Isle Royale National Park, Michigan: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know Isle Royale National Park is one of the least visited national parks in America, yet boasts the highest rate of return visitors? This remote island wilderness in Lake Superior captures the hearts of adventurers so completely that once they visit, they can’t help but plan their return. With no roads, no cell service, and accessible only by boat or seaplane, Isle Royale offers a true escape from modern life into pristine nature.

How to Get to Isle Royale National Park

Isle Royale’s remoteness is part of its charm, but it does require planning. The park is accessible only by ferry, seaplane, or private boat. Most visitors arrive via passenger ferries that operate seasonally from Michigan and Minnesota ports.

Ferry Services

Several ferry options connect the mainland to Isle Royale:

• The Ranger III departs from Houghton, MI (6-hour journey)
• The Isle Royale Queen IV runs from Copper Harbor, MI (3.5-hour journey)
• The Voyageur II and Sea Hunter III operate from Grand Portage, MN (2-hour journey)

Reservations are essential and should be made months in advance, especially for peak summer season. The ferry journey itself is part of the adventure, offering beautiful views of Lake Superior.

Seaplane Service

For a quicker journey, Isle Royale Seaplanes offers flights from Hancock, MI, getting you to the island in under an hour. This option provides spectacular aerial views but has limited luggage capacity and is weather-dependent.

Best Time to Visit Isle Royale

Isle Royale National Park is open annually from mid-April through October, with the park completely closing during winter months due to extreme weather conditions. Your experience will vary significantly depending on when you visit.

Where to Stay on Isle Royale

Accommodations on Isle Royale are limited but varied, ranging from developed lodging to wilderness camping. All overnight stays require planning and, in most cases, advance reservations.

Rock Harbor Lodge & Cottages

The only developed lodging on the island, Rock Harbor Lodge offers 60 lakeside rooms and 20 housekeeping cottages. The complex includes dining options, boat rentals, and guided tours. Reservations should be made 6-12 months in advance, especially for summer months.

Windigo Camper Cabins

For a rustic alternative to tent camping, two one-room camper cabins are available at Windigo on the island’s western end. These simple accommodations have basic furnishings but no indoor plumbing. Shared restroom facilities are a short walk away.

Campgrounds

Isle Royale features 36 campgrounds accessible only by foot or water. Campsites are first-come, first-served for parties of six or fewer. All campgrounds have tent sites, a water source, and outhouses, while some also offer shelters and docks.

Popular Campgrounds:

• Washington Creek: Near Windigo with flushing toilets and drinking water
• McCargoe Cove: Popular with paddlers and known for moose sightings
• Three Mile: Close to Rock Harbor with shelters and dock access
• Daisy Farm: Large campground with shelters and water access

Top Things to Do at Isle Royale

Isle Royale offers a wealth of outdoor activities for wilderness enthusiasts. From challenging hikes to peaceful paddling, the park provides numerous ways to experience its pristine natural beauty.

Hiking the Island’s Trails

With over 165 miles of wilderness trails, hiking is the primary activity at Isle Royale. Trails range from moderate day hikes to challenging multi-day backpacking routes. The island’s terrain features rocky paths with tree roots, requiring sturdy footwear and careful footing.

Must-Try Hiking Trails:

• Greenstone Ridge Trail: The island’s backbone, this 40-mile trail offers spectacular views
• Minong Ridge Trail: A challenging, remote route for experienced hikers
• Rock Harbor Trail: Follows the northeastern shoreline with beautiful coastal views
• Tobin Harbor Trail: An easier route with stunning water views

Paddling and Boating

Exploring Isle Royale’s waterways by canoe, kayak, or boat offers a different perspective of the island. Paddlers can navigate the protected inland lakes or, for experienced adventurers, brave Lake Superior’s open waters.

Wildlife Watching

Isle Royale is famous for its wolf and moose populations, which have been studied for decades as part of the longest-running predator-prey study in the world. While wolves are rarely seen, moose sightings are common, especially near inland lakes and beaver ponds.

Wildlife to Look For:

• Moose: Most active at dawn and dusk near water sources
• Red Fox: Often seen near campgrounds
• Beaver: Look for lodges and dams on inland lakes
• Loons: Listen for their distinctive calls on inland lakes
• Bald Eagles: Soaring above shorelines

Fishing

Isle Royale offers excellent fishing opportunities in both Lake Superior and inland lakes. Lake trout, brook trout, salmon, and whitefish can be caught in Superior’s waters, while northern pike, yellow perch, and walleye inhabit inland lakes.

Visiting Historic Sites

Explore the island’s rich history by visiting lighthouses, abandoned copper mines, and historic fisheries. The Rock Harbor Lighthouse (built in 1855) and Edisen Fishery offer glimpses into the island’s past.

Stargazing

With no light pollution, Isle Royale offers exceptional stargazing opportunities. On clear nights, the Milky Way stretches across the sky in breathtaking detail, and meteor showers are visible in their full glory.

Essential Planning Tips

Visiting Isle Royale requires careful preparation. The island’s remoteness means you’ll need to bring most supplies with you and be prepared for wilderness conditions.

Suggested Itineraries

Whether you have a few days or a week, these itineraries will help you make the most of your Isle Royale adventure.

Weather and Conditions

Isle Royale’s weather can be unpredictable, with conditions changing rapidly due to its location in Lake Superior. The lake moderates temperatures but can also create fog, sudden storms, and cooler conditions than the mainland.

Wildlife Safety and Etiquette

Encountering wildlife is a highlight of visiting Isle Royale, but it’s important to maintain a safe distance and practice proper wilderness etiquette.

Moose Encounters

Moose are the largest animals you’re likely to see on Isle Royale. While generally not aggressive, they can be dangerous if threatened or during mating season (September-October).

Safety Tips:

• Maintain at least 75 feet of distance
• If a moose approaches, back away slowly
• Watch for signs of agitation (raised hackles, lowered head)
• Never position yourself between a cow and her calf
• If charged, hide behind a large tree or rock

Food Storage

Proper food storage is essential to prevent wildlife encounters at your campsite. Isle Royale has a healthy fox population that has learned to scavenge from campers.

• Use the provided food lockers at campgrounds when available
• Hang food from trees where lockers aren’t available
• Never store food in your tent
• Pack out all trash and food scraps
• Clean cooking utensils away from your campsite

Plan Your Isle Royale Adventure

Isle Royale National Park offers a wilderness experience unlike any other in the national park system. Its remote location, pristine ecosystems, and absence of crowds create an opportunity for genuine connection with nature that’s increasingly rare in today’s world. Whether you come for challenging hikes, peaceful paddling, wildlife watching, or simply to disconnect from modern life, Isle Royale rewards visitors with unforgettable experiences.

As you plan your journey to this special place, remember that the effort required to reach Isle Royale is part of what makes it so magical. The island’s remoteness has preserved its wilderness character and created a destination where visitors can truly immerse themselves in nature. Once you’ve experienced Isle Royale’s wild beauty, you’ll understand why it has the highest return rate of any national park in America.