Aerial View of Belle Harbor

National Park · Michigan

Isle Royale National Park

Explore a rugged, isolated island far from our connected communities. Isle Royale offers adventures for backpackers, hikers, boaters, paddlers, and divers. Cross Lake Superior and make a commitment: Become a part of this island, and let it become a part of you. Find peace and refuge in island wilderness – because Isle Royale, in turn, finds refuge in us. Help Isle Royale stay wild.

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Things to do

  • Arts and Culture
  • Astronomy
  • Stargazing
  • Boating
  • Motorized Boating
  • Sailing
  • Boat Tour
  • Camping
  • Backcountry Camping
  • Canoe or Kayak Camping
  • Group Camping
  • Fishing
  • Freshwater Fishing
  • Food
  • Dining
  • Flying
  • Guided Tours
  • Boat Tour
  • Hiking
  • Backcountry Hiking
  • Front-Country Hiking
  • Off-Trail Permitted Hiking
  • Paddling
  • Canoeing

Weather & when to go

Isle Royale National Park is a remote island wilderness in the middle of Lake Superior. Weather influences traveling to and from the island, as well as your trip once you arrive. For the most up-to-date weather information, call (906) 482-0984 or email isro_parkinfo@nps.gov prior to your trip.

Entrance fees

  • Entrance - Per Person

    $7 per person per day to enter or remain in Isle Royale National Park. Children 15 and younger are exempt. Visiting Park Headquarters in Houghton, MI does not require a fee.

    $7.00

Operating hours

Isle Royale National Park Open Season (April 16 through October 31)

Isle Royale National Park is open annually from April 16 to October 31. Transportation services are offered from May to September. The island and its surrounding islands are closed to all visitors from November 1 to April 15 due to extreme winter weather conditions and for the safety and protection of visitors. This closure extends 4.5 miles out into Lake Superior from the island. Park headquarters during the winter is in Houghton, Michigan. Summer headquarters is located at Mott Island on Isle Royale.

Campgrounds

FAQ

How much does it cost to visit Isle Royale National Park?
Entrance to Isle Royale National Park costs $7.00 (Entrance - Per Person). The America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entry at every NPS site.
What are the hours at Isle Royale National Park?
Isle Royale National Park is open annually from April 16 to October 31. Transportation services are offered from May to September. The island and its surrounding islands are closed to all visitors from November 1 to April 15 due to extreme winter weather conditions and for the safety and protection of visitors. This cl…
Do I need a reservation for Isle Royale National Park?
No timed-entry reservation is currently required to enter Isle Royale National Park. Campgrounds and permits may still need to be booked separately on Recreation.gov.

Related guides

Trip plans and deep-dives from the PeepTrip blog featuring Isle Royale National Park.

Keep exploring

More parks in Michigan.

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