Your Invitation to a Superior Wilderness

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.

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Duration:
2 minutes, 1 second

Begin a lifelong journey when you cross Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world, and arrive at Isle Royale National Park.

An oil painting of a dark blue night sky with yellow and white streaks imitating northern lights.
Isle Royale 85th Anniversary Celebration

On February 15, 2025, celebrate 85 years of Isle Royale National Park through music and art at the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts.

A large blue boat with white upper trim shines in the morning sun with Isle Royale in the background
RANGER III Reservations

Reserve seats aboard RANGER III.

A newspaper banner reading "The Greenstone."
Read The Greenstone

The Greenstone newspaper is your one stop shop for planning your trip to Isle Royale.

A group of nine people with large backpacks and gear stand in a circle.
Group Camping

Groups of 7 or more people need a group camping permit and advance reservations.

A large blue and yellow ferry sails down a forest-lined canal.
How to Travel to Isle Royale

Multiple ferries and a seaplane service transport visitors to the park.

A smiling woman in an orange shirt stands at a round table displaying artwork.
Apply to Be an Artist-in-Residence

Explore Isle Royale through your artistic lens. Apply by February 16.

Teen Artist sitting on rocky Lake Superior shoreline, sketching with colored pencils.
Apply to Be an Isle Royale Teen Artist

Develop your art through a wilderness experience. Apply by February 16.

People sit on a dock as the sun sets over water in front of them.
Where to Stay

Find your home in the island wilderness.

woman excitedly gripping annual pass
Entrance Fees and Passes

Learn the basics about Isle Royale fees and passes.

An adult with a backpack on stands next to two children along a rocky trail in a forest.
Overnight Camping & Backpacking Permits

Small-party permits are for those camping overnight in the park with 6 or fewer people (excluding boaters, see below)

Two people sit in lawn chairs on a deck and look into the distance with green foliage behind them.
Daytripper and Lodge Guest Orientation

Help Isle Royale Stay Wild by following these best practices for your day trip or lodge visit.

A group of three adults and one child poses for a photo with their backpacking packs on.
Backpacker Orientation

Help Isle Royale Stay Wild by following these best practices for your wilderness backpacking experience.

A white powerboat sailing in a lake near a rocky island.
Boater Orientation

Help Isle Royale Stay Wild by following these best practices for your boating trip.

Four people in two yellow tandem kayaks.
Paddler Orientation

Help Isle Royale Stay Wild by following these best practices for your kayaking or canoeing trip.

Two people jump off of a dock into calm waters as the sun sets in the background.
First Timer Guide

Start planning your trip.

Last updated: February 4, 2025

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

800 East Lakeshore Drive
Houghton, MI 49931

Phone:

906 482-0984

Contact Us