Isle Royal Nation park, located in Michigan, is the perfect travel destination for those that want to visit a national park without all of the crowds. In fact, it often receives fewer visitors in a year than most national parks receive in one day. Wildlife is abundant and this park is considered a wilderness preserve. If you really want to rough it, then this is the place to go as the only source of water comes from creeks and there are only outhouse type toilets. Despite visitors having to leave all the comforts of home, thousands of visitors flock to this park each year.
Fees And Usage
For those 12 and older there is an entrance fee of $4 per day. Camping is available and groups of 7-10 require reservations. Groups of more than 10 need to split up. Fishing is allowed with a special license from the state that can be purchased at the ranger station. No hunting is permitted in the park.
Things To Do
Because of the amount of water here, water activities are quite popular. There are a lot of fish in the inland lakes so almost anyone who fishes catches something. It’s also a great place to scuba dive as there are many shipwrecks around the area. Hiking is also popular as there are a number of great trails including:
Feldtmann Ridge/Island Mine Trail: This is a moderately difficult trail and takes about 4 days to complete.
Rock Harbor Trail: This trail is fairly easy and will take anywhere from 2-6 days, depending on where you start.
Greenstone Ridge Trail: This trail is difficult and takes about 6 days to complete.
Minong Ridge Trail: This trail is fairly rugged and difficult to follow. It takes around 5 days to complete.
Indian Portage: This trail can be difficult with it’s different elevations. It can be completed in as little as 1 day by experienced hikers.
Camping
One of the most popular things to do at Isle Royal National Park is to camp. There are many different places to do so and some of them are only accessible by water. There are no amenities at these campsites. Some of them might have a few picnic tables or enclosed pit toilets, but that’s about it. You will need to bring your own tent unless you want to sleep under the stars. Campers can stay up to three nights at most campsites. There isn’t a fee to camp.
Isle Royale National Park is one of America’s most pristine wilderness experiences. For more extraordinary US destinations, see our advisors’ Bucket List Worthy Destinations guide.
