Attractions and Places To See in Isle Royale National Park - Top 12

Windigo serves as a key entry point on the western end of Isle Royale National Park, offering essential services and resources for visitors. Located near the ferry dock, it houses the National Park Service Visitor Center, where you can obtain permits, check trail conditions, and learn about the island’s unique ecosystem. The center is open seasonally, typically from late spring to early fall. For those beginning a hike, Windigo provides a last chance to stock up on basic necessities. The Windigo Store offers limited supplies, including snacks, fuel canisters, and some camping gear, though it’s best to arrive well-prepared. There are also potable water refill stations, making it a convenient place to top up before heading into the backcountry. Whether you’re starting a trek along the Greenstone Ridge Trail or just stopping by, Windigo is an important hub for visitors exploring Isle Royale’s remote wilderness.

Ojibway Tower on Isle Royale is a historic landmark, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the island and surrounding waters. Built in 1934, the tower was originally used as a fire lookout. It stands at 65 feet tall and is located on the highest point of the island, allowing you to take in expansive vistas of the lush forests, crystal-clear lakes, and rugged shoreline. The tower’s upper platform, accessible via a sturdy metal staircase, provides a 360-degree view that stretches across the island’s wilderness, including the waters of Lake Superior. The experience not only gives a glimpse into the island’s raw beauty but also offers a window into its rich history as a remote outpost of the National Park Service.

Isle Royale National Park, encompassing the rugged expanse of Isle Royale itself, is one of the most remote National Parks in the United States. Isolated in the vast waters of Lake Superior, the island has no roads, no cell service, and limited facilities, making it a true backcountry experience. The park’s Greenstone Ridge Trail stretches across the island’s spine, offering a challenging yet rewarding trek through dense forests, past pristine inland lakes, and over high ridges with sweeping views. Wildlife thrives here, with moose, wolves, and loons among the many species that call the island home. Isle Royale is open to visitors seasonally, from April 17th to October 31st. A $7 per person daily entrance fee is required for those entering or staying within the park per calendar day

The Greenstone Ridge Trail offers a challenging yet rewarding hiking experience as you weave through the rugged terrain of Isle Royale National Park. Spanning approximately 40 miles, the trail follows the island’s spine, giving you stunning panoramic views of dense forests, tranquil lakes, and remote wilderness. You will encounter diverse landscapes, from lush woodlands to rocky ridges, with several steep ascents and descents that require a good level of fitness and experience. Known for its solitude, the trail allows you to immerse yourself in nature without the distraction of large crowds. Due to the island’s remote location, you will need to plan ahead, as the trail is best suited for those familiar with off-grid conditions and prepared for unpredictable weather. The trail is only accessible during the warmer months, from April to November, and you can reach it by ferry, water taxi, or seaplane from the mainland. Along the way, you will find a series of backcountry campsites, offering opportunities for multi-day treks and a deeper exploration of this pristine environment. The Greenstone Ridge Trail is a true adventure for those looking to disconnect and experience one of the most isolated and untouched natural settings in the United States.

Windigo is home to an NPS visitor center where you can speak with park officials and receive a backcountry permit. There is also a Windigo store. The Voyageur II services Windigo on both inbound and outbound schedules: https://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/voyageur-ii.htm The Sea Hunter III operates between Grand Portage, MN and Windigo, arriving at Windigo at 10:00 am CDT and departing Windigo at 3:30 CDT: https://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/sea-hunter-iii.htm Seaplanes also provide transportation: https://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/isle-royale-seaplanes.htm

A retired fire lookout tower that visitors can partially scale to achieve views of the eastern end of Isle Royale National Park.

Rock Harbor Visitor Center offers interpretive programs, informational displays, and backcountry permits. Rock Harbor Lodge rents a variety of small watercrafts. Rock Harbor can be reached by private vessel or via several ferry services. The Voyageur II typically overnights in Rock Harbor every other day: https://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/voyageur-ii.htm The Isle Royale Queen IV runs daily between Copper Harbor, MI and Rock Harbor, leaving the mainland at 8:00 am EDT and leaving Rock Harbor at 2:45 pm EDT: https://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/isle-royale-queen-iv.htm The NPS vessel Ranger III services Rock Harbor: https://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/ranger-iii-info.htm. Seaplane transportation is also available: https://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/isle-royale-seaplanes.htm