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Isle Royale National Park Facts

Isle Royale National Park Facts
Isle Royale National Park is an 893.42 square mile park located on an island in Lake Superior in the State of Michigan in the United States. At 9 miles in width and 45 miles in length it is the largest island in Lake Superior. Prior to the arrival of explorers to the island the land had been mined for copper by Native Americans for at least 5700 years. Isle Royale was established as a national park in 1940. In 1976 Isle Royale was further designated a National Wilderness Area, and in 1980 it was designated an International Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
Interesting Isle Royale National Park Facts:
When Isle Royale National Park was established by Congress the goal was, "to conserve a prime example of North Woods Wilderness."
President Herbert Hoover authorized Isle Royale National Park's creation in 1931.
In 1940 President Franklin D. Roosevelt formally established Isle Royale National Park by signing it into legislation.
99% of Isle Royale National Park is designated as Natural Wilderness Area.
There are two developed areas within Isle Royale National Park. One is located at the southwest area (Minnesota side) and one is at the northeast end (Michigan side). Both are docking sites for ferries from their respective states.
Isle Royale National Park is the only national park in the country to close down completely in the winter. This is due to its island habitat and location in the large deep Lake Superior.
Access to Isle Royale National Park is by ferry, private boat, floatplanes, and ships designated for passengers.
Isle Royale National Park is the only national park in the state of Michigan.
Isle Royale National Park is located on Lake Superior, which is the largest freshwater lake in the world.
Wolves and moose both live on Isle Royale, but it can be difficult to see a wolf as they tend to be elusive and stay away from humans. These are the largest animals on the island. Scientists like to study the interaction of these two species on Isle Royale because of its isolated location.
There are more than 165 miles of trails for hikers to explore on Isle Royale National Park. There are no roadways for cars on the island.
Although Isle Royale National Park is the least visited national park in the United States, it gets the highest number of repeat visitors.
Wildlife that can be seen in Isle Royale National Park include moose, wolves, beavers, foxes, loons, ducks, hares, and squirrels among others.
Reptiles found in Isle Royale National Park include garter snakes, northern redbelly snakes, and black rat snakes. Toads, frogs and salamanders are also common.
In 1940 there were 2,962 visitors to Isle Royale National Park. In 2012 there were 16,663 visitors.
The weather in Lake Superior can be very harsh. Because of this there are several shipwrecks around Isle Royale National Park, which are mostly well preserved in the fresh, cold water.
Visitors to Isle Royale National Park can camp, hike, boat, day trip, and fish, as well as sight see and explore the wilderness.


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