Isle Royale National Park, a wilderness preserve in Lake Superior, offers a unique and captivating experience for nature enthusiasts. From the charming Rock Harbor Lodge to the Isle Royale Queen IV passenger ferry, Isle Royale amenities provide a range of experiences that complement its unspoiled beauty.
Whether you’re drawn to the idea of rustic camping or seeking the comfort of modern conveniences, Isle Royale amenities have something to offer for everyone.
Why Can You Trust Us?
We’ve hiked, backpacked, paddled and biked tens of thousands of miles across various national parks and trails across the world. After hiking 90 miles (145 km) around the entire island of Isle Royale National Park, exploring its many harbors, campgrounds, visitor centers, stores and dining options, we’ve seen and experienced the Isle Royale amenities in full. Unlike other national parks, we feel like the Isle Royale amenities tend to be basic or minimal, with a strong focus on wilderness first. It’s not a bad thing by any means – just don’t expect Michelin star experiences or the amenities you’d find in a bigger national park like Yosemite or Yellowstone.
- Why Can You Trust Us?
- Key Takeaways
- How Do Isle Royale's Amenities Compare to Other National Parks?
- Transportation To and From Isle Royale
- Isle Royale Stores and Supplies
- Visitor Services and Facilities on Isle Royale
- Alcohol Availability on Isle Royale
- Gift Shop and Souvenirs
- Isle Royale Amenities for Hygiene
- Safety Resources and Amenities
- Isle Royale Land Ownership
- Isle Royale Amenities: Outdoor Activities
- Nearby Attractions
- FAQs about Isle Royale Amenities
Key Takeaways
Isle Royale National Park is a beautiful and remote US national park in Lake Superior that prioritizes natural preservation over modern comforts. There are numerous amenities on Isle Royale but fewer options than larger national parks so visitors must plan their visits carefully.
How Do Isle Royale’s Amenities Compare to Other National Parks?
Isle Royale National Park’s amenities differ significantly from those of other national parks due to its remote and wilderness-focused nature. The park prioritizes wildlife preservation and offers limited modern conveniences and comforts.
Visitors can choose between rustic camping options, such as designated campgrounds with basic facilities, rustic camper cabins, beautiful modern cottages or the full-service Rock Harbor Lodge. Unlike many other parks, Isle Royale’s amenities are tailored to complement its unspoiled natural beauty, making it a unique destination for those seeking a more rugged and immersive wilderness experience.
Transportation To and From Isle Royale
Transportation to this secluded paradise requires either a boat or a seaplane, with services provided by authorized concessionaires. Cars are not allowed on the island – you leave your car on the mainland and take a ferry or seaplane to Isle Royale across Lake Superior.
Learn How to Get to Isle Royale here (and our best budget saving tips for the ferry and seaplanes).
Main Harbors of Isle Royale
On arrival, you’ll find a network of trails winding through dense conifer and hardwood forests, alongside rugged coastlines and inland lakes. 99% of Isle Royale is federally designated wilderness, meaning that no human structures, roads or transportation improvements can be made. The only options for transportation on the island are by foot, by ferry or water taxi, by paddle or by golf cart for those with mobility issues.
1% of Isle Royale is basically two large marinas with basic amenities: Rock Harbor and Windigo. These harbors are the closest thing to a “town” on Isle Royale.
Windigo Harbor Amenities
Windigo, the western harbor closest to Minnesota, has basic Isle Royale amenities. These include laundry facilities, groceries and camping gear in the general store, showers, a campground, visitor center, picnic area, rustic cabins and a campground.
Rock Harbor Amenities
Rock Harbor is the more populated marina on the east, closest to Houghton and Copper Harbor, Michigan. It has more amenities than Windigo, including everything that Windigo has plus a hotel, couple of restaurants, fishing charters, water taxi service, boat sightseeing tours, artist residence, amphitheater and fancy housekeeping cottages instead of rustic cabins.
According to The Wilderness Act of 1964:
“An area of wilderness is further defined to mean in this Act an area of undeveloped Federal land retaining its primeval character and influence, without permanent improvements or human habitation, which is protected and managed so as to preserve its natural conditions…”
-The United States Wilderness Act of 1964
Isle Royale Stores and Supplies
There are two general stores on Isle Royale where you can pick up food, drinks or camping gear that you might have forgotten on the mainland. Just be careful not to rely on these stores as their inventory dwindles if a supply boat can’t make the crossing or if it’s later in the summer.
