Isle Royale's physical isolation and primitive wilderness challenged human use for centuries; ironically today it has become the Island's main attraction. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, visitors come to experience this island park through hiking its trails, paddling its inland waterways, exploring its rugged coast, or venturing into the depth of its shipwrecks.
The Basics
Hours:
Rock Harbor Visitor Center
Hours EDT: Daily 8am to 6pm—July and August Reduced schedule mid-May, June, and September For updated hours call (906) 482-0984 Location: Northeast corner of Isle Royale
Windigo Visitor Center
Hours EDT: Daily 8am to 4:30pm – mid-June through mid-September Reduced schedule May through mid-June and late September For updated hours call (906) 482-0984 Location: Southwest corner of Isle Royale
Houghton Visitor Center
Hours EDT: Monday through Friday, 8am to 6:00pm, with reduce hours on Saturday, 10am to 6:00pm - June through mid-August Monday through Friday, 8am to 4:30pm, with reduce hours on Saturday, 10am to 4:30pm – mid-August through mid -September Monday through Friday, 8am to 4:30pm – mid-September through May – closed during fall and winter holidays Location: East side of Houghton, Michigan's waterfront at 800 East Lakeshore Drive Phone number: (906) 482-0984
Administrative Offices
Hours EDT: Open year round, Monday through Friday, 8am to 4:30pm – closed for federal holidays Location: May through September, Mott Island on Isle Royale’s southeast shore
October though April, East side of Houghton, Michigan’s waterfront at 800 East Lakeshore Drive Phone number: (906) 482-0985
Isle Royale National Park is located in the northwest corner of Lake Superior. This Wilderness Island contains a road-less backcountry which prohibits the use of all wheeled vehicles and devices (accept wheelchairs). Visitors traveling to this Island paradise must arrive by boat or seaplane. The transportation services depart from Houghton, Michigan, Copper Harbor, Michigan and Grand Portage, Minnesota. Vehicular parking is available at all departure locations. The following directions will guide you to the different departure points.
Michigan Departure Points
Houghton, Michigan Houghton is located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It is 200 miles north of Green Bay, Wisconsin, 400 miles north of Chicago, Illinois, and 250 miles west of the Mackinac Bridge. Houghton is located off of US-41 at the base of the Keweenaw Peninsula.
Copper Harbor, Michigan Copper Harbor is located at the tip of Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula. It is located off US-41 just 52 miles north of Houghton, Michigan.
Minnesota Departure Points
Grand Portage, Minnesota Grand Portage, located in Minnesota’s northeastern section, is 150 miles north of Duluth, Minnesota. It is located off US-61 just 50 miles southwest of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.
Climate
Lake Superior weather is cool throughout the operating season, causing dense fog in spring and summer months. The lake's water temperature rarely exceeds 52° Fahrenheit, while Island temperatures rarely exceed 80°. Thunderstorms and rain occur throughout the season, causing rapid changes in wind and wave conditions. Weather and rough seas rarely delay departures to and from the island.
Isle Royale National Park is one of the few national parks to close during the winter. The Island is closed November 1 and will reopen on April 16. The closure is due to the extreme winter weather conditions, for the protection of wildlife, and for the safety and protection of visitors. The Park Headquarters for the winter is located in Houghton, Michigan, the summer headquarters is located at Mott Island on Isle Royale National Park.
Fees
$4 per person per day Individual Season Pass, $50
Hiking
If you only have a few hours to spend on Isle Royale, day hiking is an excellent way to get into the backcountry for solitude and exploration. There are a number of short hikes available, from a 1-mile jaunt near Windigo to a 4-mile loop out to Scoville Point near Rock Harbor. Whichever hike you decide to take, be sure to bring a daypack with water, snacks, raingear, and a first aid kit. Be sure to wear sturdy boots or tennis shoes that are broken in. Some hikes are ranger-led, check the program schedule at the visitor centers.
MV Sandy Tours From Rock Harbor For all tours and programs involving the MV Sandy, obtain tickets and information at the Lodge Office. MV Sandy tours operate from early June through early September. Fare rates vary; children under 12 are half price.
Hidden Lake/Lookout Louise (Tuesday and Thursday) ($) A 4-mile boat trip on the MV Sandy to Hidden Lake Trailhead followed by a guided 2-mile round trip hike past Hidden Lake up 320 feet to Lookout Louise. View the south shore of Canada and the north shore of Isle Royale. Return with the group or bring a lunch and water and hike 9.4 miles back to Rock Harbor. Guided by the National Park Service.
Passage Island (Monday and Friday) ($) An 8-mile boat tour on the MV Sandy crosses one of the Isle Royale’s popular shipping lanes. The 2-mile guided round-trip hike leads to Passage Island Lighthouse and explores an area of low moose presence. Guided by the National Park Service.
North Side Cruise/Minong Mine (Wednesday) ($) Cruise two hours each way along Isle Royale’s north shore bays, pass Blake Point and Amygdaloidal Island, with a possible stop at Belle Isle. A guide may be available to lead a 3-mile hike from McCargoe Cove to the historic Minong Mine. The hike includes difficult walking over steep piles of loose rock on an unmaintained trail. Trip may include a hike of Pine Mountain, offering excellent views of the Canadian shoreline. Bring lunch and beverage.
Edisen Fishery and Rock Harbor Lighthouse (Thursday and Saturday) ($) Visit the historic commercial fishery with the resident fishery demonstrator (July thru August), take a quarter-mile walk to the oldest lighthouse (1855) on Isle Royale and enjoy its maritime exhibits. Guided by the National Park Service.
Captain’s Cruise (Tuesday evening) ($) Explore with the Captain of the MV Sandy, scenic, out-of-the way destinations, such as Middle Island Passage, Lorelei Lane, Rock Harbor Lighthouse, Davidson Island, and Starvation Point.
Raspberry Island/Sunset Cruise (7-days a week) ($) Take a walk along a boardwalk through the spruce bog on Raspberry Island followed by a cruise on the MV Sandy around Scoville and Blake Points to view features like the Canada shoreline, the site of the Monarch shipwreck, and a Lake Superior sunset (after Aug. 15, cruise only).
Outdoor Boating and Fishing
Canoe and Kayak
With numerous lakes, bays and islands, Isle Royale National Park provides many miles of waterways for the experienced canoeist and kayaker. Lake Superior is well known for its cold temperatures, fog, and sudden squalls that can generate waves that could easily swamp a canoe. This along with scarce outer shore landing sites adds to the potential danger. Small, open vessels are discouraged from entering these cold treacherous Lake Superior waters and are encouraged to use the numerous miles of waterways that the inland lakes provide. Canoeists and kayakers should be familiar with weather patterns and consult the Marine Forecast at ranger stations and visitor centers before embarking. Be prepared to adjust your schedule to the weather. A portable marine radio is recommended.
