National Park · MI
Isle Royale National Park
Isle Royale is quietest in January and February and busiest in August.
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.
29K recreation visits a year on average (2023–2025)
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Pick a month to visit Isle Royale
This week
7-day forecast
| Day | Conditions | High | Low | Precip chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 18 | Overcast | 60°F | 48°F | 0% |
| Mon 19 | Overcast | 56°F | 41°F | 0% |
| Tue 20 | Overcast | 53°F | 40°F | 0% |
| Wed 21 | Overcast | 57°F | 48°F | 3% |
| Thu 22 | Overcast | 56°F | 45°F | 1% |
| Fri 23 | Overcast | 57°F | 47°F | 2% |
| Sat 24 | Light rain | 56°F | 52°F | 13% |
Forecast data by Open-Meteo
Source: Open-Meteo
Weather
Monthly climate normals
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Precip |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 20°F | 1°F | 1.4" |
| February | 24°F | 2°F | 1.0" |
| March | 34°F | 13°F | 1.3" |
| April | 45°F | 26°F | 2.8" |
| May | 58°F | 37°F | 3.1" |
| June | 68°F | 46°F | 3.6" |
| July | 74°F | 52°F | 3.4" |
| August | 73°F | 52°F | 3.0" |
| September | 65°F | 44°F | 3.1" |
| October | 51°F | 33°F | 3.4" |
| November | 38°F | 22°F | 2.6" |
| December | 26°F | 9°F | 1.7" |
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, GRAND PORTAGE, MN US
Know before you go
Fees & hours
- Entrance fee
- $7 — $7 per person per day to enter or remain in Isle Royale National Park. Children 15 and younger are exempt. Visiting Park Headquarters in Houghton, MI does not require a fee.
- Hours
- Isle Royale National Park is open annually from April 16 to October 31. Transportation services are offered from May to September. The island and its surrounding islands are closed to all visitors from November 1 to April 15 due to extreme winter weather conditions and for the safety and protection of visitors. This closure extends 4.5 miles out into Lake Superior from the island. Park headquarters during the winter is in Houghton, Michigan. Summer headquarters is located at Mott Island on Isle Royale.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Information
Food Storage Regulations in Effect
Proper food storage is required on Isle Royale. All food, trash, scented items, cooking supplies, cooking utensils, and fish/fish parts must be stored properly. To learn more about food storage and to learn how to properly store your food, trash, and scented items, click "more."
Details on nps.gov → - Information
All Backpacks Must be in Storage Area at Three Mile and Rock Harbor.
All backpacks must be stored in backpack storage areas at Three Mile and Rock Harbor campgrounds. All food and scented items are to be in the Food Storage Lockers. Containers should be kept in the Food Storage Locker when space allows or near the Food Storage Locker, do not store in tents.
Details on nps.gov → - Caution
Harmful Algal Blooms Occurring in Lake Richie and Intermediate Lake
Blooms are tested for toxin levels and monitored. Toxin levels are consistently low on Isle Royale. It is not recommended to filter water in any areas where there is surface scum, strong odors, or other evidence of a significant bloom. Blooms move around depending on wind and rain – filter water from places where blooms are not present or a different water source. It is low risk to filter water from relatively clear areas of an impacted water source.
Details on nps.gov → - Park Closure
Tent Camping Closed at Multiple East End Campgrounds
Due to increased human-wildlife interactions and food storage concerns, individual tent sites and group sites at Three Mile, Daisy Farm, Moskey Basin, and Caribou Island Campgrounds are currently closed. Tent and hammock camping are not permitted anywhere within the campground. Off-trail camping zones 10, 11, 12, 13, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 are closed. Shelters remain open. Closed areas will be patrolled to ensure compliance.
Details on nps.gov → - Caution
Island Mine Campground Stream Low
The stream has very little water flow. Campers should bring enough water to Island Mine or plan on collecting water along your route.
- Information
Boat Fuel Unavailable
Fuel for boaters will not be available from September 13 through October 31 except for emergencies only. Boaters are encouraged to bring extra fuel in containers.
Details on nps.gov →
Source: NPS Data API
FAQ
Isle Royale questions
When is the best time to visit Isle Royale?
Isle Royale is least crowded in January, February, and March. August is the busiest month, so visiting outside it means thinner crowds and easier parking.
How much does it cost to visit Isle Royale?
Entrance to Isle Royale costs $7 ($7 per person per day to enter or remain in Isle Royale National Park. Children 15 and younger are exempt. Visiting Park Headquarters in Houghton, MI does not require a fee.).
When is Isle Royale busiest?
Isle Royale is busiest in August, when crowds rate 10/10 (peak). Expect full parking lots and longer waits; arrive early or choose a quieter month.
How crowded is Isle Royale during holidays and fee-free days?
Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July) and official NPS fee-free days typically bring peak crowd conditions to Isle Royale. Arrive before 8 AM or after 3 PM to secure parking and avoid peak trail congestion.