Isle Royale National Park

Wolves and moose, the wild North Woods forest, everchanging weather and a cool climate, and the crystal clear waters and rugged shoreline of Lake Superior characterize Isle Royale National Park. This wilderness archipelago is 45 miles long and nine miles wide at it's widest point. The park encompasses a total area of 850 square miles including submerged lands which extends four and a half miles out into Lake Superior. The
archipelago is composed of many parallel ridges resulting from ancient lava flows which were tilted and glaciated. Isle Royale has 165 miles of scenic hiking trails and 36 campgrounds for backpackers and recreational boaters. There is excellent fishing, historic lighthouses and shipwrecks, ancient copper mining sites, and plenty of spots to observe wildlife. Roadless Isle Royale is accessible only by boat or float plane. Isle Royale is relatively untouched by direct outside influences and serves as a living
laboratory and Unites States Biosphere Reserve.

Isle Royale National Park
800 East Lakeshore Drive
Houghton, MI 49931-1895
(906)482-0984 - Visitor Information

By Plane
Isle Royale Seaplane Service flies a seaplane from Houghton, Michigan to Rock Harbor or Windigo on Isle Royale. Contact them at:, P.O. Box 366, Houghton, MI 49931, or by calling (906)392-8850 late May to September or (715)526-5103 October through mid-May.

By Car
Vehicles are not permitted on Isle Royale. Visitors park their cars in Houghton, Michigan; Copper Harbor, Michigan; or Grand Portage, Minnesota and ride passenger ferries to the island, or fly with Isle Royale Seaplane Service to the island from Houghton, Michigan.

By Plane
Passenger ferries from Houghton, Michigan; Copper Harbor, Michigan; and Grand Portage, Minnesota provide boat access to Isle Royale. Seaplane service is provided from Houghton, Michigan.

Getting Around
During its clockwise circumnavigation of the island, the Voyageur II provides drop off and pick up service at several areas.
Rock Harbor Lodge offers the M.V. Sandy vessel, which provides a number of special tours. Also available out of Rock Harbor Lodge is a water taxi and motorboat and canoe rentals. Motorboat and canoae rentals are also available at Windigo. Travel on Isle Royale is foot or boat.

Lake Superior weather is cool throughout the operating season. Dense fog in spring, sunny with temperatures rarely exceeding 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Thunderstorms and rain occur throughout the season. Weather and rough seas may delay departures to and from the island. Bring plenty of warm clothing, even in August. A jacket is a must for the ferry trip to the island or if boating around the island.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Boating
• Camping
• Educational Programs
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Swimming
• Wilderness Area
• Wildlife Viewing
• Snow Skiing
• Backpacking
• Bird Watching
• Nature Walks
• Stargazing
• Kayaking
• Scuba Diving

Recommended Activities
Take a sightseeing hike to view Lake Superior panorama and abundant wildlife including moose and fox; hike scenic trails or take a sightseeing cruise to beautiful spots on the island including historic lighthouses; explore abandoned copper mines; visit a historic commercial fishery still in operation; catch a native lake trout on a fishing charter while trolling along one of Isle Royale's reefs; enjoy hospitality, food and service at the Rock Harbor Lodge Dining Room.

Click on image to enlarge.