For just a few weeks this summer, the Apostle Islands Cruise Service is inviting families to explore the Apostle Islands lighthouses during their 15th Annual Lighthouse Celebration.  The company is running special cruises offering views or guided tours of the historic beacons found at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore -- what a great way to get the kids out on the water and explore some maritime history.

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a grand discovery for lighthouse enthusiasts, with its wide variety of styles and architectures.

It is the premier collection of lighthouses in any one area; according to their spokesperson, nowhere else in the country can you find such a wide variety of lighthouses with such a diverse history, in such a small compact area.

The six light stations (eight towers total) were built from 1857 to 1929, to provide directions for ships coming into the Chequamegon Bay port towns of Bayfield, Washburn and Ashland, Wisconsin. At one time, they comprised a bustling Great Lakes port, as ships brought lumber, quarried stone, iron ore and grain from those towns, and made the lighthouses a necessary navigational aide.

Don't miss this rare opportunity to take a tour of an Apostle Islands lighthouse and discover what life was like for Keepers and their families in this isolated, unique and often dangerous occupation.

The guided and narrated cruises last from 4 to 6 hours, depending on the tour you choose, and rates are $39.95 per adult and $23.95 per child (ages 6-12 yrs); kids under 6 sail free. During the event, depending on the day you choose to cruise, your family will enjoy artists and authors, lectures, a Keeper's dinner and reunion day, photography contest and in-store specials at Keeper of the Light, a local gift shop.

Crusie Schedule for Apostle Islands Lighthouse Tours

Between August 25 and September 11, 2010, all cruises noted below depart from Bayfield, Wisconsin, which FTF has covered for its wonderful apple festival.

Ultimate Lighthouse Cruise: (non-stop) Aug. 28, Sept. 4 & 11 at 2:00pm

Raspberry Island Keeper's Tour: Aug. 25, 26, Sept. 4 & 11 at 8:30am & Aug. 27, Sept. 1, 5 & 9 at 1:30pm

Sand Island Hike: Aug. 28, Sept. 2 & 8 at 9:30am

Michigan Island Landing: Aug. 25, Sept. 3 & 11 at 1:30pm

Devils Island Landing: Aug. 26, Sept. 4 at 1:30pm, Sept. 10 at 12:30pm

Long Island Hike: Aug. 27 at 9:30am

For more information or to reserve lighthouse cruise tickets go to Lighthouse Celebration or call Keeper of the Light (715/779-5619 or 800/779-4487) at 19 Front Street, Bayfield, WI 54814. 

For more information on staying in the area, as for help at the friendly Bayfield Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Bureau (715/779-3335; 800/447-4094) located at 42 S Broad Street, Bayfield, WI 54814.