Wolves and moose, the wild North Woods forest, ever changing weather and a cool climate and the crystal clear waters and rugged shoreline of Lake Superior characterize Isle Royale National Park. Ninety-nine percent of the land mass is federally designated Wilderness. This wilderness archipelago is 45 miles long and nine miles wide at its widest point. Isle Royale National Park encompasses a total area of 850 square miles including submerged lands which extends four and a half miles out into Lake Superior. The archipelago is composed of many parallel ridges resulting from ancient lava flows which were tilted and glaciated. Isle Royale has 165 miles of scenic hiking trails and 36 campgrounds for backpackers and recreational boaters.
There is excellent fishing, historic lighthouses and shipwrecks, ancient copper mining sites and plenty of spots to observe wildlife. Roadless Isle Royale is accessible only by boat or float plane. Dogs, cats and other pets are not allowed within park boundaries, which extend 4.5 miles into Lake Superior from the outermost land areas of the park. Isle Royale is relatively untouched by direct outside influences and serves as a living laboratory and is a United States Biosphere Reserve.
History & Culture
Isle Royale National Park was authorized by Congress on March 3,1931 by President Herbert Hoover “to conserve a prime example of North Woods Wilderness.” The park was designated part of the National Wilderness Preservation System in 1976, under the Wilderness Act and remains today as an example of primitive America. In fact, over 98% of the land in Isle Royale is designated wilderness. Further honors were bestowed in 1981, when Isle Royale was designated an International Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations, giving it global scientific and educational significance.
Nature & Science
Geology
A venture by foot, canoe or kayak into the parks interior can transport one back thousands of years into it’s prehistoric past. Around 11,000 years ago, 2 miles of ice lay on top of Isle Royale, pressing it down into the earth and sculpting its topography. This same ice sheet gave birth to powerful Lake Superior as well as hundreds of inland lakes, ponds and bogs. The Greenstone Ridge, which forms the backbone of Isle Royale, is thought by many geologists to be a portion of the largest lava flow on earth.
Ecology
In the northwestern portion of powerful Lake Superior exists a unique and remote island archipelago. Isle Royale National Park preserves 132,018 acres of land-based wilderness that was federally designated October 20, 1976. The park consists of one large island surrounded by about 400 smaller islands, it encompasses a total area of 850 square miles including submerged land which extends four and a half miles out into the largest fresh water lake in the world. Due to Isle Royale’s biological and ecological uniqueness, it was designated an International Biosphere Reserve in 1980.
These isolated islands have barley 20 species mammals compared to over 40 found on the surrounding mainland; this is island biogeography at work. Some species have come and gone, often due to the influences of humans. The heavily forested shoreline of Isle Royale appears similar to the mainland’s landscape prior to development. Gulls, ravens and an occasional eagle or osprey dot the skies; squirrels, toads, mice, spiders move about the forest floor.
The Ecological Study of Wolves on Isle Royale, now in its 44th year, is the longest running large mammal predator-prey study on earth. Research has shown that all members of the Isle Royale wolf population have descended from a single female, which arrived during the late 1940’s. This intense level of inbreeding has led to a 50% loss of genetic variability within the population today. Genetic information suggests that the island’s moose population is most closely related to moose in northwestern Minnesota perhaps challenging the long-held idea that moose swam across the lake to reach Isle Royale. Did humans bring them here
All in all, Isle Royale is a fascinating biographical ecosystem, responding to influences seen in very few places in all of North America or the world.
Recreation
There are activities for everyone at Isle Royal National Park. You can take a sightseeing hike to view Lake Superior panorama and abundant wildlife including moose and fox or hike scenic trails. Or take a sightseeing cruise to beautiful spots on the island including historic lighthouses; explore abandoned copper mines; visit a historic commercial fishery still in operation; catch a native lake trout on a fishing charter while trolling along one of Isle Royale’s reefs; enjoy hospitality, food and service at the Rock Harbor Lodge Dining Room.
Trails
Isle Royal National Park has 165 miles of trails. The best part about hiking here is that only foot travel is allowed - there are no motorized vehicles or bikes on any trails over the whole island. The Greenstone Ridge and Minong Ridge trails traverse the length of the island for the most part, but there are enough routes to keep your interest.
Camping
Camping is available at designated sites located across the island. Depending on which trails are taken, 10 miles is about the maximum distance between sites. Fires are not permitted at all campgrounds - those that allow them have fire rings. Use only dead downed wood, and be sure the fire is dead out before leaving. Some campsites offer three-sided shelters, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tents may not be put up at shelter sites. Camping in areas other than designated sites is not allowed unless arrangements are made when registering for a camping permit.
Getting There
By Plane
Regular seaplane service is provided by the Royale Air Service based out of the Houghton County Airport. They can be reached by calling toll-free 877-359-4753.
By Car
Vehicles are not permitted on Isle Royale. Visitors park their cars in Houghton, Michigan; Copper Harbor, Michigan; or Grand Portage, Minnesota and ride passenger ferries to the island, or fly with Isle Royale Seaplane Service to the island from Houghton, Michigan.
By Public Transportation
Passenger ferries from Houghton, Michigan; Copper Harbor, Michigan; and Grand Portage, Minnesota provide boat access to Isle Royale. Seaplane service is provided from Houghton, Michigan.
Getting Around
During its clockwise circumnavigation of the island, the Voyageur II provides drop off and pick up service at several areas. Rock Harbor Lodge offers the M. V. Sandy vessel, which provides a number of special tours. Also available out of Rock Harbor Lodge is a water taxi and motorboat and canoe rentals. Motorboat and canoe rentals are also available at Windigo. Travel on Isle Royale is foot or boat.
Traveler Facts
Contact Information
Isle Royale National Park
800 East Lakeshore Drive
Houghton, MI 49931-1895
Phone: 906-482-0984 (Visitor Information)
Fax: 906-487-7170
Operating Hours & Seasons
Isle Royale National Park is open from April 16 to October 31, with full transportation services mid-June to Labor Day and reduced transportation services in the spring and fall. Closed November 1 to April 15.
Weather/Climate
Lake Superior weather is cool throughout the operating season. Dense fog in spring, sunny with temperatures rarely exceeding 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Thunderstorms and rain occur throughout the season. Weather and rough seas may delay departures to and from the island. Bring plenty of warm clothing, even in August. A jacket is a must for the ferry trip to the island or if boating around the island.
Location
Isle Royale National Park is located on western Lake Superior, off the eastern tip of Minnesota.
July 17, 2009
I was the first pilot to stay on the island in the winter, first with Jim Cole from Colorado I believe, we broke a landing gear on the plane on the east end of Siskwick, spelling, lake and snow shoed back to camp, 14 miles. Then I flew Dave Meech when he was a student at Purdue U. for a year or two, then gave it up. I flew for Northeast Airways from Eveleth, Mn.
July 22, 2009
Wow Thanks Jack for commenting. We’re lucky to have you on site reading. What an exciting past you’ve had, particularly with experiences like that. Hiking 14 miles in regular terrain isn’t an easy day. I imagine you’ve got some stories for us about those trips.
Thanks for stopping and saying hi.