Isle Royale National Park Things to Do

Amygdaloid Island, found on Isle Royale National Park’s northern shore, offers a unique geological experience.

Backpack the entire island of Isle Royale National Park by hiking the Greenstone Ridge Trail starting at Windigo.

Backpack the entire island of Isle Royale National Park by hiking the Greenstone Ridge Trail starting at the Hidden Lake.

Grace Creek Overlook is a popular scenic day hike destination on the west end of Isle Royale National Park.

Planning a trip to Isle Royale? Make sure to review this guide before your journey.

The Feldtmann Fire Tower offers a unique 360 degree view of the west end of Isle Royale National Park.

Make sure to check the current conditions before your next trip to Isle Royale.

Gain a bird's perspective and travel to Isle Royale by seaplane with Isle Royale Seaplanes.

The Isle Royale Queen IV passenger ferry is based out of Copper Harbor, Michigan.

Permit, fees, itinerary- know all things boating before you venture to Isle Royale.

A portal to wilderness, the Windigo Marina is located on Isle Royale National Park’s southwest end and is easily accessible by private boat, ferry, or seaplane.

Bathrooms, showers, and laundry services can be found at the Windigo Comfort Station at Isle Royale National Park.

Stay at the rustic Windigo Camper Cabins on the west end of Isle Royale National Park.

The Voyageur II is a passenger ferry based in Minnesota that services Isle Royale.

Observe the lasting impact of wave action at Suzy’s Cave- an inland sea arch on Isle Royale National Park, formed over 4,000 years ago.

SEA HUNTER III passenger ferry services makes day trips to Isle Royale.

Just outside Washington Harbor stands the Rock of Ages Light, which began operation in 1908. The 117-foot white cylinder-shaped lighthouse is composed of steel, concrete, and brick, with a black base and lantern.

The Rock Harbor Store offers a standard selection of groceries and more on the east end of Isle Royale National Park.

The Rock Harbor Marina on Isle Royale National Park’s northeastern end is a portal to wilderness for private vessels.

The shore front Rock Harbor Lodge found on Isle Royale National Park’s east end provides many visitor services.

The Rock Harbor Lighthouse at the southwest entrance to Rock Harbor is the most viewed and visited lighthouse at Isle Royale National Park.

Bathroom services are found at the Rock Harbor Comfort Station on the east end of Isle Royale National Park.

The Ranger III, the largest vessel operated by the NPS, serves as the logistical backbone of Isle Royale National Park, operating as the main cargo vessel to the island and the flagship passenger transporter. The USNPS Ranger III has been serving Isle Royale since September 8, 1958.

A scenic spot located on Isle Royale’s southwestern shore, Rainbow Cove is a rocky beach with excellent opportunities to view sunsets, the historic Rock of Ages Lighthouse, and the Minnesota shoreline

On the northeast side of Isle Royale National Park, the Passage Island Light guides ship traffic between the channel of Isle Royale's main island and Passage Island.

Ojibway Tower is an old fire tower, converted to a telecommunications tower, located on the East End of Isle Royale National Park.

Mount Franklin is a a scenic hike destination for day hikers and backpackers on Isle Royale National Park.

Embark on a challenging adventure and backpack the Minong Ridge Trail on Isle Royale starting at Windigo.

Embark on a challenging adventure and backpack the Minong Ridge Trail on Isle Royale starting at McCargoe Cove.

The Minong Ridge Overlook on the west end of Isle Royale National Park is a scenic stop for day hikers and backpackers alike.

Lookout Louise is a popular scenic overlook at the east end of Isle Royale National Park, capturing a view of Thunder Bay across roughly 15 miles of Lake Superior.

Isle Royale National Park is an island national park unit on Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It is one of five Lake Superior national parks.

The Isle Royale Light stands on long, rocky Menagerie Island via Isle Royale's south shore at the entry to Siskiwit Bay.

Ishpeming Fire Tower, located on Isle Royale National Park, offers a glimspe of conservation’s past.

Camping with a group of 7 people or more? Make sure to know everything about group camping before your trip.

