Don't be off-put by the official sounding title - Apostle Islands National Lakeshore ? find here a postcard-pretty destination that's anything but pompous and stuffy. This water washed region is freckled with 21 islands and framed by 12 miles of Wisconsin shoreline, a stunningly beautiful Lake Superior escape.

For timeless lakeside charms, the small town of Bayfield, set serenely near the tip of land jutting out into dark blue Lake Superior depths, shouldn't be missed. This is also the scenic end of WI 13 as it meanders on through from Superior, a route that achieves, at plenty of points along the way, postcard proportions. Bayfield itself won't disappoint, and has enough charisma to entice visitors into lingering on longer than it takes to find the ferry Apostle Islands bound.

Lake Superior glitters with summer rays of sun behind a Duluth skyline defined by solid urban shapes, an international harbor in Minnesota's northwest corner. This lively city, one of the largest in the state, is a hub for both outdoors enthusiasts and a popular destination for visitors searching out sophisticated shops, crisp green parks, big ships and historic homes.

If you're seeking out four-season activity on the lakes of northwestern Wisconsin there's every reason to get excited about Hayward. Set just west of the Sprawling Chequamegon National Forest, within easy driving distance of Lake Superior and a stone's throw from local watery stretches, this small city serves well as a base for those exploring the region.