Island Homes

A common loon in its nest next to the water.

NPS / PAUL BROWN

 

The places people and animals call home on Isle Royale may look a little different than the homes in your neighborhood.

That doesn't mean they don't have things in common! Find out which island home is most like your home.

 
 
Four historic buildings located on the water.
Do you live near water, like the family that lived in this historic fishery?

NPS

1. What does the view outside your home look like?

A. You can see your neighbors, but there is some space between houses.

B. Far away from big lights with little to no neighbors.

C. There are buildings all around you.

D. You look out to water.

E. There are lots of trees and bushes surrounding your house.

 
Two red foxes playing in the grass.
Young foxes, called kits or pups, like to play together just like you and your friends.

NPS / PAUL BROWN

2. What is one of your favorite things about your home?

A. There's enough space for everyone.

B. It's quiet and you can play outside a lot.

C. Snacks are easy to come by!

D. There is a lot to do.

E. You have lots of neighbors to play with.


 
A group of small brown American toads on a log together near the water.
American toads can lay up to 8000 eggs! Imagine having to share a space with all those siblings.

NPS / PAUL BROWN

3. What is the inside of your home like?

A. Always busy, lots of gatherings and celebrations.

B. You share a room with your siblings.

C. Full of family! You have other family living with you, like your grandparents or cousins.

D. There are lots and lots of decorations in your house.

E. So many rooms, you could get lost!

 
An adult Canadian Goose staying alert while their six chicks sleep.
Geese are migratory - they have a winter home and a summer home!

UWE KONOPKA

4. What do you do most in your home?

A. Help make dinner.

B. Snuggle up and watch movies.

C. Spend time doing chores and homework.

D. Play lots games ouside.

C. Spend time with your siblings.

 
Lake Superior waves crashing on a rocky shoreline.
Island homes can be noisy. Imagine hearing these big waves crashing all day long!

NPS

5. What sounds do you hear outside your home?

A. Wind blowing through the trees.

B. Waves crashing against the shoreline.

C. Birds chirping and neighbors playing outside.

D. Water splashing from a nearby pool.

E. Lots of traffic coming and going.

 
A wet river otter eating a fish.
Otters would love to have a seafood-scented air fresheners in their home.

NPS / BRAD SMITH

6. What does your home smell like?

A. Whatever we are having for dinner!

B. A little fishy...

C. Fresh cut wood, like a forest.

D. Like an air freshener!

E. Sweet like honey.

 
 

If you got mostly A's...

 
An old fishery with a tan building with a green roof on the water.

NPS / JIM PEACO

 

 

If you got mostly B's...

 
A bald eagle sitting over its large nest in a tree.

ABIGAIL WINTERS

 

 

If you got mostly C's...

 
A beaver lodge in the water.

NPS / NELSON DECKER

 

 

If you got mostly D's...

 
A historic image of the Belle Isle resort with people on the deck of the resort.

NPS

 

 

If you got mostly E's...

 
A big hornet nest high in some trees.

NPS

 

 
A graphic cartoon of three tents in a forest.

Great job!

You found your home on Isle Royale! All that's left to do is move in.

 

Last updated: April 9, 2024

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800 East Lakeshore Drive
Houghton, MI 49931

Phone:

906 482-0984

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