Infrastructure Projects

This webpage highlights key infrastructure projects aimed at improving visitor access and facilities in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in 2025 and 2026.

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Project: Meyers Beach Access Upgrades (2025-2026)

The Meyers Beach access upgrade project will upgrade the existing staircase to include a universally designed path, improving access to the beach and kayak launch. This project is made possible by the Friends of the Apostle Islands Access For All initiative. The new path and staircase will provide greater accessibility for all visitors, including those with mobility challenges.

Timeline

• Planning Phase: [Completed]
• Contract Advertised: [In-progress]
• Contract Award: [2025]
• Pre-Construction: [2025] – Site preparation and staging
• Construction: [2025-2026] – Construction schedule TBD
• Grand Opening: [TBD]

Anticipated Visitor Impacts

• Beach Access / Kayak Launching: Stair access will be maintained throughout the 2025 season
• Kayak Staging and Groups: Visitors should take gear and kayaks to beach to reduce congestion near parking area for staging and orientation.
• Parking: Limited impacts, construction vehicle activities possible
• Grass Areas: Once construction begins, lawn areas may be closed for construction mobilization and staging.

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Project: Devils Island Marina Rehabilitation (2025)

The Devils Island Marina rehabilitation project will repair and harden the marina that was damaged in a severe 2017 Lake Superior storm. The project, enabled by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), will improve access, stabilize the waterfront marina, increase future storm resiliency, and preserve this important historic asset. The Devil’s Island Marina is essential for public, U.S. Coast Guard, park law enforcement, and resource protection access. Repair of this historic marina will enable Devils Island to reopen for public access.

Project Timeline

• Planning Phase: [Completed]
• Contract Advertised: [Completed]
• Contract Award: [Completed] Alliance Steel (Superior, WI)
• Pre-Construction: [In-progress] – Site preparation and staging
• Construction: [2025] – Major construction activities begin May 2025

Anticipated Visitor Impacts

• Marina: Access to the marina on Devils Island will remain closed until construction is completed.

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Project: Raspberry Island Lighthouse Painting (2025)

The Raspberry Island Lighthouse will undergo interior and exterior painting in 2025.

Project Timeline

• Planning Phase: [Completed]
• Painting: [May 2025] – Scaffolding and painting activities

Anticipated Visitor Impacts

The exterior and interior painting will have minimal impacts to visitation and tours on Raspberry Island.

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Project: Little Sand Bay Marina Rehabilitation (2026)

The Little Sand Bay Marina rehabilition project will repair prior storm damage, harden the infrastructure to make it resilient to future storms, wrap the exterior in sheet piling to minimize sand infiltration, and armor the marina to absorb wave energy. This is not new construction or marina expansion. The project is enabled by the Great American Outdoors Act. The Marina was damaged in a severe storm in 2017. It is the only NPS-owned marina on the mainland, and it enables the NPS to access and care for millions of dollars’ worth of park infrastructure and over 35,000 acres of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore across the western half of the park.

Once construction is initiated, the NPS will maintain a “Little Sand Bay Construction” phone line for weekly information updates.

Project Timeline

• Planning Phase: [Completed]
• Contract Advertised: [Completed]
• Contract Award: [Completed] – Contract awarded to Alliance Steel Construction, Inc
• Pre-Construction: [2025] – Site preparation and staging
• Construction: [2026] – Major construction activities begin
• Grand Opening: [TBD] – Marina fully reopens for public access

Anticipated Visitor Impacts for 2026

Visitor Access

• Public Boat Access: Access in and out of the marina will be maintained, although some areas may be restricted.
• Marina Slips: Some marina slips will be occupied by construction crews, and a barge will be stationed in the marina.
• Kayak Launching: The NPS kayak launch beach on the western side of the marina will remain open, but entry access may be rerouted. An alternative kayak launching point will be available at Hokenson Beach due to periodic closures.
• Accessible Access: Kayakers requiring beach access for mobility issues can coordinate with on-site staff for beach mat access.

Parking Availability

• Limited Public Parking: Parking at Little Sand Bay may be significantly reduced due to construction activities and material staging. Visitors are encouraged to consider other destinations when major construction activities begin.
• Overnight Parking: No overnight parking of boat trailers will be permitted in the large NPS lot once major construction activites begin in 2026.
• Kayak Loading: Designated parking for CUA kayak tours will be available in the large overflow lot on a first-come, first-served basis.

Noise and Traffic Conditions

• Construction Noise: Visitors can expect increased noise from construction activities.
• Traffic Congestion: Traffic will rise due to workers on site and the transportation of construction materials, leading to congestion on roadways near the marina.

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Alternative Activities During Marina Construction

There are many other places in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and surrounding communities to explore while the Little Sand Bay and Devils Island Marinas are under construction in 2025 and 2026. Visit our commercial services webpage and the Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau website to plan your trip.