Isle Royale National Park (Michigan)

Isolated near the Canadian border in Lake Superior, Isle Royale National Park is a breathtaking sanctuary of untouched wilderness, pristine shorelines, and captivating wildlife. This remote park, renowned for its rugged beauty and rich biodiversity, offers visitors a chance to experience the serene allure of one of the least-visited national parks in the United States.

Established as a national park in 1940, Isle Royale National Park spans over 571,000 acres, encompassing a striking array of landscapes that include lush forests, sparkling inland lakes, and rugged coastlines. The park's central feature, Isle Royale itself, is the largest island in Lake Superior, providing a dramatic setting for exploration and discovery, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the park's pristine wilderness.

Isle Royale National Park is home to an extraordinary array of plant and animal life, which has adapted to thrive in the park's isolated environment. Iconic species such as moose, wolves, and beavers inhabit the park's dense forests, while the surrounding waters of Lake Superior are home to a variety of fish, including lake trout, yellow perch, and northern pike.

Visitors to Isle Royale National Park can partake in a wide range of recreational activities that showcase the park's stunning beauty. The park offers more than 165 miles of trails for hiking and backpacking, allowing guests to explore the diverse landscapes that define Isle Royale. Scenic boat tours, kayaking, and canoeing provide unique ways to explore the park's tranquil waters and rugged shorelines, while wildlife viewing, stargazing, and fishing are also popular activities.

Accessible only by boat or seaplane, Isle Royale National Park offers a variety of accommodations, including campgrounds and rustic lodges, ensuring that visitors can experience the park's remote beauty in relative comfort. The nearby communities of Houghton and Copper Harbor, Michigan, serve as gateways to the park, providing additional lodging options and visitor services.

MUST SEE SITES

1. Rock Harbor: This historic area is the gateway to the park and features a marina, lodging, restaurants, and opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. Visitors can explore the area by taking a guided hike, attending a ranger-led program, or simply taking in the stunning views of the harbor and surrounding landscape.

2. Isle Royale Lighthouse: This iconic lighthouse is located on the northeastern tip of the island and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, as well as opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. Visitors can explore the area by hiking one of the park's trails, attending a ranger-led program, or simply taking in the stunning views from the lighthouse.

3. Minong Ridge Trail: This scenic trail runs through the heart of the island and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, as well as opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. Visitors can explore the area by hiking one of the park's trails, attending a ranger-led program, or simply taking in the stunning views of the forest and surrounding mountains.

4. Scenic Cruises: These guided cruises offer a unique way to explore the park's stunning shoreline and diverse wildlife. Visitors can explore the area by taking a scenic cruise, attending a ranger-led program, or simply taking in the stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscape.

5. Scoville Point: This secluded area located on the western end of Isle Royale National Park offers visitors a chance to explore a unique and tranquil part of the island. Visitors can hike to Scoville Point and enjoy stunning views of Lake Superior and the surrounding wilderness. With its secluded location and hidden treasures, Scoville Point is a must-see for any visitor to Isle Royale National Park.

GETTING THERE

The only way to get to Isle Royale National Park is by boat or seaplane. The park is located in the northwest corner of Lake Superior and is accessible from ports in Michigan and Minnesota. The most popular ports are Houghton, Michigan, and Grand Portage, Minnesota.

From Houghton, visitors can take a ferry operated by the Isle Royale Line or the Ranger III, which is operated by the National Park Service. From Grand Portage, visitors can take the Voyager II or the Sea Hunter III. Seaplane service is also available from Houghton, Copper Harbor, and Grand Marais.

It's important to note that transportation to Isle Royale can be limited and reservations are often required in advance. Additionally, weather conditions can impact travel schedules, so it's important to check with the transportation provider before making any plans.

GATEWAY COMMUNITIES

The towns of Copper Harbor and Houghton in Michigan, and Grand Portage in Minnesota, serve as the primary gateway communities to Isle Royale National Park, providing ferry or seaplane access to the park. These towns offer various accommodations, dining options, and outdoor recreation equipment rentals.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Visitors can find various lodging options in the gateway communities, including hotels, motels, and vacation rentals. The park itself features two rustic lodges, Rock Harbor Lodge and Windigo Camper Cabins, which provide accommodations on the island. Additionally, there are campgrounds available within the park, providing tent sites.

CAMPGROUNDS

Isle Royale National Park has numerous campgrounds scattered across the island, offering tent sites and basic amenities like pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. The campgrounds are accessible via the park's trail system or by watercraft. Most campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, but group campsites require reservations.

WEATHER/CLIMATE

Isle Royale National Park has a cool, temperate climate, with mild summers and cold winters. Average summer temperatures range from the 50s to 70s Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures can dip below freezing. Visitors should be prepared for potential rain, fog, and rapidly changing weather conditions.

RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES

Numerous recreational opportunities await visitors, including hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing, boating, and fishing. The park's most popular hike is the Greenstone Ridge Trail, which spans the length of the island and offers stunning views of Lake Superior and the surrounding wilderness. Wildlife viewing is popular, with a variety of species such as moose, wolves, and numerous bird species inhabiting the area.

VISITOR CENTER

Isle Royale National Park has two visitor centers, the Rock Harbor Visitor Center and the Windigo Visitor Center. Both provide information about the park's history, ecology, wildlife, and recreational opportunities. Rangers are available to offer guidance and answer questions. The visitor centers are open daily during the visitor season, which typically runs from late April to early October, with reduced hours and services during the off-season.