For a National Park that’s only accessible by boat or seaplane, visitors to Isle Royale National Park – found within Lake Superior and accessible from Michigan and Minnesota (and very close to the Canadian border) – will find plenty to do once they arrive. Established in 1940 “to conserve a prime example of North Woods Wilderness,” Isle Royale National Park was then designated part of the National Wilderness Preservation System under the Wilderness Act in 1976, and in 1980 an International Biosphere Reserve. It’s more than likely that the moose, gray wolves, red fox, beavers, mink and many more wildlife species who call the park home appreciate that conservation greatly, as do the visitors: just over 18,500 visited the park in 2015. Crowds? You won’t find them at Isle Royale National Park. Here, we suggest 10 tips on things not to miss when visiting Isle Royale National Park.
1. Watch the weather: Park rangers suggest keeping a keen eye on the weather when planning a visit to Isle Royale National Park – weather conditions can change quickly and you should be prepared for everything during your time in the park. Be sure to call (906) 482-0984 for the most up-to-date weather information before you set out for the park.
2. Take flight: There are two ways to get to Isle Royale National Park – by boat or by plane. Why not opt for the 35-minute flight aboard a seaplane? Not only will you get a bird’s eye view of the area and park itself, but you’ll be able to start your island adventure a bit quicker than if you take an hours-long ferry ride.
3. Check out the ruins of an historic copper mine: It may not look like much now, but between 1890 and 1892 the Wendigo Mining Company operated its copper mines on the island that supported a community of 135 people. Today, you can walk along the mining roads that now serve as paths into the wilderness. Just keep an eye out for evidence of the historic copper mine.
4. Take a hike: Once you arrive at the park itself, you’ll find 165 miles of hiking trails from which to choose, ranging from short to long, easy to strenuous. To help get you started, stop by the visitor centers in either Rock Harbor or Windigo (depending on where you arrive) and talk with a park ranger about the best routes for you.
5. See the light: It may be strange to think of a lighthouse on an island in a lake, but that’s just what you’ll find when you walk out to the Rock Harbor Lighthouse. Built in 1855, the lighthouse is the oldest on the island, and today stands as a testament to the island’s once-thriving mining era.
6. Watch for wildlife: Nearly 20 mammals make their homes within Isle Royale National Park, including moose, red fox, gray wolves, beavers, mink, river otters and snowshoe hare. Birders will want to watch the skies as loons, pelicans, woodpeckers and migratory birds fly through the area on their annual migrations.
This might be the wildest place many people visit:
7. Get on a boat: Of the nearly 900 square miles that comprise Isle Royale National Park, just 209 square miles is above water, which means the rest is an aquatic wonderland. Make plans to get on a boat, even if you took a ferry to the park: National Park Service-guided tours are available, or rent a motorboat, kayak, or canoe to go and explore on your own.
8. Dive into the underwater world: SCUBA diving in Lake Superior? Sure! Nine shipwrecks await experienced divers brave enough to don their dry suits and lower themselves into the 55F degree water, which can plummet to 34 to 37 degrees in as little as 50 feet. Guided diving trips are offered to make the most of your cold plunge.
9. Stay the night: Plan on spending a night or two at Isle Royale National Park to really take advantage of your visit. Campers will find 36 first come, first serve campgrounds from which to choose to camp under the stars, from the Lake Superior shoreline to the backcountry. If camping’s not your thing, make reservations to stay at the Rock Harbor Lodge (60 guestrooms and 20 cottages) or rustic Windigo Camper Cabins, the only accommodations found within the park.
10. Catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights: If your timing is right and the stars align, as it were, you may just catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights if you stay overnight in Isle Royale National Park. There’s nothing quite like seeing streaks of light dance across the sky, seemingly appearing and disappearing at whimsy.
For more on Isle Royale National Park and to help with trip planning, download the free Chimani app to your smart phone to easily navigate your way around the park, with our without cell phone service.
(Note: The park is open 24 hours a day annually April 16 through October 31, and is closed to all visitors November 1 through April 15.)
