Isle Royale National Park
Isle Royale National Park is the largest island in Lake Superior, located in the northern part of the United States, within the state of Michigan. It is known for its remote and rugged wilderness, with no roads and limited access, making it a designated national park. The island features diverse flora and fauna, including moose and wolves, and offers hiking, camping, and scenic beauty in a pristine natural setting. Isle Royale is famous for its predator-prey research involving moose and wolves and is a unique destination for those seeking a wildnerness experience in the great lakes region.
Park Information Quick Facts
Location: Michigan
Park Size: 571,790 Acres
Time Needed: 1 Day Highlights, 3-5 Day Full Experience
Best Season: Summer
Must Do: Greenstone Ride Trail 3-5 Day Hike
Lodging: Numerous Camping Sites, Hotels at Rock Harbor & Windigo
Travel: Sea Plane or Boat
Top Campsites: Daisy Farms
Pro Tips: The Trails Are Not for the Faint of Heart. Be Prepared to Work Hard for the Beauty That Isle Royale Has to Offer.
"Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit" - Edward Abbey
How to Plan and arrive on the Island
To get to Isle Royale, you will need to plan your trip carefully, as it involves some logistics due to its isolated location. Here’s how to get to Isle Royale:
- Plan Your Trip:
- Decide on the time of year you want to visit. The island is typically accessible from late spring (late May) to early fall (early September) when the weather is more favorable. The exact dates can vary from year to year, so check the National Park Service (NPS) website for current information.
- Make Reservations:
- Reserve accommodations on the island well in advance. There are campgrounds and rustic cabins available, and reservations can be made through the National Park Service website or by phone.
- Transportation to Isle Royale:
- There are no roads to Isle Royale, so you’ll need to take a boat or seaplane to get there.
- Ferries: The most common way to reach Isle Royale is by taking a ferry. Several ferry services operate from mainland locations in Michigan and Minnesota. Popular departure points include Houghton and Copper Harbor, Michigan, and Grand Portage, Minnesota. Be sure to make ferry reservations ahead of time.
- Seaplanes: Another option is to take a seaplane from locations like Houghton, Michigan, or Grand Marais, Minnesota. Seaplane service is more expensive but can provide a quicker way to reach the island.
Sea Plane or Ferry
Isle Royale Seaplanes is a convenient and scenic way to reach Isle Royale National Park, offering flights from Houghton, Michigan, and Grand Marais, Minnesota. The seaplanes provide a quick, breathtaking journey over Lake Superior, allowing passengers to enjoy stunning aerial views of the park’s rugged coastline and dense forests. Known for their reliable service, Isle Royale Seaplanes caters to day-trippers and backpackers alike, making access to the remote wilderness of Isle Royale both efficient and memorable.
- Plan Your Stay:
- Decide how long you’ll stay on the island and what activities you want to do. Isle Royale offers excellent hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Make sure to follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the fragile ecosystem.
- Safety Precautions:
- Be prepared for the wilderness. The island’s terrain and weather can be challenging, so pack appropriately, carry essential supplies, and have a good map.
- Return Transportation:
- Ensure you have your return transportation scheduled as well. Ferries and seaplanes have specific schedules, so plan your departure accordingly.
Remember that Isle Royale is a remote wilderness area, and services can be limited. Be prepared for a true backcountry experience and take steps to minimize your impact on the environment while enjoying this beautiful national park.
WINDIGO
The Windigo Visitor Center is located on the southwest end of Isle Royale National Park, near the Windigo Ranger Station. It serves as a primary access point for visitors arriving by boat or seaplane and offers essential resources for park-goers. The center provides information on the park’s history, geology, flora, and fauna, along with maps and permits for camping and hiking.
Windigo Visitor Center is a great starting point for exploring the wilderness, with several nearby trails, including the challenging Greenstone Ridge Trail. The center also offers ranger-led programs, wildlife exhibits, and guidance on the unique ecology of the island. Windigo’s remote location makes it ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in the park’s backcountry.
Lodging
Campsites
Camping at Isle Royale National Park offers a unique and immersive outdoor experience in one of the most remote and pristine wilderness areas in the United States. The park offers both backcountry and developed campgrounds. Backcountry camping is the most popular option. There are over 30 designated backcountry campgrounds scattered throughout the island. These campgrounds are accessible via a network of hiking trails and provide basic amenities like pit toilets and clear areas to place tents. Here are some of the main campsites on Isle Royale:
- Rock Harbor Lodge: Located on the eastern end of the island near Rock Harbor, this lodge offers a range of accommodations, including rooms in the main lodge, housekeeping cottages, and camper cabins. It provides a more comfortable and convenient option for those who prefer not to camp. The lodge also has a dining room, gift shop, and other amenities.
- Windigo Camper Cabins: On the western end of the island near Windigo, you can find camper cabins. These cabins provide a roof over your head and basic amenities for a more comfortable camping experience.
