National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS Photo / Paul Brown · Public domain
Isle Royale National Park
Explore a rugged, isolated island far from our connected communities. Isle Royale offers adventures for backpackers, hikers, boaters, paddlers, and divers. Cross Lake Superior and make a commitment: Become a part of this island, and let it become a part of you. Find peace and refuge in island wilderness – because Isle Royale, in turn, finds refuge in us. Help Isle Royale stay wild.
Entrance Fees
Getting There
Roads and entrances can close temporarily. Check current conditions on nps.gov (opens in a new tab) before you go.
Entrances & departure points
- Directions to Houghton (Ranger III) (opens in a new tab)
Houghton (Ranger III)Main
Houghton, MI · National Park Service (Ranger III) · Park open Apr 16–Oct 31; ferry service about late May–September
- Directions to Copper Harbor (Isle Royale Queen IV) (opens in a new tab)
Copper Harbor (Isle Royale Queen IV)
Copper Harbor, MI · Isle Royale Line (Isle Royale Queen IV) · Ferry service about mid-May–September
- Directions to Grand Portage (Sea Hunter III / Voyageur II) (opens in a new tab)
Grand Portage (Sea Hunter III / Voyageur II)
Grand Portage, MN · Grand Portage Isle Royale Transportation Line · Ferry service about mid-May–September
- Directions to Isle Royale Seaplanes (Hubbell) (opens in a new tab)
Isle Royale Seaplanes (Hubbell)
Hubbell, MI · Isle Royale Seaplanes · Flights about late May–September
Airports
- CMX
Houghton County Memorial Airport · Hancock, MI
ClosestSmall airportDaily United Express flights to Chicago O'Hare.
- MKE
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport · Milwaukee, WI
Major airport
No roads reach the island: ferries run from Houghton and Copper Harbor, MI, and Grand Portage, MN, and seaplanes fly from near Houghton, from mid-May to September (the park closes Nov 1-Apr 15).
Distances are approximate road distances; tap a distance for live driving directions.
Towns to stay in
Inside the park: Rock Harbor Lodge, Windigo Camper Cabins · NPS lodging info (opens in a new tab)
Activities
Top Hikes
4.2 mi · loop
Figure-eight trail combining wooded Tobin Harbor with rocky Rock Harbor shoreline, converging at Scoville Point with Lake Superior views.
Starts at: Rock Harbor Lodge
3.8 mi · loop
Follow trails to an inland sea arch formed by wave action 4,000 years ago when lake levels were higher.
Starts at: Rock Harbor Campground
9.4 mi · loop
Two-part loop to Isle Royale's scenic north shore, passing historic mine remnants and Lake Superior views.
Starts at: Windigo
1.2 mi · 300 ft gain · out & back
Steep climb to the most spectacular viewpoint on the island, overlooking Duncan Bay with views of Canada.
Starts at: Hidden Lake
Upcoming Events
No upcoming events scheduled for Isle Royale National Park. Events are updated daily — check back soon or visit nps.gov for the latest.
Best Time to Visit Isle Royale
Best time to visit: July–September
The best time to visit Isle Royale National Park is July–September. Ferries and seaplanes run full schedules and Lake Superior weather is at its mildest; biting flies peak late June–early July, then ease.
In those months, average highs are 63–69°F at Rock Harbor. Fewer than 10,000 people visit even in the busiest month.
Monthly averages at Rock Harbor (600 ft). Climate normals (1991–2020): PRISM Group, Oregon State University.
Weather & Climate
Isle Royale National Park is a remote island wilderness in the middle of Lake Superior. Weather influences traveling to and from the island, as well as your trip once you arrive. For the most up-to-date weather information, call (906) 482-0984 or email isro_parkinfo@nps.gov prior to your trip.
