Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: A Gem of the Great Lakes

• HelloBozho
  [boz-ho]
• GoodbyeMiigwech
  [mee-gweh-ch]
• YesAaniin
  [ah-nee]
• NoAaniin
  [ah-nee]
• Please/You're welcomeBoozhoo
  [bo-zhoo]
• Thank youMiigwech
  [mee-gweh-ch]
• Excuse me/SorryMiigwech
  [mee-gweh-ch]
• How are you?Aaniin ezhi-ayaayan?
  [ah-nee ee-zhee-ah-yah-yahn]
• Fine. And you?Miigwech. Mino giizhigad.
  [mee-gweh-ch mee-noh gee-zhee-gahd]
• Do you speak English?Gego aanind nindaadizooke?
  [geh-goh ah-neend neen-dah-dee-zoh-keh]
• I don't understandAaniin ezhi-nendam?
  [ah-nee ee-zhee-nen-dahm]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseWa'aw dash menu, boozhoo
  [wah-ahw dahsh meh-noo bo-zhoo]
• I don't eat meatGego niin jibiwendan
  [geh-goh neen jee-bee-wen-dahn]
• Cheers!Bozho
  [boz-ho]
• I would like to pay, pleaseWa'aw dash baapiin, boozhoo
  [wah-ahw dahsh bah-peen bo-zhoo]

• Help!Aaniin!
  [ah-nee]
• Go away!Wa'aw!
  [wah-ahw]
• Call the Police!Aaniin kaa-yaawag
  [ah-nee kah-yah-wahg]
• Call a doctor!Aaniin kaa-zaagid
  [ah-nee kah-zah-ghid]
• I'm lostNiin giiwe
  [neen gee-weh]
• I'm illNiin mii'awi
  [neen mee-ah-wee]

• I'd like to buy...Wa'aw dash wii-dan...
  [wah-ahw dahsh wee-dahn]
• I'm just lookingGego niin jibiwendan
  [geh-goh neen jee-bee-wen-dahn]
• How much is it?Giin dash ezhi-naakwad?
  [geen dahsh ee-zhee-nah-kwahd]
• That's too expensiveGaawiin dash miidashkawendan
  [gah-wee-neen dahsh mee-dah-shkah-wen-dahn]
• Can you lower the price?Gego niin miidashkawendan?
  [geh-goh neen mee-dah-shkah-wen-dahn]

• What time is it?Mii dash ezhi-niimeshinaan?
  [mee dahsh ee-zhee-nee-meh-shee-nahn]
• It's one o'clockAaniin dash bimaadiziwin
  [ah-nee dahsh bee-mah-dee-zee-win]
• Half past (10)Bimoozh dash niishnaagad
  [bee-moozh dahsh nee-shnah-gahd]
• MorningBimookaana
  [bee-moh-kah-nah]
• AfternoonBiizhigwaana
  [bee-zhee-gwah-nah]
• EveningBiidaabin
  [bee-dah-bihn]
• YesterdayGwaabaamin
  [gwah-bah-meen]
• TodayBimaadiziwin
  [bee-mah-dee-zee-win]
• TomorrowWaaban
  [wah-bahn]
• 1Bimadisoon
  [bee-mah-dee-sohn]
• 2Niizhoon
  [nee-zhohn]
• 3Niswi
  [nee-swee]
• 4Niiwin
  [nee-win]
• 5Naanan
  [nah-nahn]
• 6Ningodwaaswi
  [neen-goh-dwah-swee]
• 7Niizhwaaswi
  [nee-zhwah-swee]
• 8Niiwaaswi
  [nee-wah-swee]
• 9Zhaangaswi
  [zhaan-gah-swee]
• 10Midaaswi
  [mee-dah-swee]

• Where's a/the...?Gaa-ayaad...
  [gah-ah-yahd]
• What's the address?Aaniin ezhi-ayaad?
  [ah-nee ee-zhee-ah-yahd]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Gego niin ezhi-bimaadiziwin?
  [geh-goh neen ee-zhee-bee-mah-dee-zee-win]
• When's the next (bus)?Mii dash ezhi-naakwad?
  [mee dahsh ee-zhee-nah-kwahd]
• A ticket (to ....)Aaniin miidashkawendan (gii...)
  [ah-nee mee-dah-shkah-wen-dahn gee]

The Apostle Islands region was originally inhabited by the indigenous Ojibwe people. These Native Americans lived off the land, utilizing the rich natural resources of the islands for fishing, hunting, and gathering. They also built birchbark canoes that were essential for travel and trade across Lake Superior.