Rock Harbor Store:
Situated on the main dock of Rock Harbor, this dockside store services your camping, hiking and boating supply needs. It has groceries, freeze-dried foods, outdoor gear, souvenirs camping fuel and fishing tackle.
Visitors to Rock Harbor can typically resupply here between late May and mid-September. Because of the nearby restaurants, it tends to have less refrigerated food than Windigo.
Windigo Marina and Store:
On the opposite end of Isle Royale, the Windigo store caters to your basic necessities, also offering a similar variety of shelf-stable groceries, camping fuel, fishing tackle, refrigerated sandwiches and outdoor supplies.
They also offer hot made-to-order pizza which can hit the spot after a long day of hiking part of the Greenstone Ridge Trail.
Need more detail? Learn about exactly what is in the Isle Royale Stores here (article + videos).
Visitor Services and Facilities on Isle Royale
As you plan your visit to Isle Royale, it’s important for you to know what services and facilities are available to enhance your experience.
99% of Isle Royale is wilderness and trails; 1% is visitor services and facilities surrounding the main ferry and seaplane harbors of Rock Harbor and Windigo. Both harbors offer a variety of amenities, ensuring that your needs are met from the moment you arrive on this remote Michigan island in the Upper Peninsula.
Dining Options
Greenstone Grill:
When you’re looking for a hearty meal amidst the lush wilderness of Isle Royale, the Greenstone Grill serves as a cozy eatery located at Rock Harbor.
The Greenstone Grill offers American cuisine (burgers, pizza, sandwiches, salads, fries) for lunch and dinner with gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options. The grill offers breakfast sandwiches and burritos with eggs and various breakfast meats. It is the more affordable option with grab-n-go options, cappuccino, wine and beer.
Check out the Greenstone Grill menu here.
Rock Harbor Lodge Dining – The Lighthouse Restaurant:
For those who want a more formal dining experience, The Lighthouse Restaurant offers a breakfast buffet and restaurant dining that captures the essence of the island.
For dietary restrictions, the Lighthouse Restaurant also offers gluten free, vegan and vegetarian food as well as wine and beer.
And if you’re planning on fishing on Isle Royale, they will actually clean and cook your fresh fish for you, or package and freeze it for you to take home.
Check out the Lighthouse Restaurant menu here.
Windigo Made-to-Order hot food:
The Windigo store has hot made-to-order pizza which can really hit the spot after a long hike or paddle around the chilly bays of Washington Harbor. It also has a microwave for microwavable meals that it sells in the store, but that’s about the only hot food offered on the Windigo side of the island.
Alcohol Availability on Isle Royale
An actually decent selection of beer, hard seltzers, hard ciders and wine is available for purchase at the Isle Royale stores and restaurants. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day of hiking, with a cold local microbrew in hand watching a Lake Superior sunset on the docks.
If you bring your own alcohol and cooler, the Isle Royale general stores also sell bags of ice to keep your drinks cold. (Although the chilly Lake Superior water could also keep your drinks cool in a pinch!)
Gift Shop and Souvenirs
Both Rock Harbor and Windigo have gift shops stocked with unique souvenirs. These shops are ideal for picking up memorabilia that celebrate the natural beauty of the Isle Royale. From apparel to handcrafted items, you can find keepsakes that encapsulate our time on the island.
Isle Royale Amenities for Hygiene
Being a national park, Isle Royale is required to have ADA accessible transportation, lodging and basic amenities for hygiene such as public bathrooms and potable water.
Bathrooms
Rock Harbor and Windigo have ADA accessible public bathrooms near the docks. The Rock Harbor Lodge and housekeeping cabins have flush toilets; the Windigo Camper Cabins share a pit toilet.
However, if you’ll be hiking you’ll want to make sure to pack toilet paper, a ziploc bag for trash, a small lightweight trowel and hand sanitizer or soap. In the backcountry, the pit toilet bathrooms are only found at the campgrounds.
