really quite tasty, something along the lines of a mild chicken liver. Even though we were well-fed with great food, I suggest walking to one of the fish shops and buy some smoked whitefish.
— Review left October 3, 2021
We thoroughly enjoyed this program…our sixth trip with Road Scholar. The guide was friendly and approachable…the accommodations and food were superb…the information on the islands and inhabitants and shipwrecks and lighthouses was interesting…the area is beautiful! We came across Lake Michigan to Milwaukee on the high speed ferry and took a great road trip up to Bayfield stopping at four sculpture gardens and then did another great road trip thru Michigan’s UP on the way home. Bravo!
— Review left September 25, 2021
A great course in a beautiful setting. I learned a lot about the history of this area as well as the many shipwrecks on Lake Superior.
— Review left July 8, 2019
This was one of my favorite Road Scholar Trips. Bayfield Inn setting was beautiful with lovely rooms. We were lucky to have the water view. Staff were very accommodating and food was delicious (even with my special diet). This is rated easy and it was that. The leader Geof was funny and very knowledgeable. The historic little town was fun to walk around, boat ride around the Apostle Islands where we saw lighthouses and beautiful scenery, and the ferry out to Madeline Island was lots of fun! If you want a easy but fun, interesting and to learn history of the Ojibwee Indians and all the shipwrecks of Lake Superior, this is an excellent program!
— Review left June 30, 2019
Absolutely go! Beautiful setting, fantastic program. You won't be disappointed. Geoff loves doing the program, knows people who are knowledgeable and yet is open to new presenters. Not to be missed!
— Review left June 21, 2019
Easy going but still involving outdoor activities on land and water.
— Review left June 20, 2019
Great program! I had visited Bayfield two times before but never realized everything that was there. Road Scholar does a wonderful job of finding instructors and places that regular tourists don't learn about when they are there. Thanks Road Scholar.
— Review left June 9, 2019
Very good and worthy week. Leader Geof W is friendly and inclusive, welcoming everyone equally and warmly, being a wealth of support and coordinator extraordinaire. The speakers are great, National Park staff and local historians and the mayor! They bring the nature and history of the locale to life with good storytelling. The shipwreck speaker developed a good story to the Edmund Fitzgerald that he could develop as well for the earlier shipwrecks. The sunny day cruise around the sandstone caves was exceptional. As a first tour success, we are much in favor of shopping for our second trip! Thank you, Geof and RS!
— Review left June 8, 2019
Interesting program!Besides learning about the history of the area it was a great opportunity to see the natural beauty that makes this a recreational destination. The hotel,dining, and staff were wonderful. The Road Scholar staff was exceptional.
— Review left June 7, 2019
The town of Bayfield is so interesting and life on the islands. The hotel is very nice and comfortable. So much was within walking distance which was very nice. This is an artsy community as is Madeline Island. We stopped on Madeline Island after an all day tour for the best ice cream. The tour on the water of the island was amazing showing us the unusual rock formations was very interesting. Highly recommend this program
— Review left June 6, 2019