Isle Royale is a part of an entirely different world than the one in which we labor daily. It knows nothing and cares less of the triumphs of modern civilization.
― Albert Stoll, Jr.
Date Created: April 3, 1940.
Location: Lake Superior, in the state of Michigan, USA. It consists of Isle Royale and several smaller islands.
Size: Approximately 571,790 acres (231,385 hectares).
Leaving the iconic village of Copper Harbor, Michigan early in the morning with a spectacular sunrise the ferry loaded and set sail 54 miles across Lake Superior. Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world holding 10% of the worlds surface fresh water and known as a graveyard for hundreds of boats, both large and small (Think Edmund Fitzgerald). My voyage included sunshine, bright blue skies, billowy, white clouds and barely a ripple of wave as we sailed through major shipping lanes leaving gigantic cargo ships in our wake. We arrived at Rock Harbor on Isle Royale Island, one of about 400 islands in this preserved archipelago. A varied group left the ferry. Some passengers unloaded camping gear, backpacks, fishing gear and canoes intent on spending days, even weeks. Others were here to enjoy a day surrounded by the peace and quiet of this beautiful island. The hike along Stoll Trail was amazing. Prolifically blooming wildflowers, grasses and a canopy of trees with a cacophony of birds singing made for an amazing hike. One of the least visited parks in the United States due to its remote location, it is truly worth the time and energy to explore!
