This wilderness archipelago is a land of rugged shorelines, crystalline waters, ever-changing weather and a cool climate, amid the northern waters of giant Lake Superior. It is composed of many parallel ridges, the result of ancient lava flows being tilted and glaciated, and is covered by the thick forests and wild habitats of the once-vast North Woods. Encompassing a total area of 850 square miles, the archipelago is 45 miles long, 9 miles wide at its widest point, and includes submerged lands which extend 4 1/2 miles out into Lake Superior.

Isle Royale is renowned for its wild populations of wolves and moose. It is the site of the worlds longest-running wildlife research project, with over 42 years of monitoring the ecological interrelationships between the moose herd, the wolf packs, and the community of other species on the island.

The park offers 165 miles of hiking trails and 36 campgrounds for backpackers and recreational boaters. There are historic lighthouses and shipwrecks, prehistoric copper mining sites, excellent fishing, and plenty of good spots to observe wildlife.

Isle Royale has no roads, is accessible only by boat or float plane, and remains relatively untouched by direct outside influences.

• Isle Royale National Park -

• Hike from the Rock Harbor Visitor Center to Daisy Farm.
• Join a park ranger for a 4-mile boat ride to a remote trailhead, then hike a 2-mile round-trip past Hidden Lake and up 320 feet to Lookout Louise. You may return with the group, or hike the full 10.2 miles back to Rock Harbor.