Isle Royale National Park
A tapestry of boreal forests, rugged shorelines, and pristine waters, Isle Royale National Park offers a unique and unforgettable wilderness experience. Located in Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world, this remote park is a sanctuary for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. The island itself is a geological wonder, formed by the ancient glacial forces that once shaped the Great Lakes region. Its remote location and lack of roads make it a true wilderness destination, where visitors can immerse themselves in the raw beauty of nature.
Isle Royale National Park Overview
Isle Royale National Park, surrounded by Lake Superior, covers 850 square miles of natural wilderness, expansive lands, and aquatic life. The park is known for its cool climate, clear waters, and the untamed North Woods forest. It includes submerged lands that extend four miles into Lake Superior, with 99% of the land designated as federal wilderness. The archipelago features parallel ridges formed by ancient lava flows that were tilted and shaped by glaciers.
Visitors to Isle Royale can explore 165 miles of picturesque hiking trails and stay at 36 campgrounds suitable for backpackers, paddlers, and boaters. The park offers opportunities for fishing, exploring historic lighthouses, discovering shipwrecks, visiting ancient copper mining sites, and observing wildlife. Access to Isle Royale is limited to boat or float plane transportation.
Things to do in Isle Royale National Park
Isle Royale National Park is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Enjoy a Ferry Ride
There are multiple ways to experience the beauty of Isle Royale by boat. The Ranger III departs from Houghton and takes a 6-hour journey past the Keweenaw Peninsula before reaching Rock Harbor. The Isle Royale Queen IV leaves Copper Harbor for Isle Royale, completing the trip in just over 3 hours round trip.
The Voyageur II offers ferry service around Isle Royale during the summer, providing stunning views of the island’s wilderness from the water. It also serves as a key mode of transportation for backpackers traveling between different docks on the island.
For leisurely sightseeing cruises along the Isle Royale Lake Superior shoreline, the MV Sandy is the go-to option. Guided by National Park Service rangers, these tours offer narration and opportunities to explore remote islands with ranger-led hikes. Departing from Rock Harbor Lodge dock, destinations include Hidden Lake, Raspberry Island, the Edison Fishery, and Rock Harbor Lighthouse.
Hiking
Day hiking is a great way to explore Isle Royale, whether you choose to hike 1 mile or 10 miles. It’s a wonderful way to discover the island by hiking during the day and returning to your base camp at night. There are various day hikes available in Rock Harbor and Windigo.
The Greenstone Ridge Trail is considered the highlight of Isle Royale National Park. This trail spans approximately 43 miles, starting from Lookout Louise where the Greenstone Ridge emerges from Lake Superior in the east. The trail then travels westward, passing through the exposed ridges of Greenstone, dense forests, swamps, and beautiful lakes. Eventually, the Greenstone Ridge Trail descends back into Lake Superior near Windigo at the western end of the island. Most hikers complete this journey in 3 to 5 days, enjoying an authentic wilderness hiking experience along the route.
Tour a Lighthouse
Isle Royale has three lighthouses, including Rock Harbor Light, Menagerie Island Light, and Passage Island Light. The Rock Harbor lighthouse is a well-known landmark with a white tower and black lantern that stands out against the rugged shoreline and pine trees. Visitors can explore Isle Royale’s oldest lighthouse on a guided NPS tour, which also includes a visit to the nearby Edisen Fishery.
The Menagerie Island Lighthouse, built in 1875, features unique rock and red sandstone keeper’s quarters along with a white octagonal tower. While public visits are not allowed, you can still walk around the grounds of this lighthouse. Access is limited to private boats.
Located near the eastern end of Isle Royale, the Passage Island Lighthouse was constructed in 1872 and is a popular stop on boat tours departing from Rock Harbor. Visitors can board the MV Sandy for an 8-mile cruise to Passage Island, where an NPS guide will lead a 2-mile roundtrip hike to the stone lighthouse.
Paddle the Day Away
Before heading out, it is important to be aware of the various lakes, bays, and islands that offer miles of waterways for experienced canoeists and kayakers.
When planning your route, keep in mind that Lake Superior is known for its cold waters, fog, and sudden squalls that can create waves. It is advisable for small, open vessels to stick to interior lake waterways instead.
For safety reasons, all paddlers should have a personal floatation device approved by the US Coast Guard. Remember to wear it at all times as it could save your life. Check the marine forecast at visitor centers before starting your journey and be prepared to adjust your plans accordingly. It is recommended to carry a portable marine radio for overnight trips.
To prevent the spread of invasive species, make sure to decontaminate your vessel before entering park waters. Before transitioning from Lake Superior to interior waters, wipe down your boat and gear. When it comes to equipment, canoes should be at least 15 feet long for open-water navigation, while sea kayaks should range from 15.8 to 19 feet. Recreational kayaks are not advised for these conditions.
