Isle Royale National Park - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Hatchet Lake, has a great deal to offer visitors. From its gorgeous lake views and crystal clear waters perfect for fishing and swimming, to its verdant trails ideally suited for those seeking recreational hikes, Hatchet Lake offers something for everyone. Boating and kayaking are additional activities available for guests looking to explore further. The surrounding pines offer a sense of serenity that brings visitors back year after year.

Isle Royale lighthouse, has been guiding wayward ships to safety since 1855. Made of quarry-stone cut limestone, its elegant red and white base stands tall amongst the picturesque Lake Superior shoreline. The lighthouse was originally 71 ½ feet tall with an additional 24-foot tower added in 1898. Accompanied by a wood frame keeper’s quarters, the lighthouse is still intact and the lens is still used to direct ships across the lake at night.

The Mount Ojibway Tower is a great place to take in the beauty of Lake Superior and the surrounding area. Standing at 100 feet tall atop Copper Peak, the observation tower was built in 1964 to provide breathtaking views of both the pristine lake and distant mountains. A unique feature of this tower is its three levels of viewing platforms. Visitors can choose from elevated, enclosed gazebo platforms or an open-air deck for spectacular 360 degree panoramic views!

The Rock Harbor Lighthouse, is an iconic piece of history. Built in 1847 and still standing proud to this day, its purpose was to serve as a guide for ships navigating through the treacherous waters of Lake Superior. Its light shines brightly over the town below and can be seen from miles away. It is a prime example of architecture from the area in the 1800s and has withstood nearly two centuries of ferocious winter storms on Lake Superior due to its solid rock foundation.

Rock Harbor is a picturesque fishing village nestled at the tip of Lake Superior. A popular destination for locals and tourists alike, Rock Harbor boasts breathtaking views and offers plenty of recreational activities to enjoy. Fishing enthusiasts will love its plentiful opportunities for deep-sea angling, while those looking for a more relaxed vacation can take gentle boat cruises along the harbor or do some bird watching at the local park.

Rock of Ages Lighthouse is one of the oldest surviving lighthouses on Lake Superior. Established in 1908, it stands at a height of 124 feet and is a beacon of navigation for ships traversing the lake. The lighthouse was commissioned by the US Government to replace three other lighthouses that had become damaged beyond repair due to the harsh weather conditions on Lake Superior’s northern shore. Today, this historic site still serves as a navigational aid for many ships.