You may need to use the “backwoods bathroom” (aka dig a cathole) if you’re in between campgrounds. Remember to Leave No Trace, bury your solid waste 6 to 8 inches deep in a hole and pack out trash like tampons or diapers.
Potable Water on Isle Royale
Potable water can be found at centrally located faucets about a 1-2 minute walk from the docks of Windigo and Rock Harbor. Those staying at Rock Harbor Lodge or the housekeeping cabins will have access to potable water. However, water must be carried up to the Windigo Camper Cabins from the Windigo public faucet.
If you’ll be hiking, make sure to bring enough water to last your whole hike. Alternatively, bring a camping water filter to purify water for hiking and especially for backpacking and camping.
Backcountry water in Isle Royale is filled with nasty bacteria and parasites like tapeworm eggs from moose. Later in the summer the lakes can become tainted with toxic blue-green algae blooms and water purification methods (filters, UV light, chemicals) cannot make the water safe to drink.
Laundry Facilities
Both harbors of Windigo and Rock Harbor offer coin-operated laundry machines. You can purchase coins for the washer and dryers at the Isle Royale Stores. Several token and coin-operated washing machines and dryers are available for hikers who just can’t wait to get clean on the mainland.
Showers
After slogging through the swampy lowlands of the interior, you may want to wash off the mud and dust before hitting the mainland. Purchase 5 minute shower tokens and towel rentals at the Windigo and Rock Harbor stores.
Safety Resources and Amenities
Isle Royale is remote, rugged and without cell service or public wifi. All visitors to the backcountry should be completely self-reliant and carry the 10 Essentials, even for a day hike. You should understand the ruggedness and lack of resources on Isle Royale mean that an emergency rescue can take hours or even days.
Ranger Stations
Both sides of the island have ranger stations. These are staffed with park rangers ready to assist with emergencies or guidance.
- Recognize the signs of distress.
- Notify a ranger if you encounter or experience emergencies.
- Emergency contact methods include signal mirrors, whistles, or visiting the nearest ranger station.
Remember the Following:
- Isle Royale is remote; evacuation can be delayed.
- Wildlife encounters will likely happen. Every ferry passenger must listen to a ranger talk about wildlife safety around wolves, moose and other animals. Instructive signs at Windigo and Rock Harbor also provide guidance on how to respond.
Trail, Wildlife and Weather Conditions
The park rangers provide daily updates to the Isle Royale trail, wildlife and weather conditions on a bulletin board near the docks in both Rock Harbor and Windigo.
Visitor Centers
Both visitor centers are outfitted with maps, permit stations and current weather information.
Rock Harbor’s visitor center is across from the Rock Harbor Trading Post. Cash and personal checks are no longer accepted when paying your national park entrance fees here, . Make sure you have a credit or debit card with you. They also sell maps, souvenirs and books about Isle Royale here.
Windigo’s visitor center is located inside the Windigo Museum up a 19% grade. If you have accessibility issues, a Park Service employee can bring you in a high clearance golf cart up this hill. Windigo also doesn’t accept cash or personal checks either for entrance fees. There is a small souvenir display inside the museum/visitor center although the souvenirs have more variety inside the Windigo trading post store.
Windigo Museum
Windigo has an interesting visitor’s center, mainly focused on the ongoing world famous wolf-moose predator prey study. The other exhibits include history of the European settlers on the island and the natural flora and fauna.
Notably missing in the museum are exhibits on the Grand Portage Band of Ojibwe and their ancestors who consider the island a sacred place and has been culturally significant for them for thousands of years.
They have traveled to the island for over 4,500 years, mining copper into tools, decorations and spear points. These copper artifcats have been found as far as 1,000 miles (1,600 km) away in New England.
Today the Grand Portage people continue to travel to the island for foraging, fishing, collecting natural medicines and to perform important cultural traditions.
Lodging
Rock Harbor Lodge –
This hotel in Rock Harbor contains 60 rooms/suites with private bathrooms. It is the only ADA accessible lodging option on the entire island. Being the only hotel on Isle Royale, it can book up in advance so book your room early.
Housekeeping Cabins / Cottages –
Rock Harbor also has 20 housekeeping cabins for larger groups, also with private bathrooms. Guests like to use the Isle Royale store to purchase extra ingredients for cooking at these cabins.
