Isle Royale National Park - General Park Information

Isle Royale's physical isolation and primitive wilderness challenged human use for centuries; ironically today it has become the Island's main attraction. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, visitors come to experience this island park through hiking its trails, paddling its inland waterways, exploring its rugged coast, or venturing into the depth of its shipwrecks. Based on wilderness land area, Isle Royale's Wilderness is the most densely used of all of the National Parks.

The Ranger III, located in Houghton, Michigan, is the largest ship owned and operated by the National Park Service. In 2008 the ship will celebrate 50 years of service. In honor of this event, the park is offering special rates and has scheduled five, same-day round trips to Windigo. Windigo is located on the west end of the island and offers backpackers the opportunity to traverse the island and be picked up by the Ranger III in Rock Harbor or Windigo. To make a reservation for the Windigo trips call (906) 482-0984. Due to high fuel costs, anyone making a reservation after July 8, 2008 will incur a fuel surcharge of $10.00 per adult, round-trip.

Lake Superior weather is cool throughout the operating season, causing dense fog in spring and summer months. The lake's water temperature rarely exceeds 52 degrees Fahrenheit, while Island temperatures rarely exceed 80 degrees. Thunderstorms and rain occur throughout the season, causing rapid changes in wind and wave conditions. Weather and rough seas rarely delay departures to and from the island.