Exploring Isle Royale National Park
- Written by
- On Wednesday, June 30, 2021
Year Established: 1940
Acres: 132,018
Annual Visitors: 25,798
Entrance Fee: $7
Located in Michigan, Isle Royale National Park technically comprises the island of Isle Royale as well as many small surrounding islands in Lake Superior. However, Isle Royale is the park’s most popular destination thanks to the island's scenic beauty, diverse wildlife, and boundless opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Unlike many of the country’s national parks, Isle Royale is typically free from big crowds due to its remote locale, so it’s a great destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the peaceful solitude of nature. The most common way to get to the park is by a 5-6-hour boat ride from Michigan’s upper peninsula.
The Ranger III ferry, a popular way to get to Isle Royale, regularly travels to the island from Houghton, a remote town in the Upper Peninsula. The ferry costs $55-$70 per adult, depending on the season. On its way to the island, the boat cruises below the largest lift bridge in the world before it arrives at Isle Royale after a six-hour journey.
Once visitors step off the boat, they’re greeted by the island’s gorgeous scenery, including views of crystal clear water and the uniquely forested shoreline.
In addition to stunning views, visitors are likely to catch sight of any number of wildlife that call the park home. The largest of the park’s mammals are moose, many of which stand over six-feet tall and weigh close to 1,000 pounds. Often called the “hippopotamus of the north country,” moose actually love water, so it’s not uncommon to see them wading along the shore of the island.
Wolves are another common mammal in the park, but you’re not likely to see any as they’re highly reclusive, preferring to stay far away from humans AKA potential predators. In addition to mammals, the park is home to 40 documented species of fish, some of which are incredibly rare and only reside in Lake Superior, such as the coaster brook trout.
Given the park’s expansive shoreline and craggy, forested topography, there are plenty of things to do there for any kind of adventurer. Hikers and bikers will find heaven in the park’s endless trails, with Greenstone Ridge Trail being the most frequented. The trail spans 43 miles and rises up from Lake Superior into deep woods, around sparkling lakes, and across swamps. The journey takes most hikers about 3-5 days to finish, though, so it’s not a short trek. If you’re looking for a shorter day hike, then you can traverse trails that wind around the Rock Harbor and Windigo areas.
Being that the park is surrounded by water, it should come as no surprise that there are plenty of fun water activities here. For instance, you can take a cruise around the island’s perimeter via an MV Sandy Tour. These tours are led by national park rangers who can tell you all about the park’s history and attractions. However, due to COVID-19, the tours won’t be operating in 2021, but they’re expected to pick back up during the summer of 2022.
There are also ample fishing, paddle boarding, and even scuba diving opportunities in the park. Scuba divers can explore a variety of shipwrecks deep in Lake Superior that are incredibly intact. Though it’s all too easy to get lost within the confines of the ship’s passages, so this exploration is only recommended for seasoned divers.
If you prefer to stay on land, then you can check out the island’s three lighthouses: Rock Harbor Light, Menagerie Island Light, and Passage Island Light. All three of the historic lighthouses were built in the 19th century, and you can book a tour through the National Park Service that will take you on short hikes around them and tell you about their history.
Given all that there is to do at Isle Royale (and how long it takes to get there), you’ll probably want to spend at least a few days there. The island is home to 36 campgrounds that are only accessible by foot or watercraft. Each of the campgrounds include tent sites, water sources, and outhouses. Some of them also offer shelters and picnic tables.
Source: Rock Harbor Lodge & Marina
If you prefer four walls around you, then you can book a room at the Rock Harbor Lodge, located on the northeast end of the park. It’s the only full-service lodging facility on the island. The lodge features rooms with private baths; housekeeping cottages; and a dining room, gift shop, snack bar, and marina. At the marina, guests can rent motor boats, kayaks, and canoes, as well as book guided fishing and sightseeing tours.
Whether you decide to explore the island by boat, take a long hike through its forests and around its lakes, do some fishing and swimming, or all of the above, you’re bound to make great memories at Isle Royale.
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