Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

Little Sand Bay Harbor repair project begins

BAYFIELD, Wis. - Apostle Islands National Lakeshore staff members have been working on improvements to the Little Sand Bay Harbor. 

Around five years ago, floating finger piers were damaged by the ice. 

Since then, only two finger piers had been useable. 

Last year, National Park Service funding for needed work became available. 

The design of the finger piers was changed from floating to permanent to better withstand Lake Superior's ever-changing conditions.  

Pilings were driven last fall. The park's marine and ground crew worked off of the ice to finish the decking on the finger piers over the winter. 

There are now five finger piers, one more than what was available in the past and the pier closest to shore meets accessibility standards. 

In addition to the finger piers, the main dock is being lowered to make it easier to access the finger piers and to adapt to possible lowered lake levels. 

Portions of harbor will be temporarily closed during construction, however most of the closures will occur during weekdays. 

The harbor will be open as much as possible during weekends. 

The Little Sand Harbor is currently closed because of ice conditions and will be reopened once the harbor is clear enough of ice so boats can safely dock.