Isle Royale National Park
Activities & Programs
The Arrival
For the past few hours, total strangers have become united, not as acquaintances or friends, but united in the power of what lies ahead.
The feeling of excitement, awe, exhilaration, hope, fear, apprehension have all arrived. Soon the journey begins with a dip of the paddle, the lacing of boots, the stroll to the lodge, or the turn of the key.
For these visitors have "Things to Do", which expand their horizons, challenge their abilities, deepen friendships, bond father to son, mother to daughter, give meaning to life, relax the soul, slow the pace of life, humble the mind, and create the avenue for change. The arrival unites them all with the awesome power found inside Isle Royale National Park.
Day 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.
Outdoor Activities
Interpretive Programs & Guided Tours
Rock Harbor Area Programs
Check at visitor center upon arrival for a complete schedule.
Island Connections Join a park ranger for an in-depth exploration of Isle Royaleâs natural and cultural history. Offered most nights in July and August, limited schedule in June and September.
Rock Harbor Reflections Take a leisurely afternoon hike with a park ranger to discover Rock Harborâs special places.
Daisy Farm Area Program
Learn about Isle Royaleâs natural and cultural history at the site of a historic settlement. Check for availability of programs at the campground bulletin board.
Windigo Area Programs
Check at the visitor center upon arrival for a complete schedule.
Island Insights
Join a park ranger for an in-depth exploration of Isle Royaleâs natural or cultural history. Offered most nights in July and August, limited schedule in June and September.
West EndWanders
Stroll along the trail with a park ranger to discover Windigoâs special places. Offered most afternoons in July and August.
Windigo Whispers
Listen to stories of Isle Royaleâs natural or cultural history as shared by a park ranger. Offered most afternoons in July and August.
Ranger III Area Programs
The National Park's ship departing from Houghton, Michigan offers onboard interpretive and educational programs centered on the National Park Service, Isle Royale National Park, and Lake Superior.
Guided Tours
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 Royaleâs 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) ($)
Cruise two hours each way along Isle Royaleâs north shore bays, pass Blake Point and Amygdaloidal Island, with a possible stop at Belle Isle. A guide may be available to lead a 3-mile hike from McCargoe Cove to the historic Minong Mine. The hike includes difficult walking over steep piles of loose rock on an unmaintained trail. Trip may include a hike of Pine Mountain, offering excellent views of the Canadian shoreline. Bring lunch and beverage.
Edisen Fishery and Rock Harbor Lighthouse (Thursday and Saturday) ($)
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.
Captainâs 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).
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.
Camping Permits
A backcountry permit is required when staying overnight, at a campground, dock, or at anchor. Permits are issued on board the Ranger III and at the Rock Harbor and Windigo Visitor Centers. Camping for parties of 6 or less is on a first-come, first-served basis and sites cannot be reserved. Canoe only sites are limited to two nights stay, for parties of six or less. The entire shore of Lake Whittlesey, Wood Lake, Intermediate Lake and Siskiwit Lake, and designated zones along Lake Superior, are open to camping with a one night stay limit per location. Camping on offshore islands is limited to designated campsites. Groups (7-10 people) must stay at designated “group campsites”, and must get backcountry permits in advance. Shoreline camping is not open to groups.
Transportation
The transportation services can transport your canoe or kayak. For reservations, fees, and schedules, click here. Make your reservations in advance, especially during the busy season, mid-July through mid-August. The Voyageur II from Grand Portage, Minnesota circumnavigates the island in a clockwise fashion, offering drop-off and pick-up services at several campgrounds.
Portages
Canoe routes and portages are on the eastern half of the Island. Portages are marked with an indented P on a post. The use of wheeled portage devices is prohibited. For a listing of portages click here, for a map click here.
Motors
Canoes with motors are permitted on Lake Superior waters and must have a State Registration. It is illegal to use or transport motors, even if not being used, through inland lakes.
Canoe routes and portages are on the eastern half of the Island. Portages are marked with an indented P on a post. The use of wheeled portage devices is prohibited. For a listing of portages click here, for a map click here.
Motors
Canoes with motors are permitted on Lake Superior waters and must have a State Registration. It is illegal to use or transport motors, even if not being used, through inland lakes.
Invasive Species – You Can Help!
