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What to Do and See at Isle Royale National Park

What to Do and See at Isle Royale National Park

September 29, 2013969Views

isle royale national park hikingWhat could there possibly be to do on an island of which only one percent has been developed? A lot more than you’d think. Isle Royale is Michigan’s only national park, and while development often means entertainment, this island in Lake Superior could rival Las Vegas in terms of things to see and do. Nature provides the entertainment in Isle Royale National Park, and with over 99 percent of the island a wilderness preserve, there’s plenty of nature for everyone.

Lacking vehicles and even roads, getting to the island is an adventure in itself. There are five services you can use to get from the mainland of Michigan or Minnesota to Isle Royale National Park. Travel by water on one of the island’s four ferry services or access the wilderness via seaplane with Royale Air Service, Inc. Whether you approach the island by land or air, your adventure truly begins when you step out of civilization and onto the protected beauty of Isle Royale.

Pack your hiking boots, because you’re bound to take a stroll on the islands 165 miles of hiking trails. Stop and take a dip in Superior on a hot summer’s day or pack a backpack and enjoy a scenic picnic with your loved one or family.

The fish are plentiful in the waters around Isle Royale, so a day spent casting a line by the water’s edge can be far more exciting than it may sound. Fish for walleye and northern pike in the interior lakes, salmon and trout in Lake Superior or brook trout in the inland streams. If you’re not a seasoned fisherman, take a guided fishing tour to learn more about the fish and the waters they call home. On Isle Royale, you don’t need fancy restaurants to enjoy the catch of the day.

isle royale national park canoeingRent a canoe, kayak, or motor boat from the Rock Harbor Lodge and Marina. Not much can compare to a day spent on Lake Superior with the undisturbed scenery of Isle Royale in the background. Take an afternoon canoe ride with a friend or make it an educational experience for the whole family on a guided sightseeing tour. Rock Harbor Lodge is typically open Memorial Day to Labor Day and can get busy, so be sure to call ahead for tours, rentals and accommodations.

If you’re looking for a place to truly escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Isle Royale National Park could be your ideal destination. Whether you want to relax and read a book by the water’s edge or spend your days adventuring, the protected lands are a nature-lovers theme park.

Images via Ben+Sam