In the 17th century, European explorers like French fur traders arrived in the Great Lakes region. The Apostle Islands were an important part of the fur trade network. French explorer Étienne Brûlé is believed to be one of the first Europeans to see the islands around 1622.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, French missionaries, including Jesuits like Father Claude Allouez, came to the Apostle Islands in an effort to convert the Ojibwe people to Christianity. They established missions and built relationships with the indigenous communities.

In the 19th century, commercial fishing became a significant industry in the Apostle Islands. Fishermen harvested whitefish, trout, and herring from the rich waters of Lake Superior. The industry thrived and played a vital role in the local economy.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a logging boom in the Apostle Islands. Logging companies harvested the vast stands of white pine and other valuable timber. This industry led to the establishment of logging camps and sawmills on several of the islands.

Due to the treacherous waters and increased ship traffic, several lighthouses were constructed in the Apostle Islands during the 19th century. Notable lighthouses include those on Raspberry Island, Sand Island, and Outer Island. These lighthouses played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of maritime navigation.

In 1970, the Apostle Islands were designated as a National Lakeshore by the United States Congress. This designation aimed to protect the natural, cultural, and historical resources of the islands. The area is managed by the National Park Service and attracts visitors from all over the world.

Efforts to preserve the cultural heritage of the Apostle Islands include the protection of archaeological sites, historical structures, and traditional Ojibwe practices. The National Park Service works in collaboration with the Ojibwe tribes to ensure that their cultural legacy is honored and maintained.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is located in northern Wisconsin, on the shore of Lake Superior. The nearest major airport is Duluth International Airport (DLH) in Minnesota, approximately 90 miles away. From Duluth, you can rent a car and drive to Bayfield, Wisconsin, which serves as the main gateway to the islands. Alternatively, you can fly into Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) and drive roughly 220 miles to Bayfield. There are also shuttle services and buses available from various locations.

Once in Bayfield, you have several options for visiting the islands. Regular ferry services operated by the Apostle Islands Cruises provide transportation to Madeline Island and other islands within the lakeshore. Kayak rentals and guided tours are available for those who prefer a more adventurous route. Additionally, private boat rentals and charter services offer flexibility for exploring the islands at your own pace. On the islands themselves, hiking is the primary mode of transportation, with a network of trails available for exploration.

The official currency is the US Dollar (USD). Credit cards are widely accepted in Bayfield and on Madeline Island, including in restaurants, shops, and lodges. However, it's advisable to carry some cash, especially if you plan to visit the smaller, less developed islands where electronic payments may not be accepted. ATMs are available in Bayfield and on Madeline Island.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, standard travel precautions should still be observed. Keep an eye on personal belongings, especially in crowded areas like ferry terminals and popular beaches. Be aware of weather conditions, as Lake Superior can have sudden changes in weather that may affect boating or kayaking. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but always stay vigilant and be aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The nearest medical facilities are located in Ashland, Wisconsin, about 20 miles from Bayfield. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and outdoor activities. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in Bayfield. If you are on one of the more remote islands, emergency services may be delayed, so it's important to take necessary precautions and travel with a first aid kit.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes for hiking. Avoid wearing flip-flops on trails. Religion: The area is not known for specific religious customs that need to be observed, but always be respectful of local traditions and cultural sites. Public Transport: Do use designated ferry services and follow their schedules. Don't litter or leave behind personal belongings. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'hello' or a nod. Midwesterners are generally polite and welcoming. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like fresh fish from Lake Superior. Don't leave food waste behind as it can attract wildlife.

To experience Apostle Islands National Lakeshore like a local, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (late spring or early fall) when the weather is still pleasant but crowds are thinner. Engage with local guides who can offer unique insights into the area's history and natural features. Don't miss the sea caves, which are particularly stunning and accessible by kayak. If you have a chance, attend a local event or festival in Bayfield to get a taste of the community spirit.