What is Frog Bay Tribal National Park?

August 9, 2021 | Explore the Shore
​Tags:  Explore the Shore | Red Cliff | Frog Bay Tribal National Park

​There are five Apostle Islands visible from Frog Bay National Park.  Frog Bay National Park is the first tribal national park in the United States.  Frog Bay National Park is located on the Red Cliff reservation in Bayfield County (WI).  This pristine 180-acre property is home to hiking trails, sandy beach front and a beautiful boardwalk trail.  Established in 2011, Frog Bay National Park has 2-miles of hiking and snowshoeing trails available to tribal members and non-tribal individuals year-round.  

Frog Bay National Park ​is the first tribal national park in the United States. Red Cliff puts special emphasis on the sustainable management of natural resources both on the Reservation and in the Chippewa ceded territories, and for the overall protection of Lake Superior. FBTNP and the Frog Bay Conservation Management Area (CMA) celebrates the cultural importance of water and the spirituality that is associated with Lake Superior.
​- Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

Upon entering Frog Bay Road, you will end up at the trail head of Frog Bay Tribal National Park.  There are exactly three trails you may access to either hike, explore or simply make your way to the beach.  

1. Ravine Trail:  The Ravine Trail is the more difficult trail with moderate terrain.  You'll go through numerous areas that include signs signifying and identifying various trees and vegetation that is native to northern Wisconsin.  The trees and vegetation are also the harvests Indigenous peoples use to build shelter, storage, hunting tools, and forage for food and nutrition.   The trail meanders through and around tall pines, oak, cedar, maple, and birch trees.  The abundance and beauty makes this a great 1 mile hike, you'll certainly find both difficult and memorable.  
2. Easy Trail:  The Easy Trail is a gated off access road directly to the beach and shore of Lake Superior.  This trail includes minimal terrain, and has less scenery, but does get you to the beach with just a short 0.4 mile walk. 
3. Beach Trail:  The beach trail is accessible through the Easy Trail, just .25 miles down the access road, and another .25 miles through beautifully wooded areas that bring you right to the lake front beach area.  This area has a great view of Oak Island.  You can typically see sail boats, and charter fishing boats coasting through.  This picturesque beach is great for photographers, hikers, and those who simply want to take a rest with an amazing view.  

Directions to Frog Bay Tribal National Park

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Turn-by-Turn Directions

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Explore the Shore
225 E Lynde Ave
Bayfield WI 54814
(715) 638-0481
www.VisitChequamegon.com

Explore the Shore

Washburn Wisconsin

Bayfield Wisconsin

Red Cliff Wisconsin

Cornucopia Wisconsin