A Little-Known Slice Of Wisconsin History Can Be Found On This Remote Island
By Ben Jones|Published December 26, 2023
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Ben Jones
Author
Ben Jones is at heart an adventurer who delights in inspiring others. A former reporter and photojournalist, he explored towns large and small as a Wisconsin correspondent for USA Today. He later became a lead photographer and senior copywriter for an award-winning destination marketing agency, before founding Boldland Creative, a company that produces photography, video, and other content for travel destinations. Jones has completed photography and content projects in more than 15 states and when he’s not looking through a camera or at his Macbook you’ll find him exploring the world’s lakes and forests.
An almost-forgotten bit of Wisconsin’s maritime past can be found on the shore of a remote Wisconsin island. Located on one of the stunning Apostle Islands in Lake Superior, the Manitou Fish Camp stands as a testament to a bygone era, preserving a rich Wisconsin fishing history and traditions that have shaped this picturesque region for centuries. Here’s what you need to know about Manitou Fish Camp.
Manitou Fish Camp on Manitou Island in Wisconsin's Apostle Islands National Lakeshore has a legacy that goes back to the time when fishing was not just a livelihood but a way of life on the island.
Established by immigrant settlers, the camp served as a little hub for commercial fishing operations, harvesting from the bountiful waters of Lake Superior.
Today, visitors to Manitou Fish Camp can step into a world that's frozen in time. Weathered fishing shanties and weather-beaten docks evoke images of an era when these shores were bustling with the sounds of fishermen hauling in their catches and preparing the day's haul.
Efforts by the National Park Service to preserve this historical site have ensured that the essence of traditional fishing methods remains intact. The camp offers a unique glimpse into the tools, techniques, and daily life of the fishermen who once inhabited these shores, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the region's cultural and historical significance.
Surrounded by the unparalleled beauty of the Apostle Islands, the Manitou Fish Camp is more than just a historical site. It's located among the natural wonders of the region.
Visitors to Manitou Fish Camp can venture on into the Apostle Islands, discovering hidden coves, sea caves, and scenic trails. Kayaking, boating, and hiking offer opportunities to experience the wild beauty and tranquility of this special place.
Manitou Fish Camp in the Apostle Islands is more than a historical landmark - it's a living testament to the enduring spirit of the fishermen who once called these shores home. It invites visitors to connect with the region's past, appreciate its natural beauty, and carry forward a bit of the legacy of this remarkable piece of Wisconsin's heritage.
This is one of the prettiest areas of the state, and there’s much to discover about Wisconsin’s fishing history – I love traveling up to this area. Learn more about Manitou Fish Camp on the National Park Service website. Make more Wisconsin travel plans on Booking.com; and here’s where to find some of really incredible Wisconsin natural wonders.
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