As a record number of tourists set their sights on New York City, we New Yorkers are setting our sights in the opposite direction, itching to get away from the crowds and discover some hidden gems off the beaten path. Currently on our radar: Lake Superior’s Isle Royale National Park, the most remote national park in the U.S.
Isle Royale National Park is an isolated island far from any communities, but what it lacks in proximity it makes up for in size, meaning there’s ample space to explore. The park is actually an archipelago of 450+ smaller islands situated on northwestern Lake Superior, and its main island measures about 50 miles long and nine miles wide—19 times the size of Manhattan–according to National Geographic.
But though there’s tons to do, one of our favorite things about it is its lack of visitors–each year it sees less than 1% of Yosemite National Park’s yearly visitors; probably because it’s only reachable by ferry, private boat, or seaplane. Either way, sounds to us like the perfect place to escape city crowds! National Geographic writes:
It’s a place where the only vehicles are canoes and kayaks, and moose, wolves, beavers and smaller animals are the sole year-round residents. For many, its attraction—centered on its 36 campgrounds and 165 miles of back country trails—lies in the fact that it’s one of the few national parks with no instant Instagram gratification; cell phone coverage is patchy at best.
Isle Royale Park history
Isle Royale National Park dates back to March 3, 1931, when it was authorized by President Herbert Hoover “to conserve a prime example of North Woods Wilderness,” reads the park’s website. It wasn’t fully established though until April 3, 1940, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
In 1976, the park was then designated part of the National Wilderness Preservation System under the Wilderness Act.
A land of sprawling wilderness
Over 99% of the land in Isle Royale is designated wilderness; “a roadless land of wild creatures, unspoiled forests, refreshing lakes, and rugged, scenic shores,” according to its website. Its 132,000+ acres of land are full of 165 miles of scenic hiking trails, 36 campgrounds, and surrounded by the world’s largest freshwater lake.
Dotted throughout the island you’ll find historic lighthouses and shipwrecks, ancient copper mining sites, as well as plenty of spots to observe the 19 mammal species that call the island home, including such as moose, wolves, loons, beaver, fox, gulls, ravens, squirrels, toads, mice, and eagles.
A nature lover’s paradise
Isle Royale offers endless adventures for backpackers, hikers–its highest point at Mount Desor is 1,394 feet above sea level–boaters, paddlers, divers, and fishermen. Those looking for a more guided exploration can embark on a sightseeing tour, which are offered six days a week to various locations around Isle Royale National Park, during which you’ll get to enjoy the views and learn about the long history of the park.
National Geographic notes that, while the park is geographically remote, it is “broadly accessible to visitors in ways that high altitude or heavily forested national parks in many parts of the United States are not.” Isle Royale National Park, Liz Valencia, stated:
Once you get to the island the message for most people is relax and enjoy your visit. Don’t be in a rush to see everything and get everywhere. Isle Royale is not really the kind of place where there’s one thing you need to see.
And, if needed, there’s Dockside Store that offers your typical selection of groceries, freeze dried camping meals, fishing tackle, camping and hiking accessories, camping fuel, photo supplies, boating accessories, bagged ice, apparel, books, souvenirs, and toiletries.
Best time to visit Isle Royale National Park
It’s important to note you can’t visit the park year round–Isle Royale National Park is open every year from April 16th through October 31st. It’s closed outside of those dates due to extreme winter weather conditions and for the safety and protection of visitors. Though, when it is open, practically any time is the best time to visit.
How to get to Isle Royale Park
You can reach the park via ferry from Copper Harbor, MI, Houghton, MI, or Grand Portage, MN. Depending on the departure point, ferries run daily and take about 90 minutes to three hours to cross. More transportation information can be found on their website.