
Raspberry Island Lighthouse
Discover the Apostle Islands' only all-wood lighthouse, a historic gem offering stunning Lake Superior views and engaging guided tours.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best weather for boat tours

Raspberry Island Lighthouse
Best Time
Best weather for boat tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the Apostle Islands' only all-wood lighthouse, a historic gem offering stunning Lake Superior views and engaging guided tours.
"The lighthouse, island and island views were a pleasant and gorgeous surprise!"

🎟️ Book Tours in Advance
Raspberry Island Lighthouse tours are popular; book ahead to secure your spot!
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Essential for exploring the island's trails and lighthouse grounds.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.9 · 39 reviews
Type
Historical Landmark
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Wooden Lighthouse
Raspberry Island
The only all-wood lighthouse in the Apostle Islands, offering a unique architectural experience and a glimpse into maritime history.

Knowledgeable Park Staff
Raspberry Island
Friendly and informative volunteer guides like Fred share personal stories and historical insights, enriching your visit.

Scenic Lake Superior Views
Raspberry Island
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic vistas of Lake Superior and the surrounding Apostle Islands from the island's shores.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Raspberry Island Tour Early
Prepare for Island Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tours in Advance
Raspberry Island Lighthouse tours are popular; book ahead to secure your spot!
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Essential for exploring the island's trails and lighthouse grounds.
Kayaking the Apostle Islands in Wisconsin
Planning on booking a 3 day, 2 night kayaking camping trip through an agency at the end of June to kayak in the Apostle Islands above Wisconsin. The agency we’re using will more or less let you modify their suggestions as long as it fits into the time restrictions. They gave us…
Best Apostle Island to visit?
Hey, a friend and I want to visit the apostle islands this summer. Do you guys have any recommendations for the best one to visit? We both don't mind roughing it out a bit, and def want to focus more on the nature, hiking, and beaches. Any other tips for our trip would be much…
💰 Affordable Tour Fee
Tours are reasonably priced at $5, offering great value for history and views.
🍄 Nature Exploration
Look for mushrooms and fungus along the island's hiking trails.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tours in Advance
Raspberry Island Lighthouse tours are popular; book ahead to secure your spot!
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Essential for exploring the island's trails and lighthouse grounds.
💰 Affordable Tour Fee
Tours are reasonably priced at $5, offering great value for history and views.
🍄 Nature Exploration
Look for mushrooms and fungus along the island's hiking trails.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Raspberry Island Lighthouse for its unique wooden architecture and the engaging, knowledgeable guides who share fascinating historical insights. The scenic beauty of the island and Lake Superior views are also major highlights. Some guests have noted less positive experiences with boat crews on the journey to and from the island.
"One of the many beautiful lighthouses in the apostle Islands. One of the very few lighthouses in the world that is all wood. Thankfully about 20 years ago they put a rock wall to stop the erosion and also did a renovation in the lighthouse since then. Very friendly volunteer Park staff that maintain it as well."
Glen Morris
"Stopped by the lighthouse with little expectations while on a 14-person family adventure. The lighthouse, island and island views were a pleasant and gorgeous surprise!
We felt fortunate to meet Fred after our ascent from the docks to guide us around the property and share his personal knowledge of the area's history. Fred is a treasure onto himself and the NPS."
Matthew Menghini
"The island is a fun trip. Friendliest tour guide ever. It’s worth the trip.
The only truly sad part was the ride out and back the crew was just rude. The driver of boat was just rude both in behavior and vocally. Also seems have a problem getting boat in as we had a rough landing returning as the boat slammed rather hard into pier."
S Colby
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access to Raspberry Island Lighthouse is primarily via boat tours departing from Bayfield, Wisconsin. Companies like Apostle Islands Cruises offer specific Raspberry Island Lighthouse tours. It's recommended to book these tours in advance, especially during the summer season.
The main gateway to the Apostle Islands is Bayfield, Wisconsin. From there, you can take various boat tours, including those to Raspberry Island. Some visitors opt for private boat charters or kayaking for more independent exploration.
No, Raspberry Island is not accessible by car. It is one of the Apostle Islands located in Lake Superior and can only be reached by boat.
Travel time to Raspberry Island by boat tour typically ranges from 1 to 2 hours each way, depending on the departure point and the specific tour.
While there aren't public shuttles directly to Raspberry Island, boat tours serve as the primary mode of transport. Some sources mention shuttles to other Apostle Islands like Oak or Stockton, but Raspberry Island is typically accessed via dedicated lighthouse tours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tours to Raspberry Island Lighthouse are very affordable, often costing around $5 per person. This fee covers the guided tour of the lighthouse and access to the island.
Yes, it is highly recommended to buy tickets in advance for Raspberry Island Lighthouse tours, as they are very popular and can sell out, especially during peak season.
Tour operating hours vary depending on the tour operator and the season. Generally, tours run during daylight hours throughout the summer. It's best to check the specific schedule of your chosen tour provider.
While some visitors might explore the island independently via private boat or kayak, the official and recommended way to visit the lighthouse and learn its history is through a guided tour.
A tour ticket typically includes boat transportation to the island, a guided tour of the historic wooden lighthouse led by knowledgeable staff, and time to explore the island's natural beauty.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
On Raspberry Island, you can take a guided tour of the unique wooden lighthouse, hike on nature trails, enjoy the beaches, and soak in the stunning views of Lake Superior.
Yes, there are hiking trails on Raspberry Island. These trails offer opportunities to explore the island's natural environment, including forests and shorelines.
Visitors have reported seeing various types of mushrooms and fungus on the island. While not guaranteed, the natural setting may also offer opportunities to spot local birdlife.
Absolutely! Raspberry Island offers picturesque scenery, including the unique lighthouse, expansive lake views, and natural landscapes, making it a great spot for photography.
Wear comfortable walking shoes for the trails and lighthouse climb. Layers are recommended as weather on Lake Superior can change quickly. Sunscreen and a hat are also advisable.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the lighthouse from various angles on the island, especially during golden hour. The shoreline offers beautiful shots of Lake Superior with the lighthouse in the background.
Photography inside the lighthouse is generally permitted, but always check with your guide for any specific restrictions. The interior architecture and historical artifacts are great subjects.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) provides the best natural light for photography, creating dramatic shadows and warm tones on the lighthouse and landscape.
Drone usage is typically restricted in National Parks and protected areas like the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. It's crucial to check the official NPS guidelines for Raspberry Island before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the lighthouse and expansive lake views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife or distant island shots. Don't forget a polarizing filter for the water.







Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit