Isle Royale National Park – Camping, Ferry, and Best Tips

by Petr Novák, ? The accuracy of the information provided in this article was last verified on this date. If you spot any errors, please let us know in the comments. Thank you. :-) Updated 06/14/2023 Michigan, National Parks, Tips for Trips

Isle Royale National Park is situated around Lake Superior, the largest of the five Great Lakes along the USA-Canada border. The park, which is governed by the State of Michigan, includes Isle Royale and approximately 450 smaller islands, of which around 110 have a name. While it may seem like a readily accessible area, the opposite is true.

Information About Isle Royale National Park

Isle Royale National Park spans an area of 893 mi², with only 209 mi² emerging above the water. The largest island, Isle Royale, is 45 mi long and 9 mi wide at its widest point, which makes it larger than Malta in the Mediterranean Sea.

Isle Royale boasts rich copper deposits, which were mined during the 19th and first half of the 20th century. The copper was transported by ship across the thriving Great Lakes area, which is dotted with numerous smaller islands and lighthouses due to its prosperous fishing industry. The most famous of these lighthouses are the Isle Royale Light, Rock of Ages Light, Rock Harbor Light, and Passage Island Light. The national park, established on April 3, 1940, welcomed 25,844 visitors in 2021. At 1,394 ft, the highest point in the park is the summit of Mount Desor.

The majority of the park is covered by forests and swamps, which are dominated by black and white spruce, pine, balsam fir, willow, oak, birch, American cranes, and several maple species.

The park has always been known for its wolf and moose populations. The number of animals varies quite significantly from year to year; the wolf pack numbers between 20-25 animals, and the park is home to 300 to 1,000 moose. Other fauna include snakes, bats, foxes, squirrels, beavers, and otters.

What to See and Do in Isle Royale National Park

Isle Royale National Park may not be brimming with deep canyons or majestic mountains, but it is a wilderness that is well acquainted with human intervention, especially due to its copper mines.

Landmarks of the island, if they can be described as such, include lighthouses. One may come across a lighthouse just off Rock Harbor, which dates back to 1855 and stands 49 ft tall. Even taller, at 62 ft, is the Isle Royale Light from 1875, located on Menagerie Island in the southern part of the park. Several shipwrecks can be seen at Washington Harbor, including the SS America, which was wrecked on June 7, 1928.

For hikers, there are plenty of trails to explore on the island.

Trails Around Rock Harbor in the Northern Part of the Park

• Scoville Point: This nearly 4 mi loop takes you through both the shoreline and the forest, offering a beautiful contrast between the park’s two distinct environments.
• Mount Franklin: This 10 mi trail leads to the top of Mount Franklin, offering fine views of the surrounding area. Don’t forget to bring snacks and waterproof clothing. One can never predict a sudden rain shower.
• Suzy’s Cave: This 4 mi loop extends to Suzy’s Cave, a formation carved by the waters of Lake Superior. You might even spot a moose!

Trails Around Windigo in the Southern Part of the Park

• Grace Creek Overlook: This early 4 mi loop starts from Washington Harbor and runs along the coast to the interior of the island.
• Windigo Nature Trail: Perfect for nature lovers, this short 1 mi loop showcases the diverse natural surroundings of Windigo, with maple and birch trees playing a prominent role.
• Minong Ridge Overlook: This challenging 6 mi route is perfect for avid hikers and a full day’s program. It passes through a pine forest, alongside caves, and ends at a spot offering a magnificent view of the Canadian shores.
• Huginnin Cove Loop: The most challenging trail Isle Royale has to offer. The 9 mi trail winds through ridges, wetlands, and along the coast. Successful hikers will see remnants of copper mines, perhaps encounter a beaver, and enjoy views of Canada.

Paddlers can explore the park from the lake’s surface with kayak or canoe rentals available at Windigo or Rock Harbor. The park is also popular with scuba divers. Although the water temperature is just a few degrees above freezing, it conceals the rusted wrecks of long-sunken ships. All divers must register at one of the visitor centers.

When to Visit Isle Royale National Park

Isle Royale is one of the few USA national parks that close for the winter. This occurs on November 1, with the reopening happening on April 16. This is due to several reasons: extreme winter weather, protection of nature, and the safety of the visitors.

