Infrastructure Projects

Explore our ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing accessibility and preserving historic assets within the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. This page details the Meyers Beach access upgrades, Devils Island Marina rehabilitation, Little Sand Bay Marina enhancements, and the Raspberry Island Lighthouse painting project. Stay informed about timelines, anticipated visitor impacts, and alternative activities available during construction. Thank you for your understanding and support during these projects.

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Draft construction drawing of Meyers Beach access upgrades project.

NPS Photo

Project: Meyers Beach Access Upgrades

The Meyers Beach access upgrade project will replace the existing staircase with 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 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 will be closed for construction mobilization and staging.

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Rendering of Historic Devils Island Marina rehabilitation project.

NPS

Project: Devils Island Marina Rehabilitation

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. The Devil’s Island Historic Light Station contains one of the most photographed lighthouses in the park.

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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The NPS marina at Little Sand Bay will be rehabilitated in 2025-2026 to harden the infrastructure against future storms and try to reduce sand infiltration. There is no marina expansion, and the only addition is the arm at the entryway to divert sand.

NPS Photo

Project: Little Sand Bay Marina Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation of the Little Sand Bay Marina 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 Little Sand Bay Marina was damaged in a severe storm in 2017. The Little Sand Bay Marina 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] – Marinas open for public access

Anticipated Visitor Impacts

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 will be significantly reduced due to construction activities and material staging throughout 2025-2026. Visitors are encouraged to consider other destinations during the construction season.
• Overnight Parking: No overnight parking of boat trailers will be permitted in the large NPS lot until construction is completed 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.

Visitors should plan accordingly and anticipate potential disruptions during the construction period.

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The Raspberry Island Lighthouse (white building) will undergo interior and exterior painting in 2025. Visitor impacts are expected to be minimal.

NPS

Project: Raspberry Island Lighthouse Painting

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

Project Timeline

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

Anticipated Visitor Impacts

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

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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.