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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 Jul 2026 · alerts checked Jul 10, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wed 26 | Fog | 72°F | 60°F | 42% |
| Thu 27 | Rain | 67°F | 53°F | 17% |
| Fri 28 | Overcast | 68°F | 52°F | 1% |
| Sat 29 | Overcast | 68°F | 51°F | 21% |
| Sun 30 | Light drizzle | 64°F | 56°F | 27% |
| Mon 31 | Rain showers | 68°F | 59°F | 22% |
| Tue 1 | Drizzle | 73°F | 59°F | 20% |
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 → - Park Closure
Tent Camping Closed at Three Mile Campground
Due to increased human-wildlife interactions and food storage concerns, individual tent sites and group sites at Three Mile Campground are currently closed. Tent and hammock camping are not permitted anywhere within the campground. Off-trail camping zones 11, 12, and 33 are closed. Shelters remain open. Food, trash, and scented items must be stored in animal-resistant, hard-sided containers or food storage lockers. Backpacks must be stored in shelters. Closed areas will be patrolled to ensure compliance.
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.