University of Wisconsin–Madison

Providing Access for All to a National Lakeshore

How do you make a park in the middle of Lake Superior accessible to people with disabilities? Natalie Chin and Marie Zhuikov from Wisconsin Sea Grant had the chance to travel to Stockton Island in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore to see first-hand what the park is doing to make it more accessible.

Natalie Chin and Marie Zhuikov.
Natalie Chin and Marie Zhuikov on their way to Stockton Island. Image credit: Marie Zhuikov, Wisconsin Sea Grant
Tour-goers sitting at a picnic bench on the boat.
Stockton Island accessibility tour-goers head toward the island in the park service boat, the Phoenix. Image credit: Marie Zhuikov, Wisconsin Sea Grant
Lynne Dominy.
Lynne Dominy, superintendent of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Image credit: Marie Zhuikov, Wisconsin Sea Grant
Tommy Richardson
Tommy Richardson, accessibility coordinator for the park, discusses construction of the accessible amphitheater on Stockton Island. Image credit: Marie Zhuikov, Wisconsin Sea Grant
A fire pit on the boardwalk.
The fire pit on the accessible amphitheater boardwalk. Image credit: Marie Zhuikov, Wisconsin Sea Grant
A box of docking rings.
The box of docking rings, which are used to secure tents to the campsite platforms. Image credit: Marie Zhuikov, Wisconsin Sea Grant
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore beach.
Visitors enjoy Julian Bay on Stockton Island, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Image credit: Marie Zhuikov, Wisconsin Sea Grant

Thanks to our guests

Lynne Dominy and Tommy Richardson, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Jeff Rennicke, Friends of the Apostle Islands
Natalie Chin, Wisconsin Sea Grant