Trip Idea

Rock Harbor Day Trip

Multiple Parks

A handmade map on a sign for Rock Harbor, Isle Royale National Park.
Duration Full Day
Topic(s) Wilderness, Scenic Views, Trails, Unique Species, Wetlands, Geology more »
Activities Hands-On, Junior Ranger Program, Front-Country Hiking, Paddling
Type Solitary/Remote, Outdoors, Group Friendly
Parks Isle Royale National Park
An aerial view of a lakeside harbor, lined with brown buildings, docks, and a marina.
The Rock Harbor area offers a variety of activities, including day hikes, ranger programs, and paddling trips.

Paul Brown

Day Trip Planning

Getting to Rock Harbor

The Isle Royale Queen IV offers day trips to Rock Harbor, on the northeast end of Isle Royale, from Copper Harbor, Michigan. After arriving on the ferry, visitors spend three hours exploring the island. Isle Royale Seaplanes also offers day trip service to Rock Harbor.

Day Trip Schedule

  • Depart Copper Harbor, MI: 8:00 am EDT
  • Arrive Rock Harbor: 11:45 am EDT
  • Three hour layover on Isle Royale
  • Depart Rock Harbor: 2:45 pm EDT
  • Arrive Copper Harbor, MI: 6:30 pm EDT

Throughout the operating season, the Isle Royale Queen IV schedule varies; it typically operates from early May through the end of September. The Isle Royale Queen IV makes the departure and return trip on the same day, allowing for both overnight and day trip passengers. Day trip visitors can expect to have approximately three hours on the island.

Be Prepared for an Unexpected Overnight

Adverse weather conditions or unexpected transportation issues may cause a park day trip to turn into an overnight.
You can prepare yourself by bringing essential items: prescriptions, food, and extra clothing for variable weather. Consider bringing a tent, sleeping pads, and sleeping bags;
Isle Royale does not provide these items for visitors.

Activities in Three Hours or Less

Know Before You Go

  • Isle Royale is a remote island in Lake Superior.

  • The park is comprised of a roadless backcountry.

  • Make sure to bring a water bottle, food, and anything you might need for the day.

  • Lake Superior makes island weather unpredictable and travel delays are common.


Hike
  • Isle Royale National Park

    Stoll Memorial Trail (Scoville Point)
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Front-Country Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Rock Harbor Area
    • Duration: 1–6 Hours
    • Season: Summer
    • Time of Day: Any Time
    a view of the rocky Rock Harbor shoreline from the edge of the Stoll Memorial Trail

    The Albert Stoll Jr. Memorial Trail is a relatively easy hiking trail that captures the majesty of Lake Superior and engages with the wilderness character of Isle Royale National Park.

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  • Isle Royale National Park

    Hike to Suzy's Cave
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Front-Country Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Suzy's Cave
    • Duration: 2–6 Hours
    • Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
    Looking out of Suzy’s Cave sunlight falls on vegetation.

    Discover Suzy’s Cave, a wave-washed cliff and an inland sea arch, found on Isle Royale’s eastern end.

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Guided Tours
  • Isle Royale National Park

    Explore Raspberry Island
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Front-Country Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Raspberry Island
    • Duration: 2–6 Hours
    • Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
    A bog surrounded by conifers on Raspberry Island.

    Take a leisurely walk along a boardwalk through the spruce bog on Raspberry Island accessible by private boat, vessel rental, or a tour on the MV SANDY from Rock Harbor on Isle Royale’s east end.

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Paddle
  • Isle Royale National Park

    Paddle Tobin Harbor
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Paddling
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Tobin Harbor
    • Duration: 3–6 Hours
    • Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
    A red historic summer cottage mail room and dock can be seen along the conifer lined Tobin Harbor.

    Embark on a serene paddle in Tobin Harbor, on the east end of Isle Royale National Park. Wildlife sightings, especially aquatic birds, are abound in this scenic harbor.

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Discover
  • Isle Royale National Park

    Become an Isle Royale Junior Ranger
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Junior Ranger Program
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Isle Royale National Park
    • Duration: 2–6 Hours
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    Children sit around a table working on Junior Ranger booklets while a Park Ranger stands nearby.

    Become an Isle Royale Junior Ranger and learn about the isolated island, the unique plants and animals found in the park, the island’s cultural history, and Leave No Trace principles.

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  • Isle Royale National Park

    Attend a Rock Harbor Ranger Program
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hands-On
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Rock Harbor
    • Duration: 20–60 Minutes
    • Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
    Park Ranger answers visitor questions on Isle Royale trail.

    Attend a Rock Harbor ranger program at Isle Royale National Park. Learn about the isolated island, it's cultural history, and the critters who call the island home. Topics include moose, wolves, geology, shipwrecks, island biogeography, wilderness, and more. Ranger programs also include guided hikes and tours.

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Last updated: July 6, 2023