Day Trip to Rock Harbor
The Isle Royale Queen IV provides day excursions to Rock Harbor, located on the northeast side of Isle Royale, departing from Copper Harbor, Michigan. Once passengers arrive by ferry, they have three hours to discover the island. Additionally, Isle Royale Seaplanes provides day trip options to Rock Harbor.
Day Trip to Windigo
The Sea Hunter III provides day excursions to Windigo, located on the southwest tip of Isle Royale, departing from Grand Portage, Minnesota. Once visitors arrive via ferry, they have four hours to explore the island. Isle Royale Seaplanes also offers day trip options to Windigo.
Unfavorable weather or unforeseen transportation problems could result in a day trip turning into an overnight stay. To be ready for such situations, it is advisable to bring necessary items like medications, food, and extra clothing suitable for changing weather conditions. Consider packing a tent, sleeping pads, and sleeping bags as these essentials are not provided by Isle Royale for visitors.
Fishing
Isle Royale National Park is a great place for fishing enthusiasts. Whether you prefer fishing in Lake Superior or the inland lakes, there are plenty of exciting opportunities to fish by boat, canoe, kayak, or on foot. The park focuses on managing fish and aquatic environments to protect and enhance native fisheries and their habitats, while also offering recreational fishing activities for visitors to enjoy.
Scuba Diving
The shipwrecks of Isle Royale, totaling ten major wrecks over a seventy-year period, illustrate the progression of Great Lakes maritime transportation from wooden steamers to large steel freighters. These historic vessels are protected by the National Park Service and can be explored by skilled divers.
Lake Superior is known for its cold temperatures, with surface water rarely going above 55 degrees Fahrenheit and dropping to 34-37 degrees below 50 feet. Divers must wear a full wetsuit and it’s recommended to use a drysuit due to the chilly waters. It’s important to dive cautiously as cold water increases the risk of decompression sickness.
Visibility in deeper depths can vary depending on factors like sunlight, fog, or clouds. Emergency assistance may not be readily available in this remote area, so it’s crucial to stay within your diving limits and training. Some wrecks lie at depths shallower than 60 feet, while others are much deeper, requiring specialized equipment and experience for deep dives.
Places to stay in Isle Royale National Park
Isle Royale National Park offers various accommodation options to suit different preferences.
Camping
Camping is one of the primary ways to experience the true wilderness of Isle Royale National Park. The park offers a network of primitive campsites, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the island’s natural surroundings and connect with the rugged beauty of the landscape.
There are several designated campgrounds throughout the park, each offering a unique set of amenities and experiences. The Rock Harbor Campground, for example, is located near the park’s main visitor center and provides access to a variety of hiking trails and recreational activities.
For those seeking a more remote and secluded camping experience, the park’s backcountry campsites, accessible only by hiking or paddling, offer a truly immersive wilderness adventure. These campsites are equipped with basic facilities, such as pit toilets and food storage lockers, allowing visitors to disconnect from the modern world and fully embrace the solitude of the island.
Campers in Isle Royale National Park must be prepared for the challenges of remote wilderness camping, including the potential for inclement weather, the presence of wildlife (such as bears and wolves), and the need to pack in and pack out all necessary supplies. However, the rewards of this type of experience are immense, with the opportunity to witness the park’s stunning natural beauty and connect with the island’s unique ecosystem.
Backpack to These Campgrounds
Campgrounds with Group Sites
Campgrounds: Inland Lake
Campgrounds: Trail Accessible
Campgrounds: Lake Superior Accessible
General Campground Table
Campgrounds with Group Sites
Hotel and Resort
While camping is a popular option for visitors to Isle Royale National Park, the park also offers a more traditional accommodation option in the form of the Rock Harbor Lodge.
Rock Harbor Lodge
Situated on the northwest side of Isle Royale, Rock Harbor Lodge provides comfortable hotel rooms and cabins for guests. Just a short stroll from the dock at Rock Harbor, it is perfect for those seeking a rustic atmosphere with modern amenities. The hotel rooms offer stunning views of Lake Superior, and the on-site dining room serves delicious meals featuring locally caught whitefish and Michigan blueberry pancakes.
- Address: Stoll Trl, Isle Royale National Park, MI 49931
- Price Range: From $231 – $256/night depending on the season and demand
While the Rock Harbor Lodge is the only hotel-style accommodation within the park, visitors can also find additional lodging options in the surrounding communities.
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Thunder Bay (2-star)
Conveniently situated downtown, the Days Inn Suites – Thunder Bay hotel is close to Confederation College and provides convenient access to outdoor activities at Lake Superior and Thunder Bay International Airport.
- Address: 645 Sibley Dr, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 6Z8 Canada
- Price Range: From $137/night depending on the season and demand
Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre (3-star)
The Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre, with its charming Scandinavian design, is the biggest full-service hotel in Northwestern Ontario and stands out as a one-of-a-kind option. Conveniently positioned for visitors to Thunder Bay, the hotel is only a short drive from the airport and provides a complimentary shuttle service. Situated close to popular city attractions, the Valhalla Hotel caters to all types of travelers.