The park’s Lake Superior waters contain several exotic species, one of which is the spiny water flea (Bythotrephes longimanus). It appears at this time that the spiny water flea has not made their way into the park’s inland lakes. This is good news, because this invasive invertebrate has been shown to out-compete native species for food.
In 2005, Isle Royale staff discovered that spiny water fleas could stick to the surface of a canoe or kayak after it had been pulled out of the water. The biggest threat to the inland lakes will be involuntary transfer of spiny water fleas on gear that has first been in the park’s Lake Superior waters.
We ask all paddlers to empty out all residual water and thoroughly wipe down all surfaces of canoes, kayaks, and gear that have been in contact with Lake Superior, before you approach an inland lake to paddle. If you can arrange your trip so that you camp prior to entering an inland lake, also use boiling camp water to pour over smaller gear that was in Lake Superior, (sandals, booties, etc.).
Bring clean rags on your trip to wipe down your paddling gear and vessel. Be sure to carry a container or sealable plastic bag to store the wipe rag(s). Don’t let those rags come in contact with inland lakes after use.
The park’s Lake Superior waters contain several exotic species, one of which is the spiny water flea (Bythotrephes longimanus). It appears at this time that the spiny water flea has not made their way into the park’s inland lakes. This is good news, because this invasive invertebrate has been shown to out-compete native species for food.
In 2005, Isle Royale staff discovered that spiny water fleas could stick to the surface of a canoe or kayak after it had been pulled out of the water. The biggest threat to the inland lakes will be involuntary transfer of spiny water fleas on gear that has first been in the park’s Lake Superior waters.
We ask all paddlers to empty out all residual water and thoroughly wipe down all surfaces of canoes, kayaks, and gear that have been in contact with Lake Superior, before you approach an inland lake to paddle. If you can arrange your trip so that you camp prior to entering an inland lake, also use boiling camp water to pour over smaller gear that was in Lake Superior, (sandals, booties, etc.).
Bring clean rags on your trip to wipe down your paddling gear and vessel. Be sure to carry a container or sealable plastic bag to store the wipe rag(s). Don’t let those rags come in contact with inland lakes after use.
Fishing
Michigan fishing license is required when fishing in Lake Superior waters. No license is needed to fish inland lakes and streams, but Michigan size and possession limits apply and only artificial lures are allowed. Ask a ranger about proper disposal of fish remains. To order your license on-line, click here.
To curb the spread of exotic species, plan your trip so that you complete your inland fishing prior to fishing in Lake Superior waters, or change your fishing line and thoroughly wipe off your tackle prior to fishing in the inland lakes. You can also use boiling water at the campsite on your fishing gear to kill any “hitchhikers”
Cold & Hypothermia
Dress to protect yourself from cold water and weather extremes. Wear layered clothing under a windproof outer garment. Guard against loss of body temperature (hypothermia). If after prolonged exposure a person experiences uncontrollable shaking, or had difficulty talking or moving, he or she must be warmed immediately by whatever means available. Cold water reduces swimming ability. Be a competent swimmer. Know how to handle yourself fully clothed in cold water.
Gear
Every canoeist and kayaker must have a U.S. Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device. Wear it! It is extremely difficult to put on in the water, and your life may depend on it. Also, be sure it can be tied or zipped and is the proper size so it won’t slip off in the water. Be sure your canoe is in good repair. A suggested list of gear should include: first aid kit, extra paddle, self contained stove, insect repellent, compass, 50 feet of lashing line, maps, rain gear, extra food in case of bad weather, bailer sponge or bucket, waterproof matches, and dry storage containers. For additional gear suggestions, click here.
Boat Rental
Canoe, kayak, and motorboat rentals are available at Windigo and Rock Harbor. For more information contact the Rock Harbor Lodge.
Drinking Water
All water, except from taps at Windigo, Rock Harbor and Mott Island, must be boiled rapidly for two minutes or filtered through a 0.4-micron water filter before drinking.
Emergencies
Consult the park map and know the location of possible help at all times. It is safest not to travel alone, and to come with first aid and CPR training.
