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I've Visited 30 National Parks Across the U.S., and This Is the Most Underrated

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, September 20th 2025 at 15:21 GMT by Travel + Leisure
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Why Isle Royale National Park Is the Most Underrated Gem on the Great Lakes

When people think of the Great Lakes, images of bustling ports, sandy shorelines, and towering skyline vistas usually come to mind. Few, however, are aware of a remote, almost mystical island that sits 25 miles off the Upper Peninsula of Michigan: Isle Royale National Park. The Travel + Leisure piece “Isle Royale National Park: The Most Underrated” (Travel + Leisure, 2024) argues that this little‑known destination deserves a spot on every traveler’s bucket list. The article is a detailed, accessible guide that explains why the park is so under‑appreciated, how to get there, and what makes it uniquely enchanting.

1. The Park in a Nutshell

Isle Royale is a 14,500‑acre island in Lake Superior, part of the United States National Park System. It is famous for its wilderness character, wildlife, and geological history. According to the article, the park is home to a “balanced, predator‑prey relationship” between the island’s moose and wolves—a rare living laboratory that attracts biologists and nature enthusiasts alike. The park also boasts over 30 miles of trails, a network of campsites, and several historic sites related to early mining and logging operations.

The Travel + Leisure piece pulls in data from the National Park Service (NPS) page for Isle Royale (https://www.nps.gov/isro/index.htm), which provides current visitor numbers and permits. The park has seen a steady rise in visitation in recent years, but it remains far less crowded than many other Great Lakes attractions.

2. Accessibility: A Major Hurdle—and a Selling Point

One of the main reasons Isle Royale is considered underrated is simply that it is hard to get to. The article emphasizes that the park can only be reached by boat or small plane. For most travelers, the most straightforward route is the ferry service from Houghton, Michigan, or the tiny ferry from the town of Marquette. A quick look at the NPS ferry schedule reveals that the crossing takes about 2½ hours each way. The travel + leisure article cites a travel‑blogger who said, “If you’re willing to put in that extra time, the isolation is part of the reward.”

There are also air options: the NPS offers scheduled float‑plane flights from Houghton and Marquette. The article points readers to the NPS flight schedule page (https://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/flying.htm) for details, noting that flights are available year‑round but are more frequent in the summer months.

3. The Wilderness Experience

Travel + Leisure spends a substantial portion of its article on the sensory and emotional impact of being on the island. The author writes that “the sound of wind in the spruce forests, the scent of pine resin, and the sight of a lone wolf on the ridge at dawn are memories that stick.” The island’s remote setting allows visitors to disconnect from the digital world; the article recommends leaving smartphones behind (although the NPS website advises keeping a map or GPS device for safety).

The park’s 197‑mile “Isle Royale Trail” is mentioned as the main hiking artery, with short day‑trips such as the 6.8‑mile Red Cliff Trail and the 3.8‑mile “Hollow Tree Trail.” These loops are described as “breathtaking” because they cut through rugged cliffs, clear lakes, and dense spruce‑tamarack swamps. The article advises hikers to carry bear‑proof food containers, as the moose population can be surprisingly close to human habitation.

4. Wildlife: The Ultimate Attraction

Perhaps the article’s strongest selling point is the wildlife. It describes the moose population—over 800 individuals—as “the world’s largest stable, land‑locked moose herd.” Meanwhile, the island’s gray wolf pack, first recorded in the 1950s, has become a case study in ecological management. Travel + Leisure quotes a biologist who explains how the wolves and moose interact in a “dynamic equilibrium” that has helped keep both populations healthy.

Beyond the iconic moose and wolves, the park supports a diverse array of bird species, including bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and ospreys. For those interested in fishing, the article highlights the abundance of trout in the island’s lakes and streams—particularly in Frog Lake and the unnamed ponds that dot the island.

5. Accommodations: Camp, Cabins, and Beyond

The article discusses the limited but varied accommodation options. There are 18 designated campsites—most of which require a reservation well in advance. The NPS booking site (https://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/camping.htm) is linked for readers to secure a spot. For those who prefer a bit more comfort, the park offers a few rustic cabins (such as the “Frog Lake” cabin), which can be rented through the NPS’s own cabin rental program.

The Travel + Leisure piece also references a local guide, “Island Adventures,” which provides kayak tours and guided hikes. A link to the company’s website (https://www.islandadventures.com) offers booking options for those who want a more structured experience.

6. Practical Tips for Visiting

The article ends with a handy “Visitor Checklist” that echoes the NPS safety page. Key recommendations include:

• Permits: A day‑use permit is free, but overnight permits and campsite reservations are required. The article links to the permit page (https://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/permits.htm).
• Gear: Bring layered clothing for rapidly changing weather, a headlamp, a bear‑proof container for food, and a reliable map or GPS.
• Timing: Early June is ideal for wolf watching, while early October provides the best fall colors. Winter visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and cross‑country skiing.
• Respect the Rules: The park enforces strict “Leave No Trace” guidelines. The article quotes the NPS rulebook: “Leave the wilderness as you found it.”

7. Why It’s Underrated

In the final paragraph, the article sums up the mystery: “Isle Royale is underrated not because it lacks appeal, but because it simply demands a bit more effort to reach. Those who pay that effort are rewarded with a sense of place that feels almost otherworldly.” The author encourages readers to “plan a trip, book a ferry, and let the wilderness take you back to a simpler, rawer form of travel.”

8. Further Reading

The Travel + Leisure piece references several external resources that readers might find useful:

• National Park Service page for Isle Royale (https://www.nps.gov/isro/index.htm)
• Ferry schedule and reservation system (https://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/ferry.htm)
• Island Adventures (https://www.islandadventures.com)
• “Isle Royale National Park” Wikipedia entry for a quick historical overview

Each link is embedded in the article to help readers dive deeper into specific aspects—whether it’s booking a permit, checking ferry times, or reading up on the park’s wildlife science.

9. Final Verdict

Travel + Leisure’s article does more than just inform; it invites the reader to imagine the quiet roar of the moose herd and the hushed rustle of wolves in the pine. By weaving together practical advice, natural science, and vivid narrative, the piece makes a compelling case that Isle Royale is the most underrated gem in the Great Lakes region. If you’re looking for a destination that balances solitude with unforgettable wildlife encounters, this remote island might just be the hidden treasure your travel calendar has been missing.