This secluded section of the Greenstone Ridge Trail reaches to the northeastern tip of Isle Royale. Mileage: About 5 miles

Try out Isle Royale's most challenging trail by trekking this more traveled section of this primitive trail. Mileage: About 6.7 miles

Enjoy scenic views of interior lakes, Lake Superior, and Canada on this strenuous, primitive trail. Mileage: About 6.8 miles

Trek the most challenging section of the primitive Minong Ridge Trail with strenuous hill climbs, unsure footing, and picturesque ridgetop views. Mileage: About 5.7 miles

Discover remnants of a wildfire, carefully trek over beaver dams, and roll with the ridges of the longest section of the primitive Minong Ridge Trail. Mileage: About 13 miles

Looking for a hike with a scenic view? The Mount Franklin Trail connects Three Mile Campground to Mount Franklin, an overlook with picturesque northern views. Mileage: About 2.5 miles

Hike from Mount Ojibway to Daisy Farm on the Mount Ojibway Trail. Explore an old fire tower on the Greenstone Ridge, hike through wetlands, and finish near Daisy Farm Campground along Rock Harbor Channel. Mileage: About 1.7 miles

Explore a bog, trek along a lengthy boardwalk through wetlands, and view wildlife along the Daisy Farm Trail that connects the Greenstone Ridge to Daisy Farm Campground. Mileage: About 1.7 miles

Hike from one interior lake to the next on the Indian Portage Trail. Mileage: About 3.6 miles

Hike by streams, through wetlands, and atop rocky outcroppings on the Lake Richie Trail. Mileage: About 1.9 miles

This section of the Rock Harbor Trail strays away from Rock Harbor Channel and meanders through forests speckled with rocky outcroppings. Mileage: About 3.9 miles

Hike along the Rock Harbor Trail from Three Mile to Daisy Farm and enjoy views of Rock Harbor Channel, Rock Harbor Lighthouse, and Edisen Fishery. Mileage: About 4.2 miles

The Rock Harbor Trail hugs the Rock Harbor Channel offering scenic views of the outer islands. Mileage: About 3.6 miles

Unknowingly trek over the highest peak on the island—Mount Desor—on this section through hardwood forest. Mileage: About 5.2 miles

This rolling trail through hardwood forest offers an opportunity for self reflection. Mileage: About 3.5 miles

Discover scenic views, an old fire tower, and the hardwood forest on Isle Royale's west end. Mileage: About 3.8 miles

Begin this trek with scenic views near Chickenbone Lake then travel through a variety of forest types to Hatchet Lake. Mileage: About 7.2 miles

Take in the stunning vistas from the eastern Greenstone Ridge, including views from Ojibway Tower. Mileage: About 5.7 miles

Travel from one scenic viewpoint to another starting at Mount Franklin, a picturesque overlook along the Greenstone Ridge. Mileage: About 2.8 miles

Walk the Windigo Nature Trail and immerse yourself in the deciduous forest on the western end of Isle Royale.

Day hike or backpack the Huginnin Loop on the west end of Isle Royale. Discover over 8 miles of trail that includes remnants from past humans, the rocky northern shore, and the western wilderness of the island.

Walk along an old mining road on the western end of the Greenstone Ridge then descend to Windigo. Mileage: About 6.5 miles

Comb Carnelian Beach and relish in the remnants of the historic Island Mine on this section of the Feldtmann Loop. Mileage: About 4.3 miles

Hike on the Feldtmann Lake Trail and experience remnants of an old Lake Superior shoreline. Mileage: About 8.5 miles

The Tobin Harbor Trail connects the Mount Franklin Trail to Rock Harbor. This easygoing route is preferred amongst backpackers compared to the Rock Harbor Trail. Mileage: About 3 miles

The portage between Lake Richie and Chippewa Harbor is 1.2 miles and connects to the island's exterior.

Portage 0.6 miles from Lake LeSage to Lake Richie over a rolling trail.

Enter the island's interior by portaging from McCargoe Cove to Chickenbone Lake.

Portage from Lake Livermore to Lake LeSage and travel over the Greenstone Ridge along the Indian Portage Trail.

The portage between Chickenbone Lake and Lake Livermore is a short and steep 0.2 miles.

Climb the steep path to the Feldtmann Ridge and enjoy scenic views of Feldtmann Lake and the western wilderness of Isle Royale. Mileage: About 10.3 miles

Paddle Washington Creek, located on the west end of Isle Royale National Park. Washington Creek is an excellent spot for wildlife viewing.

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 Windigo 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.

The Albert Stoll Jr. Memorial Trail is a relatively easy hiking trail that captures the majesty of Lake Superior and engages with the wilderness character of Isle Royale National Park.

Hike to the Minong Ridge Overlook and enjoy views of Isle Royale's west end, Lake Superior, and the Canadian shoreline to the north.

Grace Creek Overlook offers scenic views of Grace Creek, Grace Harbor, and Lake Superior.

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.

Discover Suzy’s Cave, a wave-washed cliff and an inland sea arch, found on Isle Royale’s eastern end.

Embark on a serene paddle in Tobin Harbor, on the east end of Isle Royale National Park. Wildlife sightings, especially aquatic birds, are abound in this scenic harbor.

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.