Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
A Least Visited But Most Revisited National Park
Isle Royale, although the nations least visited national park, is probably the most repeat visited national park and is enjoyed by people who value it's pristine wilderness, abundant wildlife, second growth forests, clear lakes, and rugged scenic shores
Located in Lake Superior, 25 miles east of Minnesota and 55 miles west of Michigan, the park is open to the public from April 15 though the month of October.
Isle Royale National Park
800 East Lakeshore Drive
Houghton, Michigan
(906) 482-0984
Website
Known For It's Large Population Of Moose, Wolf, and Pristine Wilderness
The park is known for its moose and wolf populations that are studied by field biologists to track predator-prey relationships.
It's physical isolation in Lake Superior, remote primitive wilderness, and limited human influences, makes the park an ideal place for predator-prey research of wolves and moose.
Vehicles, wheeled devices, and dogs are not allowed in the park. Movement throughout the park is by hiking, boating, canoeing, and kayaking.
There are 165 miles of hiking trails, with the Green stone Ridge trail in the center of the island having the longest trail in the park, running 40 miles from one end of the island to the other.
Camping is very popular and permits and advanced reservations are required. During the busy season from mid-July through mid-August, campsites may be full if not reserved in advance.
The amenities at the campgrounds include pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire-rings at specific areas.
The mosquitoes and black flies can be bothersome are at their worst in late June and early July.
Getting There
During the summer, visitors can get to the Island via private ferries originating in Grand Portage, Minnesota; Houghton, Michigan; or Copper Harbor, Michigan.
A Seaplane service operates out of Houghton, Michigan. Private boaters also visit Isle Royale, often originating from the same locations as the private ferries.
Places to Stay
Rock Harbor LodgeLake Superior, Isle Royale National Park, MI
Open May through September, it is the only lodging on the Island, this national parks lodge offers great scenery and a prime location in very rustic accommodations.
Country Inns & Suites
Houghton, MI
This 75 room hotel offers very affordable family accommodations
