About Isle Royale National Park
Explore a rugged, isolated island far from our connected communities. Isle Royale offers adventures for backpackers, hikers, boaters, paddlers, and divers. Cross Lake Superior and make a commitment: Become a part of this island, and let it become a part of you. Find peace and refuge in island wilderness – because Isle Royale, in turn, finds refuge in us. Help Isle Royale stay wild.
Plan a Visit
Core visitor information on this page is sourced from the National Park Service. NPD proximity sections use NPS reference coordinates and straight-line distance. Local source bundle updated Sep 27, 2026. View the official NPS page.
Weather & Conditions
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 isro_parkinfo@nps.gov prior to your trip.
NPS Reference Location
Park state / territory membership: Michigan. This map uses the National Park Service reference coordinate. It may represent an administrative or reference point rather than a park entrance, trailhead, visitor center, or the nearest access point. Use the official NPS directions below when planning travel.
Entrance Fees
$7 per person per day to enter or remain in Isle Royale National Park. Children 15 and younger are exempt. Visiting Park Headquarters in Houghton, MI does not require a fee.
Operating Hours
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.
Activities
Current Alerts
Fuel for boaters will not be available from September 13 through October 31 except for emergencies only. Boaters are encouraged to bring extra fuel in containers.
The stream has very little water flow. Campers should bring enough water to Island Mine or plan on collecting water along your route.
Due to increased human-wildlife interactions and food storage concerns, individual tent sites and group sites at Three Mile, Daisy Farm, Moskey Basin, and Caribou Island Campgrounds are currently closed. Tent and hammock camping are not permitted anywhere within the campground. Off-trail camping zones 10, 11, 12, 13, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 are closed. Shelters remain open. Closed areas will be patrolled to ensure compliance.
Blooms are tested for toxin levels and monitored. Toxin levels are consistently low on Isle Royale. It is not recommended to filter water in any areas where there is surface scum, strong odors, or other evidence of a significant bloom. Blooms move around depending on wind and rain – filter water from places where blooms are not present or a different water source. It is low risk to filter water from relatively clear areas of an impacted water source.
All backpacks must be stored in backpack storage areas at Three Mile and Rock Harbor campgrounds. All food and scented items are to be in the Food Storage Lockers. Containers should be kept in the Food Storage Locker when space allows or near the Food Storage Locker, do not store in tents.
Proper food storage is required on Isle Royale. All food, trash, scented items, cooking supplies, cooking utensils, and fish/fish parts must be stored properly. To learn more about food storage and to learn how to properly store your food, trash, and scented items, click "more."
Getting There
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.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
The NPS-listed address may be an administrative office, visitor center, mailing/contact location, or other park facility rather than a park entrance.
Entrance Passes
Isle Royale Season Pass: $60 valid from April 16 through October 31 of the year indicated. Pass covers fees for the pass holder and up to three adults traveling with the pass holder (four total).
Topics & Themes
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…
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…
Explore Raspberry Island
Take a leisurely walk along a boardwalk through the spruce bog on Raspberry Island accessible by private boat, vessel rental,…
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…
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
More Things to Do
Additional activities and experiences from the National Park Service.
Minong Section 3: Hike from Little Todd to North Desor
Trek the most challenging section of the primitive Minong Ridge Trail with strenuous hill climbs, unsure footing, and picturesque ridgetop views. Mileage:…
Minong Section 4: Hike from North Desor to Windigo
Discover remnants of a wildfire, carefully trek over beaver dams, and roll with the ridges of the longest section of the primitive…
Hike the Mount Franklin Trail
Looking for a hike with a scenic view? The Mount Franklin Trail connects Three Mile Campground to Mount Franklin, an overlook with…
Hike the Mount Ojibway Trail
Hike from Mount Ojibway to Daisy Farm on the Mount Ojibway Trail. Explore an old fire tower on the Greenstone Ridge, hike…
Hike the Daisy Farm Trail
Explore a bog, trek along a lengthy boardwalk through wetlands, and view wildlife along the Daisy Farm Trail that connects the Greenstone…
Harbor to Hills Section 5: Hike from Lake Richie to West Chickenbone
Hike from one interior lake to the next on the Indian Portage Trail. Mileage: About 3.6 miles
Harbor to Hills Section 4: Hike from Moskey Basin to Lake Richie
Hike by streams, through wetlands, and atop rocky outcroppings on the Lake Richie Trail. Mileage: About 1.9 miles
Harbor to Hills Section 3: Hike from Daisy Farm to Moskey Basin
This section of the Rock Harbor Trail strays away from Rock Harbor Channel and meanders through forests speckled with rocky outcroppings. Mileage:…
Harbor to Hills Section 2: Hike from Three Mile to Daisy Farm
Hike along the Rock Harbor Trail from Three Mile to Daisy Farm and enjoy views of Rock Harbor Channel, Rock Harbor Lighthouse,…
Harbor to Hills Section 1: Hike from Rock Harbor to Three Mile
The Rock Harbor Trail hugs the Rock Harbor Channel offering scenic views of the outer islands. Mileage: About 3.6 miles
Greenstone Section 7: Hike from South Desor to Island Mine
Unknowingly trek over the highest peak on the island—Mount Desor—on this section through hardwood forest. Mileage: About 5.2 miles
Greenstone Section 6: Hike from Ishpeming Tower to South Desor
This rolling trail through hardwood forest offers an opportunity for self reflection. Mileage: About 3.5 miles
Showing 18 of 41 NPS Things to Do records available for Isle Royale National Park.