- Address: 1 Valhalla Inn Rd, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7E 6J1 Canada
- Price Range: From $97 – $115/night depending on the season and demand
Dining
Dining options within Isle Royale National Park are limited, as the park’s remote location and lack of roads make it challenging to transport and supply large quantities of food and beverages. However, the park does offer a few notable dining options to sustain and nourish visitors during their stay.
Greenstone Grill
At the end of a tiring day of hiking and sightseeing, Greenstone Grill is a popular place for visitors to unwind and enjoy a refreshing drink in the afternoon. The restaurant offers a variety of food options such as pizza, burgers, sandwiches, salads, late-night snacks, cappuccino, and a diverse range of local beer and wine every night. For those in a hurry, they also provide daily grab-and-go choices.
- Address: Rock Harbor Lodge, Isle Royale National Park, MI
- Open time: 08:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Lighthouse Restaurant
This restaurant is one of the few dining options available on Isle Royale. It offers a diverse menu of delicious, freshly prepared dishes. Despite the crowds, the service remains efficient. Living on an island means relying on imported food, but this restaurant manages to satisfy customers despite these challenges.
- Address: Rock Harbor Lodge, Isle Royale National Park, MI
Planning Your Trip to Isle Royale National Park
Planning your trip to Isle Royale National Park involves careful consideration of the best visiting times, transportation options, and other logistics to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Visiting Time
The best time to visit Isle Royale National Park depends on the specific interests and preferences of the visitor. The park is open to the public from mid-April to mid-October, with the peak visitation season typically occurring during the summer months of June, July, and August.
During the summer, visitors can enjoy mild temperatures, abundant wildlife sightings, and a variety of recreational activities, such as hiking, paddling, and fishing. This is also the busiest time of year, with the park’s ferries, lodges, and campsites often at capacity.
For those seeking a more serene and less crowded experience, the shoulder seasons of spring and fall can be excellent times to visit. In the spring, visitors can witness the island’s natural landscapes coming to life, with the emergence of new growth and the return of migratory bird species. The fall, on the other hand, offers stunning autumn foliage and the opportunity to see the park’s iconic wolf and moose populations during their mating seasons.
Regardless of the time of year, visitors should be prepared for the park’s variable weather conditions, which can include cool temperatures, high winds, and the potential for rain or snow, even during the summer months.
Spring in Isle Royale National Park
Summer in Isle Royale National Park
Fall in Isle Royale National Park
Winter in Isle Royale National Park
Transportation
Accessing Isle Royale National Park can be a bit of a challenge, as the island is only accessible by water. There are no roads or bridges connecting the island to the mainland, so visitors must rely on ferries and private boat transportation to reach the park.
The primary transportation options for reaching Isle Royale include:
Ferry services: Several companies offer ferry services to the island from various mainland ports, including Houghton, Michigan, and Grand Portage, Minnesota. The ferry ride typically takes 3-4 hours, depending on the departure point.
Private boats: Visitors with their own boats can access the park’s waters and harbor areas, allowing for a more flexible and personalized experience.
Seaplane: For those seeking a more unique mode of transportation, seaplane services are available from the mainland to the park’s Windigo and Rock Harbor areas.
Once on the island, the only way to explore the park is on foot or by water. The park’s extensive trail system and network of portages and waterways provide ample opportunities for hiking, paddling, and other non-motorized activities. Visitors should be prepared to carry all of their necessary supplies and equipment, as there are no roads or vehicles within the park boundaries.
It’s important to note that the park’s transportation options are subject to seasonal changes and weather conditions, so it’s always best to check the park’s website or contact the visitor center for the most up-to-date information on ferry schedules, seaplane services, and other transportation-related details.
Isle Royale National Park Map
Conclusion
Isle Royale National Park is a truly unique and awe-inspiring wilderness destination, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the raw beauty of nature. With a range of activities, accommodations, and dining options available, visitors can tailor their experience to suit their preferences and interests. As you plan your trip to this remote and remarkable national park, be sure to consider the best time to visit, the transportation options available, and the activities and amenities that will make your stay unforgettable.
Isle Royale National Park Photos
Q&A for Isle Royale National Park
The best time to visit is from mid-June to mid-September when the weather is favorable, and all park facilities are open.
The park is accessible by ferry or seaplane. Ferries operate from Houghton and Copper Harbor in Michigan, and Grand Portage in Minnesota. Seaplane services are also available from these locations.
Yes, camping is a popular option. The park offers several campgrounds with basic amenities. Make sure to bring your own gear and food supplies.
Yes, you can stay at the Rock Harbor Lodge, which offers comfortable accommodations with modern amenities.
Popular activities include hiking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, scuba diving, and touring historic lighthouses.
The park is open from April 16 to October 31. However, services and facilities are limited outside the summer season.