Apostle Islandsfall foliage
No reports yet this season for Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
Right now in Apostle Islands · September
- Little Sand Bay exhibits · Jun–Sep
7days to the next fall foliage seasonusually well under way by early October, statewide (USA-NPN volunteer observations)
Next 7 days
No frost, strong wind or heavy rain in the forecast.
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 12:12 PM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Frost near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
First frost usually arrives this week
Oct 2Average first fall frost
May 23Average last spring frost
The day a 32°F night is as likely as not, 1991–2020, at NOAA's Bayfield Fish Hatchery station (2.7 mi away, 615 ft). Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore through the year
- Little Sand Bay exhibitsNowJun–Sep
- Main seasonJun–Aug
- BlueberriesJul–Aug
Best spots around Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
- Lakeshore Trail6 miles along red sandstone cliffs from Meyers Beach
- Mainland sea caves2.5 miles along the trail to see the caves from above
Around Wisconsin this week
- Chequamegon-Nicolet92 mi · Statewide: well under way by ~Oct 8Todaydry and calmTuerain likelyWedrain likelyThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
- Saint Croix Riverway130 mi · Statewide: well under way by ~Oct 8Todaydry and calmTuerain likelyWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
- Lakewood150 mi · Statewide: well under way by ~Oct 8Todaydry and calmTuerain likelyWedrain likelyThurain likelyFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
Trees this fall (Sep 15–21). Across the Upper Midwest, river birch is ahead of a typical year; American elm is behind. Which trees turn when →
How we know
National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · USA National Phenology Network, colored leaves observations (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (annual/seasonal) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Apostle Islands things to do (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Meyers Beach (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Apostle Islands hiking (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Plan your visit (Apostle Islands) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Apostle Islands brochure (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Apostle Islands FAQ (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in 2026?
We don't have local timing for Apostle Islands National Lakeshore yet. Statewide for Wisconsin: color is usually well under way by early October (USA-NPN volunteer observations, 2020–2025). That's for the whole state and isn't a peak or a forecast.
How is the fall color in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore right now?
Not now: the fall foliage season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 7 days (usually well under way by early October, statewide (USA-NPN volunteer observations)).
Do I need a boat?
To visit the islands, yes. The mainland sea caves and Lakeshore Trail start from Meyers Beach.Sources: National Park Service, Apostle Islands things to do ↗ (opens in a new tab), National Park Service, Meyers Beach ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore?
Lakeshore Trail: 6 miles along red sandstone cliffs from Meyers Beach; Mainland sea caves: 2.5 miles along the trail to see the caves from above.
What is Apostle Islands National Lakeshore like through the year?
Main season (Jun–Aug), Little Sand Bay exhibits (Jun–Sep) and Blueberries (Jul–Aug).