Day Trips

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Hey, day-trippers and lodge guests. Isle Royale's wilderness attracts thousands of visitors each year. So how you treat the park when you visit matters. Isle Royale can stay wild. Here's how you can help. Know before you go. Isle Royale's weather can be unpredictable. Pack your bag with the elements in mind, including rain gear and warm layers for the Lake Superior crossing.

Before your visit, contact the park to see what services will be available during your trip. Be sure to bring essential items you may need from the mainland. Visitor centers are found in Houghton, Rock Harbor, and Windigo. Stop in to get your passport stamped, Junior Ranger booklet, or to get in touch with a ranger. Contact the park for operating hours prior to your trip. Play it safe.

Accidents can happen on Isle Royale's rugged, rocky trails. Having proper footwear and staying hydrated can reduce your risk of injury. Emergency medical services on the island are limited. Practice self-reliance and take care. Protect your park. Everything in Isle Royale is protected. So leave it where you found it. This includes rocks, flowers, antlers, and other park discoveries.

Make sure any trash finds its way to a waste receptacle in Rock Harbor or Windigo. Share the space. Never approach, feed, touch, or disturb wildlife. If an animal changes its behavior, you are too close. Throughout your adventure, be considerate of your fellow National Park visitors. Visit the park website for trip planning guidance and current conditions prior to your trip. Thank you for doing your part to help Isle Royale stay wild.

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2 minutes, 37 seconds

Help Isle Royale stay wild by following these best practices for your day visit.

 

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.

 
People hike up a rocky trail to a ridge top.
Day Trip to Rock Harbor

Spend a day exploring the east end of Isle Royale near Rock Harbor.

People hike on a trail up hill to a ridge surrounded by forest.
Day Trip to Windigo

Spend the day on the west end of Isle Royale near Windigo.

 

 


Information to Help You Plan

 
The Houghton Visitor Center building is surrounded by parking lot next to a body of water.
Basic Information

Start planning your island adventure here.

A large blue and cream colored motor vessel at dock.
How to Travel to Isle Royale

Multiple ferries and a seaplane service transport visitors to the park.

Multiple sailboats are docked around a large, wooden dock.
Things to Do

Explore all the land and water activities the park offers.

People hike up a rocky trail to a ridge top.
Day Trip to Rock Harbor

Spend a day exploring the east end of Isle Royale near Rock Harbor.

People hike on a trail up hill to a ridge surrounded by forest.
Day Trip to Windigo

Spend the day on the west end of Isle Royale near Windigo.

Two people jump off of a dock into calm waters as the sun sets in the background.
First Timer Guide

Start planning your trip for 2023.

Last updated: July 6, 2023

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

800 East Lakeshore Drive
Houghton, MI 49931

Phone:

906 482-0984

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