- Daisy Farm: Situated between Rock Harbor and Windigo, Daisy Farm is a popular campground along the Greenstone Ridge Trail. It offers beautiful views and access to nearby hiking trails.
- Moskey Basin: This campground is located on the northeastern shore of Isle Royale. It’s popular among backpackers and offers stunning views of Lake Superior.
- Lake Ritchie: A bit farther inland, Lake Ritchie campground offers a more secluded camping experience. It’s accessible via hiking trails and provides a serene setting for visitors.
- Three Mile: As the name suggests, Three Mile campground is about three miles from Rock Harbor. It’s a smaller campground but provides a peaceful atmosphere for camping.
Important Notes
- If you are leaving the visitor center be prepared to be self-sufficient
- Campsites in the backcountry are primitive, with no electricity, running water, or modern facilities. Campers are responsible for carrying in all necessary supplies, including food, water purification systems, and camping equipment. Campfires are not allowed on most sites, so camp stoves are essential for cooking.
- To camp in the backcountry of Isle Royale National Park, you need a permit.
- Aside from staying in Windigo or Rock Harbor, be prepared for a lack of modern amenities. You must bring everything you need and practice Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the environment.
Popular Hiking Trails
Greenstone Ridge Trail
- Distance: ~40 miles
- Difficulty: Difficult
Tobin Harbor Trail
- Distance: 2.8 miles (one way)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Scoville Point Loop
- Distance: 4.2 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Moderate
Minong Ridge Trail
- Distance: ~31 miles
- Difficulty: Difficult
Stoll Trail
- Distance: 4.2 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Feldtmann Lake Trail
- Distance: 8 miles (one way)
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Daisy Farm Trail
- Distance: 3.6 miles (one way)
- Difficulty: Moderate
Island Mine Trail
- Distance: 5.5 miles (one way)
- Difficulty: Moderate
Huginnin Cove Loop
- Distance: 9.5 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Moderate
Mount Ojibway Trail
- Distance: 4 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking
Hiking Isle Royale is an awe-inspiring adventure that immerses you in the pristine wilderness of the largest island in Lake Superior. Located far from the mainland, this remote national park offers a unique experience for outdoor enthusiasts. The island’s rugged terrain boasts a network of trails that wind through dense forests, along rocky shorelines, and past serene inland lakes. As you explore, you may encounter moose, wolves, and a rich array of birdlife. With no roads or cars, it’s a place where the quiet solitude of nature takes center stage, inviting you to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with the natural beauty of this isolated gem. Whether you’re seeking challenging hikes or tranquil walks, Isle Royale promises unforgettable moments in the heart of untouched wilderness.
Number of Trails: 20
Acres: 571,790 Acres
Time Needed to Hike: 1 Day for quick hikes around visitor center
7 miles is more like 14 miles hiking through the dense trails
Greenstone Ridege Trail: 3-5 days (We recomend and extra day so you do not feel rushed)
Best Time to Visit: June through September (July can be very crowded)
Time Needed: 1 Day Highlights, 3-5 Day
Camping: Camping all over the island in designated location(see map)
-Camp sites are first come first serve unless a group of 6 or more
Lodging: There is a hotel located at windigo and rock harbor visitor centers
Gear We Used
Must Do’s
Fishing
Anglers can cast their lines from the rugged shoreline or venture out onto the tranquil inland lakes, where the chance to reel in species like lake trout, brook trout, northern pike, and smallmouth bass awaits. The island’s remote location ensures a sense of solitude and a genuine connection with nature. To protect its fragile ecosystem, fishing regulations are in place, requiring visitors to obtain permits and adhere to guidelines that prioritize conservation.
Greenridge Trail
The Greenstone Trail is the premier hiking trail on Isle Royale, stretching approximately 40 miles from the Windigo Visitor Center on the western end of the island to the Rock Harbor Visitor Center on the eastern end. This iconic trail offers a captivating journey through the heart of the island’s rugged wilderness. Hikers can expect to traverse a variety of terrains, from dense forests to open ridges, and be rewarded with breathtaking views of Lake Superior along the way.
Windigo
This natural harbor, nestled on the island’s southwestern coast, serves as a gateway for visitors arriving by ferry or seaplane. It offers sheltered anchorage for boats and serves as a focal point for park operations, including visitor services and ranger stations. Surrounded by pristine wilderness, Windigo Harbor allows travelers to access the park’s rugged trails, pristine forests, and scenic landscapes, making it a vital hub
Rock Harbor
Rock Harbor, situated on the northeastern end of Isle Royale in Lake Superior, is the largest and most iconic harbor within Isle Royale National Park. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty and serene wilderness, Rock Harbor serves as a central point for park activities and exploration. Boasting a marina, campgrounds, visitor center, and hiking trails.