Isle Royale National Park

Isle Royale National Park protects 571,790 acres including a 45-mile long island and over 450 smaller islands in northwestern Lake Superior. One of the least visited national parks due to its remote location, Isle Royale offers unparalleled wilderness solitude and serves as a natural laboratory for studying predator-prey relationships. The island's isolation has created unique ecosystems and the world's longest-studied wolf-moose population dynamics. The park supports a simplified but fascinating ecosystem where wolves, moose, beavers, and foxes represent the primary mammal species. The boreal forest environment includes over 600 documented plant species, with the island serving as a refuge for species typically found much farther north. The surrounding waters of Lake Superior maintain cold temperatures year-round, supporting native lake trout and other cold-water fish species. Isle Royale implements minimal management to maintain wilderness character while supporting critical research. The park manages only 25,000 annual visitors due to its remote access, preserving exceptional solitude and pristine conditions. The world-renowned wolf-moose study, ongoing since 1958, provides invaluable insights into predator-prey dynamics while the park maintains 99% wilderness designation to protect natural processes.

Water Features

Lake Superior, Inland lakes, Streams

Ecosystem

This destination features a temperate forest ecosystem.