National Park
Isle Royale National Park
- Midwest
- 9 hikes
- 12 places to see
- 6 current alerts
Current alerts
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Closure
Tent Camping Closed at Multiple East End Campgrounds
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 zon…
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Caution
Island Mine Campground Stream Low
The stream has very little water flow. Campers should bring enough water to Island Mine or plan on collecting water along your route.
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Caution
Harmful Algal Blooms Occurring in Lake Richie and Intermediate Lake
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 fro…
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Notice
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.
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Notice
All Backpacks Must be in Storage Area at Three Mile and Rock Harbor.
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.
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Notice
Food Storage Regulations in Effect
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."
From the National Park Service, as of October 30, 2026, 5:14 am. Check nps.gov before you go.
Latest news
- Congratulations to Summer 2026 Isle Royale Artists-in-Residence, Emerging Artists, and Teen Artists
- Become a Summer 2026 Artist-In-Residence, Teen Artist, or Emerging Artist at Isle Royale National Park
- Lethal Removal of Food-Conditioned Wolf at Isle Royale National Park
- Participate in the 2025 Creel Survey at Isle Royale National Park
About Isle Royale
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.
From the National Park Service.
- Region
- Midwest
- State
- Michigan
- Designation
- National Park
- Entrance fee
- $7, per person
- Hikes on this page
- 9
- Places to see
- 12
- Articles
- 1
Know before you go
Fees, hours, weather and getting to Isle Royale.
Entrance fees
- $7 Per Person $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.
Passes
- $60 Annual Entrance - Park
Hours
Isle Royale National Park Open Season (April 16 through October 31)
Open 24 hours a day, every day.
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.
Weather and when to go
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.
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.
- Gateway towns
- Houghton, MI · Copper Harbor, MI · Grand Portage, MN
- Nearest airports
- Houghton County Airport (CMX) · Duluth International Airport (DLH)
Contact the park
- Address
- 800 East Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI 49931
- Phone
- (906) 482-0984
- Official site
- nps.gov/isro
From the National Park Service, checked weekly. Fees, hours and road conditions change: confirm with the park before you go.
Trip planner
A day-by-day plan for Isle Royale
Tell us your dates and what you are into. We group the stops by where they are, so each day is one part of the park, not a zigzag.
The trails and places you save below go into your plan as must-sees.
Plan your park trip Free. No account needed.
Where to stay for Isle Royale
The gateway towns, closest first. Add your dates in the planner to search for your own nights.
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Houghton, MI Closest
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Copper Harbor, MI
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Grand Portage, MN
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Guided tours and trips
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Things to do in Isle Royale
The park service's own list, with how long each takes.
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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…
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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 Ro…
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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 picturesque northern views. Mileage: About 2.5 m…
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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 through wetlands, and finish near Daisy Farm Campground a…
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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 Ridge to Daisy Farm Campground. Mileage:…
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Walk the Windigo Nature Trail
Walk the Windigo Nature Trail and immerse yourself in the deciduous forest on the western end of Isle Royale.
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Hike the Huginnin Loop
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 we…
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Hike the Tobin Harbor Trail
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…
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Paddle Washington Creek
Paddle Washington Creek, located on the west end of Isle Royale National Park. Washington Creek is an excellent spot for wildlife viewing.
Places to see
Campgrounds in Isle Royale
Run by the park service. Reservable sites book on Recreation.gov; first-come sites do not.
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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 effective f…
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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. Stay Limit: 5 n…
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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 one shelter on…
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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 National Park.…
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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 portag…
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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. Canoe/…
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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. Boats…
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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 Trail. Boa…
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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: 2 nights from…
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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. Stay Limi…
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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 at dock. Stay Limit…
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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 dock. Stay Lim…
Reading about Isle Royale
What to pack for Isle Royale
Gear & Essentials
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Traveling with kids
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Backcountry
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