Windigo Camper Cabins –
There are 2 rustic cabins in Windigo for larger groups. These are the only options for lodging that isn’t camping on the Windigo side of the island.
Camping –
Isle Royale has 35 campgrounds across the island with over 240 individual campsites, group sites and screened-in shelters. All campsites are first-come, first-serve. Anyone camping on Isle Royale needs to have a backcountry camping permit.
- Isle Royale Accommodations Ultimate Guide
- Camping on Isle Royale – Everything You Need to Know
- Isle Royale Permits
- Isle Royale Accessibility Guide
Picnic Areas
Both sides of the island have picnic areas, some with charcoal grills, some with covered shelter roofs.
Bike Rack
If you are biking across the US and taking the ferry from Michigan to Minnesota, you can lock your bike up at either harbor. Bikes aren’t allowed on any of the Isle Royale trails or in the campgrounds. This includes the trails that are only a 5 minute walk from the harbor docks.
Canoe, Kayak and Small Motor Boat Rentals
Boat rentals are available at both ends of the island in 4 hour increments. Inquire at the Isle Royale store for more information.
Private boat dockage & boat gasoline
Both Rock Harbor and Windigo have private boat dock space and fuel.
Tours
Both sides of the island offer free walking tours and ranger programs. However, the excellent paid boat sightseeing tours, fishing charters and water taxis are only available at Rock Harbor.
Wifi and Cell Service
There is no public wifi on the entire island. Only guests of Rock Harbor Lodge can access wifi, in the main lobby of the hotel (not the rooms).
There also is no cell service anywhere on the island. Sometimes visitors will catch a few bars of Canadian cell service from hiking on the ridges but your phone should stay in airplane mode to save battery life.
Wheelchair Accessible Areas
There are a lot more flatter, gravel trails in Rock Harbor than in Windigo Harbor. However, both areas have ADA accessible restrooms, general stores and visitor centers. Learn more about Isle Royale Accessibility in our comprehensive guide.
Isle Royale Land Ownership
Are there any towns on Isle Royale?
There are not any towns on Isle Royale today. The closest thing to a “town” on Isle Royale are the marinas and harbors of Windigo on the west and Rock Harbor on the east sides of the island. They have basic amenities and shut down completely in the winter.
Back in the day there were private summer residences of wealthy families from Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin. Before that, European copper miners formed small settlements. For thousands of years before
No plans to build towns on Isle Royale exist as the island puts wildlife protection first. 99% of the island is protected from development due to its federal wilderness designation.
Isle Royale has a wild history – from being the hub of a Native American continent-wide copper trade route to legends of Ben Franklin tricking the British to claim the island for the US, it really is a wild ride. Check out our research article to learn more about Isle Royale’s unique history.
Is there private land on Isle Royale?
There is technically no more private land on Isle Royale. The US government owns the 400+ island archipelago of Isle Royale. Today the National Park Service manages the land. There are about a dozen or so life leases remaining for private cabins, all of which will expire upon the death of the last child of the original owners who signed the land over in the 1950s.
Isle Royale Amenities: Outdoor Activities
Isle Royale is known for its outdoor activities and adventures. However, due to its remote nature, lack of resources and limited emergency services, adventurers visiting this remote island park must be completely self-reliant here.
Types of Outdoor Adventures on Isle Royale
- Hiking: Set out on hikes along different trails, such as the well-known Greenstone Ridge Trail, which offers an immersive experience in the wilderness. Shorter trails such as Scoville Point or Feldtmann Loop offer waterfront cliffs and excellent wildlife viewing. Trails vary in length and difficulty, ensuring that there’s a path suited for everyone. Learn all about Isle Royale Backpacking and Hiking Trails here.
- Boating: Rent canoes, kayaks and small motor boats near the main docks of Windigo and Rock Harbor. Canoeing and kayaking are popular choices here, allowing you to glide across Isle Royale’s clear waters or portage across the inland lakes.
- Fishing: With fishing tackle, motorboat rentals and daily fishing licenses available at the store, you’re all set for a serene day of fishing. The island’s water bodies are a haven for different fish species, providing visitors with both a challenge and a potential reward for their efforts. Learn all about Isle Royale Fishing here.
