|
Wolves and moose, the wild North Woods forest, ever changing
weather and a cool climate, and the crystal clear waters and
rugged shoreline of Lake Superior characterize Isle Royale National
Park.
Ninety-nine percent of the land mass is federally
designated Wilderness. This wilderness archipelago is 45 miles
long and nine miles wide at its widest point. The park encompasses
a total area of 850 square miles including submerged lands which
extends four and a half miles out into Lake Superior. The archipelago
is composed of many parallel ridges resulting from ancient lava
flows which were tilted and glaciated.
Isle Royale has 165 miles of scenic hiking trails
and 36 campgrounds for backpackers and recreational boaters.
There is excellent fishing, historic lighthouses and shipwrecks,
ancient copper mining sites, and plenty of spots to observe
wildlife.
Roadless Isle Royale is accessible only by boat
or float plane. Isle Royale is relatively untouched by direct
outside influences and serves as a living laboratory and is
a United States Biosphere Reserve.
Take a sightseeing hike to view Lake Superior
panorama and abundant wildlife including moose and fox; hike
scenic trails or take a sightseeing cruise to beautiful spots
on the island including historic lighthouses; explore abandoned
copper mines; visit a historic commercial fishery still in operation;
catch a native lake trout on a fishing charter while trolling
along one of Isle Royale's reefs.
Facilities
Houghton Visitor Center
- The Center offers a small assortment of natural and cultural
history exhibits, boater registration, user fee collection
and a bookstore. 800 East Lakeshore Drive in Houghton, Michigan,
on the Keweenaw Peninsula of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
(906) 482-0984.
Rock Harbor Visitor
Center - The center features a small assortment of
natural and cultural history objects, camping permits, user
fee collection, boater registration and a bookstore. Guided
interpretive walks and talks begin at or near the visitor
center. Located in the northeast section of the park.
Windigo Visitor Center
- This visitor center offers natural and cultural history
exhibits, with primary theme related to lighthouses and
shipwrecks, Camping permits, boater registration, collect
user fee and a bookstore. Guided interpretive walks and
talks begin at or near the visitor center. Located in the
southwest section of the park.
Fees:
$4 per
person per day
Individual Season Pass - $50 (Valid for 1
person from April 16th to October 31st of the year indicated)
Season Boat Rider Pass - $150 (Covers fees for all persons onboard.
Vaild from April 16th to October 31st of the year indicated)
Getting There:
Vehicles are not permitted on Isle Royale. Visitors park their
cars in Houghton, Michigan; Copper Harbor, Michigan; or Grand
Portage, Minnesota and ride passenger ferries to the island,
or fly with Isle Royale Seaplane Service to the island from
Houghton, Michigan.
|
