Isle Royale — Local services in Eagle Harbor Township

Well my scouts had to choose between Yellowstone and Isle Royale for a summer trip (with the flooding, I'm glad they picked here). I took ages 9-16 out. We opted for a ferry ride out and back. We we spent 5 nights on the Isle. Backpacked to different campsites everyday. The trails are well marked (we hiked 32 miles of the island, with a lot more to go). The locations of all campsites are also well marked. At Windigo, there are 2 different options for sleeping. There are enclosed shelters or tent sites. We chose a shelter for our final night since it is right on the inlet. We were able to see several moose walking the waters at sunset. Red Fox also visited our site. The cove has a spectacular view. Even though the water was chilly, the scouts were out splashing around, having a great time. While hiking, we ran across very few people on the trails. Very few hikers and the park being so remote, were huge parts of the peacefulness and quietness that we all enjoyed.

The rangers were all fantastic and the employees at the shop were also friendly. The shop does have some supplies, but they only get shipments every 4 weeks. So if you are planning on being there just overnight or several nights be prepared, they may not have what you need. You must be able to filter your water, chemically treat it, or boil it. Only windigo and the northern port have potable water. Cell service is basically non existent. Every now and then, I had an American signal. Other times I picked up a Canadian signal.

I am definitely going back. Wether it is with more scouts...

An absolutely life-changing experience. If you are questioning whether or not to come here and are on the fence, definitely visit Isle Royale. I stayed at Three Mile, Daisy Farms, Mcargoe Cove, West Chickenbone, and Moskey Basin. If I had to rank them, it would be 1. Moskey Basin- absolutely beautiful and super cool rock formations, and a sandy beach. 2-Daisy farms-very large, nice dock. Water super clear and blue, and campsites were nice 3-Mcargoe Cove-super friendly people, boat access, and a beaver dam across the cove! 4- Three mile- nice dock, clean latrine, and only 3 miles from Rock Harbor. 5-West Chickenbone-Very mosquitoey, and campsites were hard to navigate. It was a long, confusing hike and we weren't sure where to go in order to get to the campsite. Still a good one, but backcountry so no water access except chickenbone lake, which I am not sure if it has algae blooms. My experience with Isle Royale was amazing and if you get a group of people together, it...

In the 80's we thought we owned this place. Went twice a year and hit most of the lakes by canoe, even one that had no trail to it ( Halloran ) Ate lots of pike and rice and Chef Boyardee pizza. It was hard, but fun. Hiked the Feldtmann loop many times and Rainbow Cove was not to be missed. The Northern Lights straight overhead, and moose and foxes galore. Never saw a wolf, of course, but we heard them howl once at Siskiwit Bay. And one frosty morning in late September, we were crossing the bridge over Grace Creek and there was a pile of steaming scat with a beaver bone in it. Perhaps that is why they howl?😁

In summation, go if you can. It's a hard place, but worth it. Too many calendar pages lie behind us now, but by golly, we gave it hell back in the day.

Suzy and Ken Isle Royale...