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Secret National Parks: Isle Royale National Park

June 12, 2008 at 1:30 PM | by | Comments (0)

Nothing screams summer fun like a national park, but who wants to visit Yellowstone again? This week, we're bringing you some secret spots to enjoy.

No offense to fans of the Great Lakes State, but the first thing that comes to mind when we hear Michigan is not "national park." And that's what makes Isle Royale National Park somewhat of a secret. Located in the northwest corner of Lake Superior, the park gets its name from the Isle Royale greenstone that is found in abundance here.

The island keeps true to its wilderness roots by offering no roads in the backcountry and allowing no motorized vehicles on the island. You'll arrive by either ferry or seaplane. The Ranger III ferry is based in Houghton this season, and it can get you there.

The main attraction at Isle Royale is simply the wilderness. Most notable on the wildlife front are park's populations of both moose and wolves. Though numbers vary from season to season--animals sometimes travel over the frozen lake into Canada--there are on average about 1,000 moose to spot. Dogs aren't allowed anywhere in the park to prevent canine disease from jumping to the protected wolf population.

There are only two truly developed areas in the park. The first is Windigo, located in the southwest end of the island. It offers campsites, showers and a boat dock. Rock Harbor, the other option, includes the same facilities and also has a lodge and restaurant; find it at the northeast end of the island.

Camping is your best bet, since day trips are limited by the transportation schedule: Storms or other inclement weather can put a delay in your trip, and you'll spend more time traveling to the island rather than enjoying it.

Now is really the best time to visit because Isle Royale is the only national park that closes down completely at the end of the season.

Related Stories:
· Isle Royale National Park [Official Site]
· National Parks coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: shekshots]

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