Isle Royale National Park
National Park · Michigan

Isle Royale National Park

Photo: Photo made by Bob Walker at Isle Royale National Park. · CC BY 2.5 · Wikimedia Commons

Isle Royale is a roadless island in Lake Superior reached only by boat or seaplane, and one of the least visited national parks. Visitors backpack the Greenstone Ridge Trail, paddle quiet bays, dive shipwrecks and watch for moose. Book ferries and Rock Harbor Lodge well ahead, and bring a water filter and warm layers even in summer.

Good to know

Tickets
Charges a daily entry fee per person rather than per vehicle, covered by the America the Beautiful pass. Check nps.gov for current rates. Ferry and seaplane fares are extra.
Time needed
At least 3 to 4 days. Day trips from Copper Harbor are possible but short.
Best time
July to August for the warmest weather. The park is open mid-April to October.
Getting there
Houghton has the Ranger III ferry, about 6 hours; Copper Harbor's ferry takes about 3 hours. Houghton County Memorial Airport has flights from Chicago.

Where to stay nearby

Gateway towns with hotels and food, close to the park entrances:
Houghton, Michigan
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Isle Royale National Park questions

How do you get to Isle Royale?

By ferry from Houghton or Copper Harbor in Michigan or Grand Portage in Minnesota, or by seaplane from Houghton.

Can you visit Isle Royale in a day?

Yes, on some ferry days from Copper Harbor or Grand Portage, but you only get a few hours on the island.

Where do you stay on Isle Royale?

Rock Harbor Lodge is the only lodging. Otherwise, you camp at backcountry campgrounds.

Nearby national parks