Drink in Miles of Pristine Wilderness on a Vacation to Isle Royale National Park in Michigan

Jul 30, 2024

Today, we’re adding the remote island group of Isle Royale National Park to our road trip vacation destination bucket list. Dotted with historic sites, wound with ribbons of hiking trails and scenic overlook routes, home to several historic shipwrecks and sunken ships, and pristine wilderness where majestic moose and wild wolves still roam free, this is a must-see park located in Keweenaw County, Michigan.

We can’t think of anything better than a trip for some rest, relaxation, and reconnection with mother nature, can you? Exactly! So what are you waiting for? Let’s hit the road to adventure and get some fresh air in those lungs.

What is so special about Isle Royale National Park?

One of the qualities that makes it so incredibly special is that it’s also considered a “US Biosphere Reserve”, meaning that it functions effectively as a living laboratory and research ecosystem. There are 28 internationally recognised sites like this across the US and Puerto Rico. The aim of sites like Isle Royale National Park is to preserve and encourage biodiversity, protect and promote healthy ecosystems, continue the dialogue about sustainable agriculture and research as well as economic development, to create shared experiences between visitors and researchers, and foster a stronger relationship between humans and nature.

Visitors to this alluring national park on a remote island must arrive either by boat or seaplane, as there is no vehicle bridge or road access, making it a truly memorable experience and getaway for you and your family and friends. With over 165 miles of scenic hiking trails, 36 different campgrounds, and numerous opportunities for adventure, too. You’ll want to plan at least a four day stay so you can take in as much of this beautiful preserved land as possible.

What is there to do during your visit and stay at Isle Royale National Park?

Oh, where shall we begin! This car-free wilderness area is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream.

You can enjoy exploring the historic lighthouses or any of the 10 shipwrecks, or if you prefer a more traditional activity you may enjoy boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing. Thanks to the immense amount of options for hiking trails, you’ll have plenty to choose from for a trek along what will feel like your own private island, sometimes not noticing another human for quite some time.

Wildlife enthusiasts and photographers will rejoice, as the area’s pristine wilderness makes a divine home for creatures such as the impressive moose, powerful gray wolves, fastidious beavers, sly red foxes, majestic snowshoe hares, quick-footed minks, and charming river otters. There’s also a wide variety of waterfowl along the shores, including Loons.

As you can see, it’s a true paradise away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and secluded peace outside of the typical “rat race”. Its unspoiled nature at its ultimate finest, staffed with knowledgeable park rangers to help you find your way through and learn how to follow the “leave no trace” policies as a visitor.

Places of Interest to Add to Your Itinerary:

Edison Fishery is a designated Michigan State historic campsite located at the south end of Rock Harbor. The old fishery is now a living history museum run by the National Park Service, and has the only on-fish-camp-site interpretive center, and is open as a public landmark to visitors.

Suzy’s Cave is on the eastern end of the park, just a short hike away from the Rock Harbor area. There’s a very impressive inland sea-arch formed by thousands of years of waves moving through the area. You can access this area through several trails: The Rock Harbor Trail (1.8 miles, difficult skill level) or the Tobin Harbor Trail (1.8 miles, moderate skill level) and there’s a connecting .25 mile spur that connects them to the Suzy Cave area.

Windigo Area is located on the southwestern end of the park, which can be accessed by the Voyageur II, Seahunter II, and Isle Royale Seaplanes service, or you can opt to charter your own private float seaplane or boat. This area offers numerous hiking trip options, as well as areas to enjoy paddle boarding, powerboating, and even sailboat excursions in Washington Harbor. The campsite also has seasonally available cabins, water and showers as well as laundry, a seasonal store, and seasonal fuel access. It’s a fantastic place to campout with a few more amenities than are afforded at traditional camping tent areas.

There are four historic lighthouses on the island. The oldest of which is Rock Harbor Light, a sentry for decades along the Rock Harbor Channel; though it is no longer actively illuminated it is the most viewed and visited lighthouse. Passage Island Lighthouse is on the northeast side of the park, actively guiding ships traffic through the Isle Royale’s main island and Passage Island; though it was once manned by attendants, it’s been converted to an automated, flashing white light. The Rock of Ages Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse of Isle Royale, and is built on a 50’x200’ rocky outcrop in the water. Isle Royale Lighthouse is set on the edge of Menagerie Island on the south shore at the entryway to Siskiwit Bay, and is reachable only by private boat’ this lighthouse sends a beacon out up to 10-miles!

Mount Franklin Scenic Overlook is located along the Greenstone Ridge Trail at the eastern end of the park. It’s an absolutely beautiful trail of nearly 10 miles round trip, and considered moderately challenging. The overlook is 1,080 feet high, and provides visitors with impressive views of Lake Superior and Canada as well as the northern side of the island. Visitors recommend this as either a one-day hike or an overnight trip, depending on your skill level. As you hike to the area, you’ll cross through marshes, swamps, forested areas, and enjoy mountainscape overlooks.