Isle Royale National Park

Isle Royale National Park is one of the popular national parks in U.S., located in Michigan. Spread over Isle Royale Island and some other surrounding multiple smaller islands, Isle Royale National Park is relatively smaller than the other U.S. national parks with an area of 894 square miles, of which, only 209 miles are above water. Established on April 3, 1940, Isle Royale National Park became a designated Wilderness Area in 1976 and was also designated an International Biosphere Reserve in 1980.

A wonderful wilderness preserve, Isle Royale National Park has become popular for its wolf and moose population. In fact, this national park in USA is the only place where one can find the coexistence of wolves and bears without the presence of bears. However, in order to keep wildlife in an ‘undisturbed’ environment, you may be restricted to only established trails and accessible lakes.

Visiting Isle Royale National Park

You have plenty to explore in Isle Royale National Park. The wilderness – the biggest attraction of the park, is truly exciting. Besides wolves and moose, you can find small fauna like squirrels and songbirds. Fox and loon can also be seen.

Isle Royale National Park is also the place where you can see the aurora borealis from. On clear nights, this place would also offer wonderful opportunities of star gazing.

Hiking: Day hiking is quite popular in Isle Royale National Park. There are a number of short hikes available. You can go for 1-mile jaunt near Windigo or a 4-mile hike to Scoville Point near Rock Harbor.

Canoeing and Kayaking: Isle Royale National Park is also a popular place for canoeing and kayaking. A number of lakes, bays and islands have made this place a popular hunting ground for the canoeists and kayakers.

Interpretive Programs: Various interpretive programs are organized regularly. You can go for various programs like Island Connections, and Rock Harbor Reflections in Rock Harbor Area, Island Insights, West EndWanders, and Windigo Whispers in Windigo Area. Programs are also organized in Daisy Farm Area and Ranger III Area.

Guided Tours: There are several guided tours arranged regularly at Isle Royale National Park. Go for guided tours like MV Sandy Tours From Rock Harbor, Hidden Lake / Lookout Louise (on Tuesday & Thursday), Passage Island (Monday & Friday), North Side Cruise / Minong Mine (Wednesday), Edisen Fishery and Rock Harbor Lighthouse (Thursday & Saturday), Captain’s Cruise (Tuesday), and Raspberry Island / Sunset Cruise.

Opening Hours

Isle Royale National Park remains closed during the winter, from 1st November to 16th April.

Rock Harbor Visitor Center: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (for July-August, timing changes on other months)
Windigo Visitor Center: 8 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. (for July-August, timing changes on other months)

How to Reach

Air: If you are coming down by air, you need to land at Thunder Bay International Airport in Canadian province of Ontario. You can also land at Houghton County Memorial Airport in Houghton, Michigan.

Ferry: There are several ferry services that will take you to the park. Ranger III, Isle Royale Queen IV, Wenonah and Voyageur II are quite popular.