My trip to Isle Royale started in Chicago. A friend and I decided to take a summer road trip through northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It took us about six and a half hours to get to Houghton, which is where we spent the night.

We stayed in Houghton, a small town that used to be a copper mining hub. I booked a regular hotel there since Copper Harbor—where the ferry leaves from—is tiny and has pretty limited lodging. After checking in, we stopped by the Isle Royale Visitor Center, which was closed (of course). But we did catch a glimpse of the Ranger III, one of the ferries that goes out to the island. Naturally, I took my usual sign photo while we were there—gotta keep the collection going.

The next morning, we made the 45-mile drive to Copper Harbor to catch the Isle Royale Queen IV. That’s the only ferry that allows day-trippers, which worked perfectly for our plans. The boat was comfortable, but just a heads up—there’s no cell service, and the little snack bar on board only takes cash. The ride took about three hours. Luckily, Lake Superior was calm and the weather was cool, so the trip was smooth sailing.

When we got to the island, a ranger gave a short orientation—basic info, a few rules, and then we were off. We had about two hours to hike before heading back to the dock to catch the return ferry.

One thing that really stood out on this trip was how quiet and spread out everything felt once we hit the Upper Peninsula. You won’t find many chain restaurants or big stores up there—just trees, water, and long stretches of road that feel like they go on forever. It all added to the experience in a way I didn’t expect.

A Bit About the Park

Designated a national park in 1940, Isle Royale protects one of the most isolated and least visited park units in the continental U.S. It’s a rugged wilderness made up of one large island (Isle Royale itself) and over 400 smaller surrounding islands, all carved by ancient glaciers and surrounded by the deep, cold waters of Lake Superior.

The park is known for its pristine boreal forests, rocky shorelines, inland lakes, and the fascinating predator-prey relationship between its isolated populations of moose and wolves — one of the longest-running wildlife studies in the world has been conducted here since the 1950s.

Because of its remote location and the short summer season (the park is closed in winter), Isle Royale gets fewer visitors in an entire year than Yellowstone might get in a single day, making it a true haven for solitude seekers and wilderness lovers.

Visitor Centers

There are several visitor centers spread across Isle Royale and the mainland access points:

Houghton Visitor Center (Houghton, MI) — This is the mainland visitor center, where you can pick up maps, get your park passport stamp, and learn about ferry options before boarding.
Rock Harbor Visitor Center (Rock Harbor, Isle Royale) — Located at the Rock Harbor dock on the eastern end of the island, this is the primary visitor center once you arrive. It offers trip planning help, ranger programs, exhibits, restrooms, and a camp store.
Windigo Visitor Center (Windigo, Isle Royale) — Located on the southwest end of the island, this smaller visitor center serves visitors coming in from Grand Portage, Minnesota.
Edisen Fishery (near Rock Harbor) — A historic fishery site with ranger-led tours that share the history of fishing on Isle Royale.

Getting There

There are three main ways to reach Isle Royale:

Ferry Services

From Copper Harbor, MI— The Isle Royale Queen IV ferry departs here, making the ~3–3.5 hour crossing to Rock Harbor. This is the most popular option for day-trippers, as the crossing is shorter and the schedule is designed for same-day returns. At the time of my visit, the ferry cost $87 each way, so keep that in mind when budgeting your trip.
From Houghton, MI — The Ranger III is a larger ferry, taking about 6 hours one way. It’s best suited for multi-day visitors or those looking for a slower, more scenic journey.
From Grand Portage, MN — The Voyageur II or Sea Hunter III depart from here, taking 1.5–2 hours depending on the docking point, usually arriving at Windigo on the island’s west end.

Seaplane

Seaplane service is available from Hancock, Michigan, and Grand Marais, Minnesota. Flights typically take 45–60 minutes and offer stunning aerial views of Lake Superior. This is the fastest (and most expensive) way to get to the island.

Important: Reservations are highly recommended for both ferries and seaplanes, especially in peak summer. Schedules vary by season and are weather-dependent, so always confirm details ahead of time.

Entrance Fees and Passes

As of now, Isle Royale charges a $7 per person, per day entrance fee (for visitors 16 and older). You can pay online ahead of time or upon arrival.

If you have an America the Beautiful annual pass, it covers the entrance fee — but keep in mind, transportation (ferry or seaplane) costs are separate.

Most Visited Places

Rock Harbor — The island’s main hub, with a visitor center, lodge, marina, and access to multiple trailheads.
Windigo — A quieter southwest entry point, popular among backpackers and paddlers looking for a more remote experience.
Scoville Point — A popular hiking destination near Rock Harbor, offering beautiful lake views and a chance to spot wildlife.
Lookout Louise — A slightly more strenuous hike with panoramic vistas over the inland lakes and surrounding islands.
Edisen Fishery & Rock Harbor Lighthouse — These historic sites, accessible by boat or water taxi, showcase the island’s cultural history.

Best Hikes

Scoville Point Loop (4.2 miles) — A stunning loop trail along the eastern edge, great for wildlife viewing and lake scenery.
Mount Franklin (10.4 miles round trip) — A longer, more challenging hike with sweeping views over Rock Harbor and the island’s interior.
Windigo to Huginnin Cove Loop (9.5 miles) — A scenic loop starting from Windigo, perfect for visitors seeking solitude on the island’s west end.

Best Places for Photos

Rock Harbor Marina at sunrise or sunset
Moose grazing in the shallows
The historic Rock Harbor Lighthouse
The rugged, rocky shoreline at Scoville Point
Aerial shots from the seaplane (seriously breathtaking!)

Accessibility

Isle Royale is a rugged, remote wilderness, and accessibility is limited. The Ranger III ferry has an elevator and accessible restrooms, and the Rock Harbor Visitor Center is wheelchair accessible. However, most of the island’s trails are rough and uneven, and they’re best suited to visitors who are comfortable with rocky terrain.

Other Helpful Info

Lodging — Rock Harbor Lodge offers rustic rooms and cabins; there are also multiple designated campgrounds across the island. Be sure to book early, as spots fill up fast.
Food — There’s a small camp store at Rock Harbor, but it’s smart to bring your own food and supplies, especially if you plan to hike or camp.
Weather — Pack for a range of conditions! Even in summer, the island can be chilly, foggy, or rainy thanks to Lake Superior’s cooling effect.
Cell Service — Expect very limited or no service — this is a true digital detox destination.

#31 Isle Royale National Park

# 30 Olympic National Park, Washington