ISLE ROYALE NATIONAL PARK

Measuring 72 km by 14 km at its widest point, Île Royale forms the national park alongside some 400 islets and a lake territory within a 7.2-km radius of the island. Its surface area is relatively small: 2,320 km², of which only 540 km² is landward. The park borders Canada's Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area and the State of Minnesota. Since 1980, it has been recognized as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. In addition to hiking, you can rent canoes and kayaks at Rock Harbor or Windigo, scuba dive (contact Isle Royale Charters for guided excursions), fish and go boating.

Four ferry services run between the mainland and the island, including two from Michigan (departures from Houghton and Copper Harbor) and two from Minnesota (departures from Grand Portage and Grand Marais). Seaplane access is also available (departures from Hancock and Grand Marais). Information on schedules and fares on the website. Additional charges apply if you bring your own watercraft.

36 campsites are scattered around the island. A permit is required and is free of charge, but a maximum number of overnight stays is imposed at each site. Campsites are accessible by water or footpath, and range in distance from 3.2 km to 19 km. Be sure to ask about the equipment you need to bring and the services offered on the island.