Isle Royale National Park

Overview

About

Isle Royale National Park lies in Lake Superior, off northern Michigan, near the Canadian border.
Lake Superior is the second-largest lake in the world and the largest freshwater lake.
Isle Royale is about 45 miles long. Its wildlife includes moose, wolves and otters.

Ferries run to Isle Royale from Houghton and Copper Harbor in Michigan and from Grand Portage in Minnesota.
Book ferry tickets in advance.

Visitor map

Travel tips

Getting there: the island lies in Lake Superior and can be reached only by boat or seaplane. Boats leave from three places: Houghton and Copper Harbor in Michigan, and Grand Portage in Minnesota.

Crossing times: from Houghton the ferry takes about 6 hours, from Copper Harbor about 4.5 hours, and from Grand Portage about 1.5 to 2 hours. A seaplane flies from Houghton in about 30 minutes.

Season: the park is open only from mid-April to the end of October. Ferries and lodging are concentrated from June to September and must be booked early.

Two hubs: Rock Harbor at the east end has a lodge, shop and visitor center; Windigo at the west end has fewer facilities. Boats link the two.

Hiking: the island has about 270 km of trails, with the 64 km Greenstone Ridge Trail along the whole length, taking 3 to 5 days. There are no cars on the island, so you travel on foot or by canoe.

Camping: backcountry camping needs a permit, with your campsites assigned on it. Drinking water should be treated from the lake.

Wildlife: the island has moose and wolves, and their numbers have long been studied. Mosquitoes are bad in summer, so carry repellent.

Where to stay: Rock Harbor Lodge has limited rooms and must be booked early; the rest of the lodging is camping.

Map