Size: 571,790 Acres

Year Established: 1940

Annual Visitors: 26,000

Firearms Information in Isle Royale National Park

Since February 22, 2010, a new federal law lets people who are allowed to have guns by federal, state, and local laws bring them into this park. Look at Section 512 of the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act of 2009, Public Law 111-24, 123 Stat. 1766–765.

Before entering this park, visitors are expected to know and follow all applicable state, local, and federal gun laws. Please look at the Michigan State Police website as a starting point to learn more and to check for updates. Please keep in mind that Michigan does accept licenses and permits to carry a concealed weapon from some other states.

There are also places in this park where guns are not allowed by federal law. These places are marked with signs at all public entrances.

Visitors to Isle Royal National Park who take the Ranger III, publics boats, or seaplanes to the island must have a Michigan approved concealed weapons permit. If you want to bring your gun to the island, you must get permission from the “Master of the Vessel” first. If you get permission, you can’t use the gun while you’re on the ship. The gun must be locked in a case, taken apart, and unloaded, and you must tell the “Master of the Vessel” when this is done.

Hunting in Isle Royale National Park

There is no hunting or discharge of firearms within Isle Royale National Park.

Fishing in Isle Royale National Park

Yes, you can fish in Lake Superior when at Isle Royale National Park. Some of the most well-known fish in the area are brook trout, lake trout, and lake whitefish.

Additional Information About Isle Royale National Park

Around 4,600 years ago, the Ojibwe people began exploring the dense forests of this 45-mile-long archipelago in search of copper. Towards the end of the 19th century, western prospectors flocked here in search of the precious mineral. This area of Lake Superior is known as a ship cemetery due to the severe weather that many passengers had to endure.

Divers can find side-wheelers and steamboats at the lake’s bottom that have been preserved by the cold water. The government recognized the Minong Copper Mining District on the island as a National Historic Landmark in 2021 to commemorate the industry’s significance throughout the course of millennia.

With its remote location, rocky shoreline, and foggy lagoons, Isle Royale is the least visited national park in the contiguous United States. The land may be in the middle of nowhere, but it is bustling with life. About 600 species of blooming plants, 100 species of grasses, and blueberry carpets can be found there. The deep spruce and fir forests are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including wolves, moose, foxes, and beaver ponds.

Best Time to Visit Isle Royale National Park

The best time to visit Isle Royale National Park is between the months of July to August.

Visitor Fees

$7.00 per person per day

Seasonal Park Pass

$60.00 per group

*This pass will cover 4 adults total (including the park pass holder). Season is April 16 through October 31.

Interesting in visiting multiple National Parks this year?

Consider the America The Beautiful Annual Park Pass.

This annual park pass to gets you and some friends into all U.S. National Parks for $80.
They also offer Senior, Military, and other discounts.

Get Pass

Visitor Centers

Houghton Visitor Center

Address

800 E. Lakeshore Drive,
Houghton, MI 49931

Phone Number

(906) 482-0984

Hours of Operation
  • April 18 – May 29
    Monday-Friday 10:00 am – 4:00pm
  • May 30 – September 15
    Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm EDT
    Saturday 10 am – 5 pm EDT
  • September 16 – October 31
    Monday-Friday 10:00 am – 4:00pm
  • October 31 – April 17
    Closed

Be sure to check for seasonal closures.

Rock Harbor Visitor Center

Address

Northeast Isle Royale National Park

Phone Number

(906) 337-4993

Hours of Operation (June 6 – September 17)
  • Sunday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Monday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Tuesday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Wednesday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Thursday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Friday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Saturday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Be sure to check for seasonal closures.

Windigo Visitor Center

Address

Southwest Isle Royale National Park

Phone Number

(906) 482-0984

Hours of Operation (June 6 – September 17)
  • Sunday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Monday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Tuesday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Wednesday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Thursday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Friday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Saturday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Be sure to check for seasonal closures.

Check Out The Complete Firearms Regulations For U.S. National Parks Here
 Previous
Next