Isle Royale National Park might sound like the name of the next James Bond movie. Instead of action-packed explosion sequences, though, it’s a protected area full of rugged beauty.
When we describe it as primitive and remote, we really mean it. If you’re searching for an escape from daily life, this is your ticket.
Today, we’re exploring one of America’s most obscure national parks, Isle Royale.
Let’s get lost!
About Isle Royale National Park
If you want a taste of true wilderness, it’s time to plan a trip to Isle Royale National Park. This isolated location is one of the least-visited National Park Service (NPS) units. And it isn’t because it’s not a worthy destination.
It’s a highly protected area and more than just a vacation stop. It’s also a designated UNESCO International Biosphere Reserve listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
There’s a rich history here dating back thousands of years. In fact, there’s evidence of people occupying the land as much as 6,500 years ago. The indigenous Chippewa and Ojibwe once hunted animals and collected copper on the island, which they called Minong.
Mining began in earnest after ceding the land to the US in the 1800s. You can still see the remnants of these operations today.
Later, it became a fishery hub, as whitefish and trout were abundant. A community of Scandinavian fishermen made it their home. They relocated when it became a national park in 1940. However, a dozen families still hold lifetime leases on their cabins.
Humans have long prized this land, and animals are fond of it, too.
Its moose and timber wolf populations are famous among scientists who’ve studied them. It’s the only location we know of where the two coexist without the presence of bears. Humans introduced wolves in 2018, and it’s thought that moose crossed over on ice in the early 1900s.
Today, it’s the ultimate place to study their predator/prey relationship.
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Where Is Isle Royale National Park?
Isle Royale National Park is just off the northern shore of Lake Superior. While it’s technically part of Michigan, it’s much closer to Ontario’s Thunder Bay. And despite the name, it’s actually an archipelago consisting of about 450 islands.
Around 850 square miles of serene beauty make up the landscape, although 80% is underwater.
The main landmass, Isle Royale, is 45 miles long. Dense forests of balsam fir, sugar maple, and spruce trees dominate the landscape. Rocky cliffs hang over the water’s edge, dotted with ferns and mosses. Multiple lakes exist within the preserve, as well.
Summers are mild, with temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, winters can be brutal. Extreme lows can drop 20 degrees below zero.
That being said, its latitude is high enough that you might catch a glimpse of the majestic Northern Lights. Even if you don’t see the aurora borealis, you’ll see countless stars on a clear night.
How Do You Get To The Park?
Due to its isolated location, you have limited options for getting to the island. The most popular method is to take one of the ferries from the mainland. Boats leave from Houghton and Copper Harbor in Michigan and Grand Marais and Grand Portage in Minnesota.
Depending on your departure point, you’ll either arrive in Windigo on the west or Rock Harbor on the east. You’ll want to make a reservation no matter which ferry you take.
If overwater travel makes you queasy, you can get to Isle Royale National Park by seaplane. These depart from Hancock, Michigan, and Grand Marais.
However you choose to get here, you’ll need to plan well in advance. You’ll only be able to rely on these methods between May and September, and it’s closed to the public from November to April. And you’ll need to pay an entrance fee to visit. You can either purchase these ahead of time or upon arrival.
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Best Hikes In Isle Royale National Park
Hiking is one of the most popular activities on the island. You’ll find 165 miles of established trails in Isle Royale National Park. Here are our two top picks.
Scoville Point Trail
For impressive coastal views without expending too much energy, hit the Scoville Point Trail. This four-mile loop starts at the Rock Harbor Visitor Center and leads to the island’s eastern tip. It’s a relatively flat, easy day hike that usually takes a few hours.
You’ll pass by ancient copper mines and get views of both Lake Superior and Tobin Harbor. You might even spot a moose. And you don’t have to take our word for it. National Geographic ranked this route in the NPS system’s top 100 miles of trails!
Greenstone Ridge Trail
If you’re up for more of a challenge, the Greenstone Ridge Trail will leave you feeling like the king or queen of the island. It starts in Windigo and stretches 41 miles to Lookout Louise near Rock Harbor. It’ll take five to eight days to complete, but you’ll get the whole Isle Royale National Park experience.
Of course, you can hike sections of the trail if you’re not up for a weeklong expedition. If you do this, we suggest the stretch from Lookout Louise to Mount Franklin.
Explore more with Isle Royale National Park: Foot Trails & Water Routes.
Best Places To Stay Near Isle Royale National Park
While there are plenty of national parks where you can spend a few hours and call it a day, Isle Royale isn’t one of them. Your options will be somewhat limited, but considering how remote it is, you’ll have some great places to choose from.
Tent Camping on the Island
You’ll find 36 established campgrounds at Isle Royale National Park with tent sites, outhouses, and fresh water.
No matter the size of your party, you’ll have to get a permit before trekking out. Small groups of six or less can camp for free. However, if you have seven or more, you’ll need to make an advanced reservation and pay a small group fee.
Folks traveling from Houghton, Michigan, aboard the Ranger III, can buy permits on the ferry. Everyone else must pick them up at the visitor center upon arrival.
Windigo Camper Cabins
On the western end of Isle Royale National Park, two small cabins are available for rent. These primitive accommodations have futons and bunk beds as well as electricity. Outdoor grills and picnic tables make it easy to dine al fresco. While they don’t have bathrooms, you’ll be close to the shared facilities.
The Windigo store and marina are a short walk away, making picking up groceries, fishing tackle, and fuel for the fire easy. You can also rent a kayak to explore the area by water.
Rock Harbor Lodge
If you prefer a few more amenities, the Rock Harbor Lodge on the island’s eastern end should fit the bill. It’s the only hotel in Isle Royale National Park and offers rooms and bungalows.
Lakeside Lodge rooms overlook the bay and feature private restrooms, sleeping up to four. The secluded Housekeeping Cabins are great for families or small groups. There’s a kitchenette with a mini-fridge and basic cooking supplies.
Rock Harbor Lodge is open from June to September. Of course, you’ll want to book beforehand to ensure they’re not all reserved.
Is a Trip To Isle Royale National Park Worth It?
Every national park offers a unique experience, but Isle Royale is truly one of a kind. You’ll have a chance to get off the grid and reset in nature. The area’s stunning beauty and quiet environment encourage reflection.
However, this is more than just an excellent place to relax. You can also push yourself by hiking the entire length or paddling around the hundreds of islands within it. No matter how you prefer to experience the wilderness, you can do it here!
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