Things To Do On Isle Royale

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Isle Royale is the only National Park in Michigan and only one of two

island National Parks. It is designated a wilderness park and as such,

99% of the island is preserved as wilderness. One-percent of the park is

developed. This is Rock Harbor, the main entrance, where the Isle Royale

Queen IV embarks at the northeast end. This area features the charming

Rock Harbor Lodge, the Lodge's popular duplex cottages, and other

amenities, such as a gift shop, the Lodge Dining Room, the Greenstone

Grill, the Lodge General Store, and the NPS Visitors Center. Windigo,

which is at the other end of the island features a snack bar and

Visitors Center. Visit Captain Ben's Visiting Isle Royale Blog, which has an

introduction to Isle Royale National Park and lots of information on what to

do and see on Isle Royale.

There are over 165 miles of foot trails, numerous of inland lakes with

outstanding fishing, and fjord-like harbors off Lake Superior that are

perfect for boating, canoeing, and kayaking.

The island is also an educational experience for young and old. At

some campsites, the rangers provide nightly lectures about Isle Royale and

the very delicate balance of nature the island supports.

One of the most famous wildlife research studies in the world takes

place on Isle Royale, where Michigan Tech researches study the balance

of predator and prey between the wolf and moose populations. Most

backpackers will see a moose or two on the trail, and several have been

spotted by day passengers while on their short walks near the Rock

Harbor Lodge. A few wolves have been seen during the summer in recent

years. Often, at night when the moon is bright, their haunting howling

can be heard.

 Photo Gallery