Here you can explore a rugged and isolated island that's far from the sights and sounds of civilization. This National Park offers unparalleled solitude and adventures for backpackers, hikers, boaters, kayakers, canoeists and scuba divers, all surrounded by Lake Superior. Amid stunning scenic beauty, you can reflect and discover while making lifelong memories.
Current Park Alerts
Live from the National Park Service · Official park site →
Plan Your Visit
Hours & Season
Isle Royale National Park is open annually from April 16 to October 31. Transportation services are offered from May to September. The island and its surrounding islands are closed to all visitors from November 1 to April 15 due to extreme winter weather conditions and for the safety and protection of visitors. This closure extends 4.5 miles out into Lake Superior from the island. Park headquarters during the winter is in Houghton, Michigan. Summer headquarters is located at Mott Island on Isle Royale.
Entrance Fees
- $7 – Entrance - Per Person
Weather
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 [email protected] prior to your trip.
Things to Do
Become an Isle Royale Junior Ranger
Become an Isle Royale Junior Ranger and learn about the isolated island, the unique plants and animals found in the park, the island’s cultural history, and Leave No Trace principles.
Attend a Rock Harbor Ranger Program
Attend a Rock Harbor ranger program at Isle Royale National Park. Learn about the isolated island, it's cultural history, and the critters who call the island home. Topics include moose, wolves, geology, shipwrecks, island biogeography, wilderness, and more. Ranger programs also include guided hikes and tours.
Explore Raspberry Island
Take a leisurely walk along a boardwalk through the spruce bog on Raspberry Island accessible by private boat, vessel rental, or a tour on the MV SANDY from Rock Harbor on Isle Royale’s east end.
Greenstone Section 1: Hike from Lookout Louise to Mount Franklin
This secluded section of the Greenstone Ridge Trail reaches to the northeastern tip of Isle Royale. Mileage: About 5 miles
Minong Section 1: Hike from McCargoe Cove to Todd Harbor
Try out Isle Royale's most challenging trail by trekking this more traveled section of this primitive trail. Mileage: About 6.7 miles
Minong Section 2: Hike from Todd Harbor to Little Todd
Enjoy scenic views of interior lakes, Lake Superior, and Canada on this strenuous, primitive trail. Mileage: About 6.8 miles
Getting There
Address: 800 East Lakeshore Drive Houghton MI 49931
Isle Royale National Park headquarters is located in Houghton, MI. Visit the Houghton page on the Isle Royale National Park website for additional information and a map on how to access the visitor center.
Get driving directions → Official NPS directions →Where to Stay – Campgrounds
Beaver Island Campground
3 sites · Free
Located in the center of Washington Harbor, near Windigo. All shelters are water facing. Boats can stay at the dock overnight. Stay Limit: 3 nights effective f…
Belle Isle Campground
7 sites · Free
A campground located on Belle Isle, in Belle Harbor, on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park. Boats can use dock for overnight stays. Stay Limit: 5 n…
Birch Island Campground
2 sites · Free
Small campground on Birch Island, near the mouth of McCargoe Cove, on the north side of Isle Royale National Park. One individual tent site and one shelter on …
Caribou Island Campground
3 sites · Free
Caribou Island Campground is located on the very western tip of West Caribou Island, in Rock Harbor Channel, on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park.…
East Chickenbone Campground
4 sites · Free
An inland campground located on the east end of Chickenbone Lake, off of the East Chickenbone Trail. No boater access. Canoe/kayak access using 1.2 mile portag…
West Chickenbone Campground
9 sites · Free
West Chickenbone Campground is located on the west end of Chickenbone Lake, off of the Indian Portage Trail This inland campground has no boater access. Canoe/…
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Isle Royale National Park?
The entrance fee for Isle Royale National Park is $7. See Plan Your Visit above for vehicle, per-person, and annual-pass rates.
When is Isle Royale National Park open?
Isle Royale National Park is open annually from April 16 to October 31. Transportation services are offered from May to September. The island and its surrounding islands are closed to all visitors from November 1 to April 15 due to extreme winter weather conditions and for the safety and protection of visitors. This closure extends 4.5 miles out into Lake Superior from the island. Park headquarters during the winter is in Houghton, Michigan. Summer headquarters is located at Mott Island on Isle Royale.
What are the best things to do in Isle Royale National Park?
Popular things to do in Isle Royale National Park include Become an Isle Royale Junior Ranger, Attend a Rock Harbor Ranger Program, Explore Raspberry Island, Greenstone Section 1: Hike from Lookout Louise to Mount Franklin. See Things to Do above for photos and details.
Are there campgrounds in Isle Royale National Park?
Yes — Isle Royale National Park has 36 campgrounds, including Beaver Island Campground, Belle Isle Campground, Birch Island Campground. See Campgrounds above for site counts, fees, and booking links.