- Wildlife Observation: This natural reserve is truly a sanctuary where you can enjoy observing wildlife in their habitat (including walking through the Windigo and Rock Harbor dock areas!). Whether it’s a chance sighting of a moose or spotting local bird species, nature watching is a fun activity that is both relaxing and captivating. Check out our best tips for Wildlife Watching on Isle Royale here.
Your adventure doesn’t have to be extensive to be memorable. Even short excursions around Rock Harbor can yield a rich experience in the wild beauty of Isle Royale. Make sure to check the seasonality of these activities, as the Rock Harbor Store and some services are only open for a few months in the summer.
Nearby Attractions
While visiting Isle Royale National Park, you have the chance to explore numerous nearby attractions and natural areas. Adjacent areas worth visiting include the:
- Boundary Waters Canoe Area, MN: A pristine wilderness for canoeing and camping in Minnesota.
- Voyageurs National Park, MN: Minnesota national park offering canoeing trails, hiking trails and wildlife viewing.
- Superior Hiking Trail, MN: Home to scenic vistas and outdoor activities. The 300 mile (490 km) Superior Hiking Trail is the crown jewel of Minnesota, leading backpackers through beautiful north woods forests, waterfalls and lake country.
- Apostle Islands National Seashore, WI – This Wisconsin gem is truly a hidden gem with its stunning ice caves in the winter and kayaking tours through sea caves and arches in the summer.
- Porcupine Mountains, MI – The rugged and remote mountains of Michigan’s upper peninsula offer dramatic cliffs and vistas.
FAQs about Isle Royale Amenities
Are there toilets on Isle Royale?
Yes, there are public flush toilets that are ADA accessible near the restaurants in Rock Harbor and near the docks in Windigo. There are toilets on the ferries but not on the seaplanes. In the backcountry, there are pit toilets at each of the island’s 35 campgrounds.
Does Isle Royale have a lodge or hotel?
Yes, Isle Royale has a lodge in the marina area of Rock Harbor called the Rock Harbor Lodge. This hotel has 60 rooms/suites that sleep up to 4 people. Keep in mind that this is the only hotel on Isle Royale. Make sure to book your Isle Royale room early as the lodge often sells out completely a month or more in advance. Here’s our write up on the important details on Isle Royale Accommodations.
Does Isle Royale have cell phone service?
Isle Royale does not have reliable cell phone service anywhere on the entire island. Some hikers may get a few bars from Canadian cell towers atop Minong and Greenstone Ridges. If you ask nicely, the Park Rangers might know of some areas in Windigo or Rock Harbor where you may be able to catch a bar or two of cell phone service.
How does Isle Royale get Electricity?
Isle Royale National Park gets its electricity from a combination of off-grid solar arrays with battery storage, as well as hybrid photovoltaic (PV) and diesel power generation systems. The park has made plans to decarbonize, including retrofitting buildings for energy efficiency and utilizing electric vehicles and charging stations. The off-grid solar arrays and battery storage are part of the park’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and transition to more sustainable energy sources.
How do you get around Isle Royale?
Due to its remote nature, lack of roads and wilderness designation, you get around Isle Royale either by walking, taking a seaplane or by taking a ferry boat or water taxi. Cars are not allowed anywhere on Isle Royale. Bikes must be stored at the bike racks in Windigo and Rock Harbor.
It is 40 miles (64 km) of hiking trails between Rock Harbor and Windigo or a 4 to 5 hour ferry ride that must be reserved in advance. Those with mobility issues should contact the park ahead of time to ensure a park service employee can provide transportation in a high clearance golf cart.
How is Isle Royale different than Yellowstone National Park?
Isle Royale National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer unique experiences to visitors. While Yellowstone is known for its geothermal wonders, with over 10,000 geysers, hot springs, and bubbling mud pots, Isle Royale is best suited for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a remote wilderness experience.
Yellowstone, located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, is a great choice for families, offering a wide range of activities and amenities.
In contrast, Isle Royale, located in Michigan, is a remote wilderness area known for its pristine lakes and abundant wildlife. It is less visited and more demanding, making it ideal for those seeking a backcountry experience. Additionally, Isle Royale’s amenities are tailored to complement its unspoiled natural beauty, while Yellowstone offers more traditional park amenities and a wider range of visitor services.