Find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Isle Royale National Park
Q:What is the recommended stay duration?
A:Minimalist (4 Days)
Driving/Sightseeing: 1 Day
Hiking/Exploring: 1 ½ Days
Activities/Tours/Special Programs: 1 ½ Days
Adventurist (6 Days)
Driving/Sightseeing: 2 Days
Hiking/Exploring: 2 Days
Activities/Tours/Special Programs: 2 Days
Notes: A visit to Isle Royal National Park is all about getting away from the rush of life and experiencing the solitude and tranquility of nature...a task that by it's very definition requires time. The only way to get around on the island is by boat or by foot, so you will need to understand and recognize that extra time will be required for accessing different parts of this island national park. Voyages to the island take 2 to 6 hours depending on your starting point so just getting to and from the island will carve a good chunk out of your vacation time. There are many great hiking trails around the island for you to enjoy many of which lead to incredibly scenic areas. With so many ocean inlets and waterways throughout the park, you will want to set aside some time for kayaking or canoeing. Another activity that people like to do on Isle Royal is scuba diving. The cold waters of Lake Superior maintains a variety of ship wrecks along her floor. Of course it goes without saying that fishing in and around the island is a popular pasttime, and the wildlife viewing opportunities on the island are numreous. Other activities you might want to consider include touring the Isle Royal Lighthouse, the islands copper mine, or the Edison Fishery.
Q:What are the main natural attractions at Isle Royale?
A:Isle Royale is an isolated, primitive forest wilderness that is located on the biggest freshwater lake in the world, Lake Superior. The island offers many different kinds of wildlife, including Spiders, toads, mice, birds of prey, and many more. There are also over 400 smaller islands in the surrounding area of Lake Superior.
Q:Can I back country hike on Isle Royale?
A:Visitors to the park who plan on backcountry hiking will find great opportunity to do so. In fact, Isle Royal boasts the most overnight use per acre of any national park in the US. Also, Isle Royale is one of the least visited parks in the US.