By Joe Yogerst, CNN

Island getaways have long captured our imagination. South Pacific landfalls with coral reefs and tropical beaches, European isles bristling with medieval castles, a remote cabin in the woods on a lake island — the choices seem almost unlimited.

But we’re not alone in our attraction to these idyllic escapes. Many of the more famous names have become expensive and overcrowded.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. These 11 magical American island destinations aren’t on every “best islands” list, and they’re better for it.

Apostle Islands (Wisconsin)

This Lake Superior archipelago is split between the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore wilderness and bucolic Madeline Island , a onetime French fur trading settlement that’s now populated by artists, waterfront cafes a

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