Things To Do

 
All visitors must make the journey across Lake Superior to reach Isle Royale. Upon arrival, there are a multitude of ways to explore the archipelago by land or water. Whether you embark upon a backpacking trip in the island's wilderness or explore its many coves and bays by boat, Isle Royale offers something for everyone.
 

 

Backpack

Two people with backpacks on walk across a wooden bridge in the forest.

Backpacking & Camping

Prepare for your backpacking and camping trip using these resources.

A group of campers backpacks along Rock Harbor Channel.

Group Camping

Groups of 7 or more people need advance reservations to camp at Isle Royale National Park.

Three people with backpacks hike along a trail in a forest.

Backpacking Trips

Discover backpacking routes at Isle Royale.

 

Explore by Day

A person's back is to the camera on a high cliff as they look down at a lake and rocks below.

Day Hiking

Discover the areas around Rock Harbor and Windigo by day hiking.

Several kids sit on a dock with a scenic lake in the background

For Kids

Discover programs and services for younger visitors and their families.

Three people with day backpacks stand on a trail surrounded by rocks, shrubs, forest, and water.

Day Trips

Don't have time for an overnight visit? Explore for the day!

 

Boat

A person in a boat holds a fish in their hands

Fishing

Enjoy fishing the waters of Lake Superior and the island's numerous inland lakes and streams.

A boat in the water with fishing poles out

Fishing Regulations

Learn the fishing rules for Isle Royale waters.

An underwater photo shows a scuba diver hovering above part of a shipwreck in clear water.

Scuba Diving

Dive beneath the waves and explore the most intact collection of shipwrecks in the National Park Service.

 

Paddle

A silver canoe paddles toward an island surrounded by fog on a large body of water.
Paddlers

Canoeing & Kayaking

Paddle the inland lakes of Isle Royale or the open waters of Lake Superior.

Two people paddling a canoe across calm waters at sunset.

Paddling Safety

Paddling Safety Tips

Two people, each portaging a canoe, hike on a trail up a hill surrounded by forest.

Paddle and Portage Interior Lakes

Plan a paddling trip to experience the island's interior lakes.

 

Rock Harbor Lodge Activities

Aerial view of the Rock Harbor Lodge complex.

Lodging Facilities

Stay at the Rock Harbor Lodge or Windigo Camper Cabins.

A teal colored boat underway in a large channel.

Guided Boat Tours

Enjoy a boat ride to various sites to explore the park's resources.

A park ranger speaks to a group of people as they look at Lake Superior and the Canadian shoreline.

Rock Harbor Ranger Program

Attend a Rock Harbor Ranger Program and learn more about the isolated island.

Last updated: December 11, 2023

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

800 East Lakeshore Drive
Houghton, MI 49931

Phone:

906 482-0984

Contact Us