Scuba Diving
Superior maintains a variety of shipwrecks in outstanding condition for exploration and photography. These sunken vessels are protected by the National Park Service as cultural treasures to be enjoyed by you, the experienced scuba diver. In order to preserve fragile Isle Royale offers exciting scuba diving opportunities. Here the cold waters of Lake natural and cultural resources, the inland lakes, all land-associated underwater cultural sites and the Passage Island small boat cove are closed to diving.
Weather
Lake Superiorâs rough weather is well known. Follow forecasts given regularly over marine radio and keep a least one person aboard your boat whenever divers are in the water.
Temperature
Water is cold at all times. At the surface, water temperature rarely reaches 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Below 50 feet, divers can expect 34-37 degrees Fahrenheit temperatures. Protect yourself; a full wet suit is necessary and a dry suit is recommended.
Air Tanks
There are no facilities for filling dive cylinders at Isle Royale. Personal compressor use is limited to designated locations and times. Once at Isle Royale, your dive permit lists regulations on compressor use.
Exploring Shipwrecks
Divers on shipwrecks can become lost in a maze of confined passages or entangled in debris, wire, and line. Darkness and silt found within wrecks can reduce visibility to zero. We recommend proper training and equipment for diving the wrecks found within the cold and often deep waters of Lake Superior.
Isle Royale In Depth
News from the Parks
Light Pollution Harms Not Just Stargazers
December 2, 2008 - 1:03pm
For students of astronomy, Sunday and Monday night is the equivalent of a World Cup Final, a new Mac operating system, and a Zeppelin reunion show all rolled into one. That’s because, as Horizons guest blogger Pete Spotts noted in his post Sunday, Jupiter, Venus, and the moon will gather to direct a lopsided frown at North America, an arrangement that won’t happen again for another 44 years.
December 2, 2008 - 1:03pm
For students of astronomy, Sunday and Monday night is the equivalent of a World Cup Final, a new Mac operating system, and a Zeppelin reunion show all rolled into one. That’s because, as Horizons guest blogger Pete Spotts noted in his post Sunday, Jupiter, Venus, and the moon will gather to direct a lopsided frown at North America, an arrangement that won’t happen again for another 44 years.
Tourists Bite on ‘Twilight’ Vampire Tours of Forks, Washington
December 2, 2008 - 12:59pm
Fans of the hit movie “Twilight,” inspired by Stephenie Meyer’s vampire series, are swarming tiny Forks on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, where the novels are set, and checking out “Twilight”-themed tours, hotel packages and even food.
December 2, 2008 - 12:59pm
Fans of the hit movie “Twilight,” inspired by Stephenie Meyer’s vampire series, are swarming tiny Forks on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, where the novels are set, and checking out “Twilight”-themed tours, hotel packages and even food.
Crowds Observe World AIDS Day In GG Park
December 2, 2008 - 12:56pm
People from across the country gathered in Golden Gate Park's National AIDS Memorial Grove Monday to observe the 20th annual World AIDS Day.
December 2, 2008 - 12:56pm
People from across the country gathered in Golden Gate Park's National AIDS Memorial Grove Monday to observe the 20th annual World AIDS Day.
Grounded in God, Green and Glaciers
December 2, 2008 - 12:37pm
Remember when Arizona Sen. John McCain criticized spending millions of taxpayer dollars to fund the DNA of grizzly bears in Montana during one of the presidential debates? “That’s us,” said David Restivo, a Roberts Wesleyan College alumnus and visual information specialist at Glacier National Park in Montana.
December 2, 2008 - 12:37pm
Remember when Arizona Sen. John McCain criticized spending millions of taxpayer dollars to fund the DNA of grizzly bears in Montana during one of the presidential debates? “That’s us,” said David Restivo, a Roberts Wesleyan College alumnus and visual information specialist at Glacier National Park in Montana.
Smokies' Formation Began 500 Million to 600 Million Years Ago
December 2, 2008 - 12:35pm
As the Great Smoky Mountains National Park prepares to celebrate its 75th year, students of history and geology are pondering questions that go back much farther than the park's creation in the 1930s. The most fascinating queries to them concern the actual formation of the mountains, their age and topography.
December 2, 2008 - 12:35pm
As the Great Smoky Mountains National Park prepares to celebrate its 75th year, students of history and geology are pondering questions that go back much farther than the park's creation in the 1930s. The most fascinating queries to them concern the actual formation of the mountains, their age and topography.