The weather in Isle Royale National Park is significantly influenced by the surrounding lakes; put simply, it’s almost always cold. Nighttime temperatures of around 50°F during summer are not uncommon, and it can get freezing in May or October.

When choosing clothing, I always recommend packing several layers of lightweight but warm items. You might only be able to wear short sleeves for a few hours.

• Current weather forecast for Isle Royale National Park

Average Temperatures and Visitor Numbers at Isle Royale National Park

Average temperatures in Isle Royale National Park. Visitor numbers are based on a 2017-2021 average, with the data sourced from the National Park Service.

Entrance Fees for Isle Royale National Park

When visiting the park, each individual must pay a fee of $7.00 per day. This charge does not apply to children under the age of 11. Payments can be made via the official pay.gov website. After paying, you should print the proof of payment and present it at the park entrance.

Please note that a passport cannot be used for entry to Isle Royale’s America the Beautiful.

Traveling to Isle Royale National Park

Reaching Isle Royale National Park involves a combination of several modes of transportation and can be somewhat complex.

Initially, you need to travel to either Copper Harbor or Houghton in Michigan, Grand Portage in Montana, or Thunder Bay in Canada. For your reference, here are the estimated driving times by car to Grand Portage on the Canadian border:

As is typical with island destinations, you’ll then need to take a ferry. Ferry ticket prices can be found on the park’s website. Bring something to keep yourself entertained during the voyage, which can last up to 3 hours depending on your point of departure. We highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance. The ferry operating season typically aligns with the park’s open season.

Ferry Services to Isle Royale National Park

• From Grand Portage, you can take either the Voyageur II or The Sea Hunter III.
• The Ranger III sails from Houghton, Michigan.
• The Isle Royale Queen IV departs from Copper Harbor.

Alternative Transportation Options

If you’re seeking a more adventurous journey, consider a seaplane ride. However, keep in mind that the prices are substantially higher, with a round-trip ticket from Hancock Portage Canal to Isle Royale costing one person $360.

Most visitors to Isle Royale Park travel around the island on foot, by bicycle, or by canoe and kayak. A few companies offer water taxis and seaplane services, but these options can be quite expensive.

Accommodation in Isle Royale National Park

🏨 Hotels

When it comes to overnight stays in Isle Royale, you have a choice between high-end comfort and budget-friendly options. The only accommodation within the park is the Rock Harbor Lodge located in the northwestern part of the island. The per-night rate per person starts at $260, offering a cozy wooden lodge complete with a restaurant, and rooms featuring private bathrooms with bathtubs, showers, and other amenities.

Alternatively, there are various hotels, motels, and other forms of accommodation available in the nearby towns. Staying overnight in these locations has its advantages; you can arrive in the evening, get a good night’s sleep, and set out for the island in the morning:

• View hotels in Duluth
• View hotels in Houghton
• View hotels in Thunder Bay

⛺ Campsites

If you prefer a more rustic experience, there are numerous campgrounds available where you can sleep in a tent or under a tarp. Isle Royale boasts a total of 36 different campgrounds, some of which are free of charge. However, you must obtain a permit from the visitor center before setting up camp. Some campsites can be reserved in advance, while others operate on a “first come, first served” basis.

Useful Tips and Advice Before Visiting Isle Royale National Park

ℹ️ Visitor Centers

I highly recommend starting your visit to the park with a stop at one of the visitor centers. The following centers are open:

• Houghton Visitor Center
  You can find this year-round center in the town of Houghton. It is open Monday through Friday, as well as Saturday mornings during the peak season.
• Rock Harbor Visitor Center
  This center, located at the northeastern tip of Isle Royale, is open from May through September, and daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the peak season in July and August.
• Windigo Visitor Center
  Situated in the southwest corner of the island, this center has the same operating hours as the Rock Harbor Visitor Center.

👍 Good to Know

Do not underestimate a trip to Isle Royale NP. It is a true wilderness experience and you should be prepared accordingly. Bring warm clothing layers and plenty of water.

You might be able to get a drink at the visitor centers. You can replenish your food supplies at the small shops in Snug Harbor and near the Windigo information center, but prices can be high.

Before setting out for Isle Royale, I recommend studying the park’s brochures and maps. Consider saving them to your phone or tablet for easy access during your visit.

• Official Isle Royale National Park website
• Isle Royale National Park Map

Photos of Isle Royale National Park