Great Lakes - Eastern USA - page 1155

kayaks, and provides full-day paddling lessons that include a trip on the river (per person
$99). It also provides cozy cabins where you can dry off, get warm and celebrate your
accomplishments in the on-site pub.
North on Hwy 13, folk artist and retired lumberjack Fred Smith's Concrete Park
( www.friendsoffredsmith.org ;

in Phillips is extraordinary, with

sunrise-sunset)

200-plus whimsical life-size sculptures.
West on Hwy 70, Chequamegon National Forest offers exceptional mountain biking
with 300 miles of off-road trails. The Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association
( www.cambatrails.org ) has trail maps and bike rental information. The season culminates in
mid-September with the Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival ( www.cheqfattire.com ) , when
1700 strong-legged men and women pedal 40 grueling miles through the woods. The
town of Hayward ( www.haywardareachamber.com ) makes a good base.

Apostle Islands

The 21 rugged Apostle Islands, floating in Lake Superior and freckling Wisconsin's
northern tip, are a state highlight. Jump off from Bayfield ( www.bayfield.org ) , a humming
resort town with hilly streets, Victorian-era buildings, apple orchards and nary a fast-food
restaurant in sight.
The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore visitors center ( 715-779-3397;
www.nps.gov/apis ; 410 Washington Ave; 8am-4:30pm daily Jun-Sep, Mon-Fri Oct-May) has
camping permits (per night $10) and paddling and hiking information. The forested is-
lands have no facilities, and walking is the only way to get around.
Various companies offer seasonal boat trips around the islands, and kayaking is very
popular. Try Living Adventure ( 715-779-9503; www.livingadventure.com ; Hwy 13; half-/full-
day tour $59/99; Jun-Sep) for a guided paddle through arches and sea caves; beginners
are welcome. If you prefer a motor to power your explorations, climb aboard a vessel
with Apostle Islands Cruises ( 715-779-3925; www.apostleisland.com ; mid-May-mid-
Oct) . The 'grand tour' departs at 10am from Bayfield's City Dock for a three-hour nar-
rated trip past sea caves and lighthouses (adult/child $40/24). A glass-bottom boat goes
out to view shipwrecks at 2pm.
Inhabited Madeline Island ( www.madelineisland.com ) , a fine day trip, is reached by a
20-minute ferry ( 715-747-2051; www.madferry.com ) from Bayfield (round-trip adult/
child/bicycle/car $13/7/7/24). Its walkable village of La Pointe has some mid-priced
places to stay, and restaurants. Bus tours are available, and you can rent bikes and mo-
peds - everything is near the ferry dock. Big Bay State Park ( 715-747-6425; tent & RV

sites $15-17, vehicle $10) has a beach and trails.