Parks / The Plains and the Great Lakes
Isle Royale
Stop 44 of 51 on the loop. Stay in Grand Portage MN, give it 2 nights, and plan the day around Ferry / island hike.
- State
- MI
- Stay in
- Grand Portage MN
- Nights on this route
- 2
- Month on this route
- July
- Don't miss
- Ferry / island hike
- Getting here
- 249 mi from International Falls MN, about 5 h 43 min.
- Next stop
- Indiana Dunes, 664 mi, about 13 h 8 min.
About the 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.
Description from the National Park Service.
Where to Stay
On this route you sleep in Grand Portage MN, where the crossing leaves from. Gateway towns have more lodging, groceries and fuel than the park itself. If you want an in-park lodge instead, the busiest parks book up as early as 13 months out.
Entrance Fees
- $7 Per person (walk or bike in)
An $80 America the Beautiful annual pass covers entry at every national park; on a trip like this it pays for itself after three parks. Fees from the NPS, checked 2026-10-18.
Nearby Parks
- Voyageurs about 177 mi as the crow flies
- Indiana Dunes about 457 mi as the crow flies
- Cuyahoga Valley about 612 mi as the crow flies
Official site: https://www.nps.gov/isro/. Route data checked 2026-10-19.