Visitor Centers
Houghton Visitor Center
The Houghton Visitor Center is located in Houghton, Michigan. It is the mainland headquarters for Isle Royale National Park. Trip planning assistance, Ranger III tickets…
Rock Harbor Visitor Center
The Rock Harbor Visitor Center is located in Rock Harbor on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park. It is only accessible by boat…
Windigo Visitor Center
The Windigo Visitor Center is located in Windigo on the southwest end of Isle Royale National Park. It is only accessible by boat or seaplane.…
Campgrounds
Beaver Island Campground
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…
Belle Isle Campground
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.…
Birch Island Campground
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…
Caribou Island Campground
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…
East Chickenbone Campground
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…
West Chickenbone Campground
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.…
Chippewa Harbor Campground
Chippewa Harbor Campground is located in Chippewa Harbor, on the south shore of Isle Royale National Park. Trail access is via the Indian Portage Trail.…
Daisy Farm Campground
Isle Royale's largest campground is located at Daisy Farm, in Rock Harbor Channel, off of the Rock Harbor Trail, Daisy Farm Trail, and Mount Ojibway…
North Desor Campground
North Desor Campground is located on the north side of Lake Desor off of the Minong Ridge Trail. There is no boat/canoe/kayak access. Stay Limit:…
South Lake Desor Campground
South Lake Desor Campground is located inland on the south side of Lake Desor off of the Greenstone Ridge Trail. There is no canoe/kayak/boat access.…
Duncan Bay Campground
Duncan Bay Campground is located on the west end of Duncan Bay, on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park. Boats can stay overnight…
Duncan Narrows Campground
Duncan Narrows Campground is located in the narrows of Duncan Bay on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park. Boats can stay overnight at…
Feldtmann Lake Campground
Feldtmann Lake Campground is located on the shoreline of Feldtmann Lake, off the Feldtmann Lake and Feldtmann Ridge Trails, on the southwest end of Isle…
Grace Island Campground
Grace Island Campground is located on Grace Island, outside of Washington Harbor, on the southwest end of Isle Royale National Park. Boats can dock overnight.…
Hatchet Lake Campground
Hatchet Lake Campground is located on Hatchet Lake off of the Hatchet Lake Trail. This campground is located near the center of the island. Stay…
Hay Bay Campground
Hay Bay Campground is located in Hay Bay on the south shore of Isle Royale National Park. Boats can overnight at dock. Stay Limit: 3…
Huginnin Cove Campground
Huginnin Cove Campground is located at Huginnin Cove, on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park, off of the West and East Huginnin Cove…
Intermediate Lake Campground
Intermediate Lake Campground is located on the shoreline of Intermediate Lake. Intermediate Lake can be accessed via a .6 mile portage from Lake Richie or…
Island Mine Campground
Island Mine Campground is located .5 miles south from the junction of the Greenstone and Island Mine Trails, on the Island Mine Trail. This inland…
Lake Richie Campground
Lake Richie Campground is located on the north shore of Lake Richie, off of the Indian Portage Trail. Canoe/kayak access from .6 mile portage from…
Lake Richie Canoe Campground
Lake Richie Canoe Campground is located on the north shore of Lake Richie. Canoe/kayak access via the .6 mile portage from Intermediate Lake, the 1.2…
Lake Whittlesey Campground
Lake Whittlesey Campground is located on the north shore of Lake Whittlesey. Consecutive night stay limit is two nights. Three individual tent sites are available.…
Lane Cove Campground
Lane Cove Campground is located in Lane Cove, on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park, off of the Lane Cove Trail. The Lane…
Little Todd Campground
Little Todd Campground is located in Little Todd, on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park, off of the Minong Ridge Trail. Stay Limit:…
Malone Bay Campground
Malone Bay Campground is located in Malone Bay, on the south shore of Isle Royale National Park, off of the Ishpeming Trail. Boats can overnight…
McCargoe Cove Campground
McCargoe Cove Campground is located in McCargoe Cove, on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park, off of the Indian Portage and East Chickenbone…
Merritt Lane Campground
Merritt Lane Campground is located in Merritt Lane on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park. Boats can overnight at dock. Stay Limit: 3…
Moskey Basin Campground
Moskey Basin Campground is located in Moskey Basin at the west end of Rock Harbor Channel, off of the Indian Portage and Rock Harbor Trails.…
Pickerel Cove Campground
Pickerel Cove Campground is located in Pickerel Cove on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park. Canoe/kayak access from Pickerel Cove or via .1…
Rock Harbor Campground
Rock Harbor Campground is located in Rock Harbor on the northeast end of Isle Royale, off of the Rock Harbor and Tobin Harbor Trails. Additional…
Siskiwit Bay Campground
Siskiwit Bay Campground is located in Siskiwit Bay on the southwest end of Isle Royale National Park, off of the Island Mine and Feldtmann Ridge…
Three Mile Campground
Three Mile Campground is located on Rock Harbor Channel off of the Rock Harbor and Mount Franklin Trails. Boats can overnight at dock. Stay Limit:…
Todd Harbor Campground
Todd Harbor Campground is located in Todd Harbor on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park, off of the Minong Ridge Trail. Boats can…
Tookers Island Campground
Tookers Island Campground is located on Tookers Island in Rock Harbor Channel. Boats can overnight at dock. Stay Limit: 3 nights from June 1 –…
Washington Creek Campground
Washington Creek Campground is located along Washington Creek near Windigo on the southwest end of Isle Royale, off of the Feldtmann Lake, Minong, and Greenstone…
Wood Lake Campground
Wood Lake Campground is located inland on the north shore of Wood Lake. Wood Lake can be accessed via a .6 mile portage from Lake…
Nearby National Park Service Sites
These sites are ordered by straight-line distance between NPS reference coordinates. This is useful for comparison, but it is not road mileage. Trails, parkways, rivers, and distributed units may extend far from their reference point.
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