Visit the Apostle Islands region of northwestern Wisconsin at almost any time of year and you'll become aware of the variety of well-preserved historic lighthouses on several of the islands.
All of the six Apostle Islands lighthouses are on the National Register of Historic Places. The United States National Park Service currently maintains these lighthouses and tourists are welcome to visit.
When the lock at Sault Sainte Marie first opened in 1855, Great Lakes commercial shipping received a tremendous boost. But along with the increased shipping traffic came risk. The establishment of these lighthouses was an effort to reduce navigation hazards and provide greater safety for vessels traveling across Lake Superior.
The older of the two Michigan Island lighthouses (photo above) predates the Civil War! The construction of this lighthouse was actually an error on the part of the contractor, who was supposed to build the lighthouse on Long Island. Other historic lighthouses may be found on Devil's Island, Raspberry Island, Sand Island, Outer Island and Long Island.
Each year in September, the Bayfield and Madeline Island area hosts the "Apostle Islands Lighthouse Celebration" which includes public tours of the various lighthouses. Tickets for scheduled lighthouse tour cruises may be purchased online here or by calling 1-800-779-4487.
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