Tooker Camp

A glimpse of one of the elevated walkways of the Tooker Camp, complete with archways, circa 1925.

NPS / Isle Royale National Park Purchase Records

History

Two of the earliest structures on Tooker's Island, a small cottage and a boathouse, were built in 1908 by Chicago native S.C. Tooker and Peter Solem (foreman). The property would later include a main house (1928), a log cabin, an additional boathouse, an engine house, a pumphouse, a toolhouse, three privies, and a dock. The boathouse built in 1908 was lost to a fire in November of 1956. The Tooker's attitude about an Isle Royale National Park was fairly favorable, but they were not in agreement with the offered appraisal price. They believed their property was worth $12,000. The land ended up going into condemnation and they were granted $6,956.38 without a life lease. The park service officially acquired the land on March 14, 1940. All structures are no longer extant. Today, the island is the site of Tookers Island Campground.

Warren Camp

Visit the Rock Harbor Neighbors Cottages Home