Isle Royale National Park is a beautiful and remote wilderness area in Lake Superior, near the border of Minnesota and Canada. It’s a great place for hiking, camping, and exploring nature. rvResortScout suggests visiting this National Park in the summer months as the winter can bring freezing temperatures.

For a condensed view of the park feel free to check out rvResortScouts Isle Royale Park Information listing.

Park History / General Overview

The park was established in 1940 and is one of the oldest national parks in the United States. The park is made up of one large island and several smaller islands, and covers an area of over 850 square miles.

The island has a long history of human activity, from the native Ojibwe people who have lived on the island for centuries, to the early European explorers, and to the commercial fishing and logging that took place in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The National Park Service recognized the island’s natural beauty and ecological significance and decided to protect it by making it a national park. Since then, the park has been a popular destination for hikers, campers, and nature lovers.

The island is known for its rugged wilderness, beautiful lakes and forests, and diverse wildlife, including wolves, moose, and many species of birds. The park also has a rich cultural history. There are several historic lighthouses and shipwrecks, as well as the remains of copper mining operations.

Visitors can experience the island’s natural beauty and rich history through hiking, camping, and exploring the island’s many lakes and forests. The park also offers ranger-led activities and educational programs throughout the year.

Getting Oriented

Isle Royale National Park is a large and diverse wilderness area, so it’s important for visitors to get oriented before exploring the island. The park is divided into several main sections, each with its own unique features and attractions.

The main island is the largest section of the park, and it’s where most visitors go. The island is home to several hiking trails, campsites, and a visitor center. Visitors can start their adventure by visiting the visitor center to get information about the park, including trail maps and camping permits.

The island is divided into several main regions, such as the Rock Harbor region, the Windigo region and the McCargoe Cove region. Rock Harbor region is located on the northeastern side of the island, and it’s a popular destination for visitors. It has a marina, campground, and several hiking trails. Visitors can also take a boat tour to see the island’s surrounding islands.

The Windigo region is located on the western side of the island. It is known for its rugged wilderness and beautiful views of Lake Superior. The region has a campground, visitor center, and several hiking trails.

The McCargoe Cove region is located on the southern side of the island, and it’s known for its historic copper mining operations and beautiful views of the island’s interior. The region has a campground, visitor center, and several hiking trails.

In addition to the main island, there are several smaller islands nearby that can be visited, such as Rock Harbor and Windigo. Visitors can access these islands by boat, and they will experience a unique wilderness with unique wildlife and beautiful scenery.

Isle Royale National Park Essentials

Visiting Isle Royale requires a bit of planning and preparation. There are several things visitors should know before they go, such as getting to the island, park rules and regulations, and what to expect at the visitor center.

Getting to the Park is not easy as the only way to get to the island is by boat or seaplane. Visitors can take a ferry from Copper Harbor, Michigan or Grand Portage, Minnesota. The park also has a seaplane service that can take visitors to the island. Visitors should check the ferry and seaplane schedules and make reservations in advance.

Once visitors arrive at the island, they should visit the park’s visitor center. The visitor center is the best place to get information about the park, including trail maps and camping permits. Visitors should also be aware of the park’s rules and regulations, such as Leave No Trace principles and bear canisters.

You should also be prepared for the rugged terrain and unpredictable weather as Isle Royale National Park is a wilderness area. Visitors should bring enough food, water, and clothing for the trip. Visitors should also be aware of the park’s bear and moose populations and know how to properly store food and dispose of waste.

Thing You Need to Know

The National Park is a beautiful and remote wilderness area, but it’s important for visitors to be prepared for the trip.

Here are some things visitors should know before they go:

• What to Pack: Visitors should bring enough food, water, and clothing for the trip. Visitors should also bring a first aid kit, a flashlight, a map, and a compass.
• Amount of Food Needed: Visitors should bring enough food for their trip. It’s important to plan meals and snacks in advance, and bring enough food to last the duration of the trip.
• Hiking Gear: Visitors should bring appropriate hiking gear, such as a backpack, water bottles, and a daypack. Hiking boots are a must in the area. Visitors should also bring a map and compass, and know how to use them.
• Animals In The Area: Isle Royale National Park is home to many wild animals, such as wolves, moose, and bears. Visitors should be aware of the park’s animal populations and know how to safely interact with them. Visitors should also be aware of the park’s bear and moose populations and know how to properly store food and dispose of waste.
• Cost of Trip: Visiting Isle the park can be expensive. Visitors should factor in the cost of transportation, food, and camping permits. Visitors should also be aware of the park’s entrance fee and any additional fees for activities such as boat tours.
• Family Activities: Isle Royale National Park is a great place for families to visit. The park offers many family-friendly activities, such as ranger-led hikes, campfire programs, and educational programs.
• Conservation: The National Park is a wilderness area and visitors should be aware of the park’s conservation efforts.
• RV Dos and Don’ts: Isle Royale does not have RV campsites, so visitors should plan accordingly. Visitors should also be aware of the park’s rules and regulations for camping in the backcountry.

