Let your Stress Melt Away in the Apostle Islands

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The Apostle Islands are an exceptional weekend getaway located in northern Wisconsin. Situated off the shore of the quaint, Norman Rockwell-esque town of Bayfield are 22 pristine islands firmly planted in gorgeous Lake Superior. All 22 of these islands are nationally protected—they are undeveloped, completely wooded, and full of wildlife. The Apostle Islands are a perfect getaway for the disabled individual who is mentally stressed and needs a picturesque place to relax. 

My boyfriend and I visited this beautiful place last July. From our home in Minneapolis, the Apostle Islands were a three-hour drive away. Anyone in the western Great Lakes region could easily make the Apostle Islands an affordable weekend vacation. Bayfield has a plethora of adorable bed and breakfasts but is without major chain hotels. We needed an accessible room, so we opted to stay in Ashland, WI, which is a half-hour drive away. We scored a lovely hotel room at the America Inn which had a spectacular view of Lake Superior. Ashland offers a variety of accessible hotels and is a smart place to stay if you use a wheelchair and need an accessible room.

Once you get to Bayfield, consider perusing one of its quaint shops or eating at one of its homespun restaurants. To enjoy the islands or the lake, the options are plentiful. The Apostle Islands Cruise Service offers a variety of narrated excursions. You can take a three-hour “Grand Tour” which costs $24.95/person or you can take a “Sunset Tour” that showcases the beauty of the islands under an orange, hazy glow. Their two-story boat is diesel fueled and the main deck is accessible. Unfortunately, the restrooms are not. The boat makes up for that by providing a large window in the wheelchair seating area. You can bring your own picnic lunch onboard or purchase food at their snack bar.