Best Hikes Within Isle Royale National Park

Isle Royale has many great hiking trails for visitors to explore. Here are five of the best hikes:

1. The Minong Ridge Trail is a great hike for beginners. It’s a moderate trail that offers beautiful views of the island and is a great way to experience the island’s wilderness. It’s a 4.5-mile round trip and takes around 4 hours to complete.
2. The Greenstone Ridge Trail is a long trail that runs the length of the island and offers great views of the island. It’s a challenging trail that takes around 3–5 days to complete. It’s a 39-mile round trip trail.
3. The Rock Harbor Trail is a short trail that takes visitors to the island’s eastern shore and offers great views of Lake Superior. It’s a 2-mile round trip and takes around 2 hours to complete.
4. The Tobin Harbor Trail is a short trail that takes visitors through the island’s interior and offers a great view of the island’s wildlife. It’s a 2.5-mile round trip and takes around 2 hours to complete.
5. The Daisy Farm Trail is a short trail that takes visitors to a historic farm site and offers a great view of the island’s lakes and forests. It’s a 1.5-mile round trip and takes around 1 hour to complete.

Accommodations

Isle Royale National Park has several options for visitors looking for a place to stay. Here’s an overview of the park’s accommodations:

• Campgrounds: The park has several campgrounds for visitors to choose from. These campgrounds offer amenities such as drinking water, toilets, and fire rings. Visitors should be aware that the campgrounds are first come, first served and fill up quickly during the peak season.
• Backcountry Camping: Backcountry camping is allowed in the park, but visitors must obtain a permit from the park service. Backcountry camping allows visitors to experience the park’s wilderness in a more remote setting. Visitors should be aware that backcountry camping requires more planning and preparation.
• Lodging: Isle Royale National Park does not have any lodging options within the park boundaries. Visitors can find lodging options in the nearby towns of Copper Harbor and Grand Portage.

In summary, Isle Royale has several options for visitors looking for a place to stay. Campgrounds are the most popular options, with amenities such as drinking water, toilets, and fire rings. You will need a permit in order to backcountry camp. Lodge options are not available within the park; visitors can find lodging options in the nearby towns of Copper Harbor and Grand Portage. Visitors should be aware that campgrounds are first come, first served and fill up quickly during the peak season. Backcountry camping requires more planning and preparation.

Safety

As a wilderness area, visitors should be prepared for the rugged terrain and unpredictable weather when visiting Isle Royale National Park. Here are some things visitors should know to stay safe during their trip:

• Weather: The park can have extreme weather conditions. Visitors should check the forecast before their trip and pack accordingly. Visitors should be aware of the risk of hypothermia, especially during the colder months, and bring appropriate clothing and gear.
• Hiking: Wearing rugged shoes or hiking boots is a must. Visitors should also bring a map and compass, and know how to use them. Visitors should also be aware of their surroundings and stay on designated trails.
• Wildlife: Isle Royale National Park is home to many wild animals, such as wolves, moose, and bears. Visitors should be aware of the park’s animal populations and know how to safely interact with them. Visitors should also be aware of the park’s bear and moose populations and know how to properly store food and dispose of waste.
• Water Safety: Visitors should be aware of the park’s water safety regulations. Visitors should wear personal flotation devices and know how to swim. Visitors should also be aware of the park’s rules and regulations for boating and fishing.
• Emergency: Visitors should be prepared for emergencies. Visitors should bring a first aid kit and know the location of emergency shelters and ranger stations. Visitors should also bring a communication device, such as a cell phone or satellite phone, in case of emergency.
• Leave No Trace: Visitors should follow Leave No Trace principles and be mindful of their impact on the environment. Visitors should properly dispose of waste, pack out all trash, and minimize campfire impact.

What’s In The Surrounding Area

Isle Royale National Park is located in the middle of Lake Superior, and there are several nearby towns and attractions that visitors can explore. Here are a few things to see and do in the surrounding area:

• Copper Harbor: Copper Harbor is a small town located on the Keweenaw Peninsula in Michigan. The town is located about an hour drive from the ferry dock in Houghton and offers several lodging options, restaurants, and outdoor activities such as hiking and biking trails.
• Grand Portage: Grand Portage is a small town located in Minnesota, on the northeastern tip of the state. The town is located about an hour drive from the ferry dock in Grand Portage and offers several lodging options, restaurants, and outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing.
• Keweenaw National Historical Park: This Park preserves the history and culture of the Keweenaw Peninsula, which is home to the first copper boom in the United States. It has several historic sites and museums, such as the Quincy Mine and the Calumet Visitor Center, which visitors can explore.
• Apostle Islands: The Apostle Islands are located off the coast of northern Wisconsin and are a popular destination for boating, kayaking, and fishing. Visitors can take a boat tour or rent a kayak to explore the islands.
• Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is located on the southern shore of Lake Superior in Michigan. The park offers beautiful views of the lake, hiking trails, and the opportunity to see shipwrecks and lighthouses.

Isle Royale National Park Wrap Up

The National Park is a beautiful and remote wilderness area that offers visitors a unique experience. It’s important for visitors to be prepared for the trip by planning ahead, knowing the park’s rules and regulations, and bringing the appropriate gear and supplies. The park has many hiking trails, campgrounds, and other activities such as boat tours that visitors can enjoy. It’s also important to be aware of the park’s safety regulations and to follow Leave No Trace principles. The park also offers many opportunities for visitors to explore the nearby towns and attractions such as Copper Harbor, Grand Portage, Keweenaw National Historical Park, Apostle Islands and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Isle Royale National Park is a great place to visit and offers a unique wilderness experience that visitors will not forget.