Discover the best of the Great Lakes with a comparison of two of the most beautiful national parks in the region: Isle Royale National Park and Voyageurs National Park. These two parks offer unique experiences that are sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors. Whether you’re seeking a remote wilderness adventure or a water-based excursion, these parks have something for everyone.
Isle Royale National Park is a remote and rugged island located in Lake Superior. It’s the perfect destination for those seeking a true wilderness experience, away from the hustle and bustle of modern society. With its rugged beauty and diverse wildlife, Isle Royale is a nature-lover’s paradise.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is a water-based park located in northern Minnesota. This park is all about exploring the waterways, with opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and boating. With its pristine lakes, towering forests, and abundant wildlife, Voyageurs is a perfect destination for those who love the water and the great outdoors.
So, whether you’re an experienced kayaker or just looking for a peaceful escape, these two parks offer unforgettable experiences that are sure to leave you in awe. Read on to discover which park is the right choice for your next adventure!
Hiking Trails in Isle Royale National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Both Isle Royale National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer breathtaking hiking experiences, but they have distinct differences in their trails. Isle Royale is a remote island located in Lake Superior and is accessible only by boat or seaplane. The park offers 40 miles of trails that range from easy lakeshore walks to challenging backcountry treks. One of the most popular hikes on the island is the Greenstone Ridge Trail, a challenging 40-mile hike that offers stunning views of the island and Lake Superior. On the other hand, Voyageurs National Park is located in northern Minnesota and has over 100 miles of shoreline and numerous interconnected waterways. Visitors can hike on the park’s 31 miles of trails, including the Kabetogama Peninsula Trail which offers a moderate hike through the park’s forests and wetlands. The park also has several easy hikes, such as the Rainy Lake Visitor Center Trail, which provides visitors with stunning views of the park’s waterways and wildlife.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Isle Royale National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenstone Ridge Trail: Windigo to Tobin Harbor | 63568.93 | 1216.7616 | Hard | point to point | 4 |
| Rainbow Cove Trail | 2253.076 | 21.9456 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
| Malone Bay to Hatchett Lake | 37658.556 | 664.7688 | Moderate | out and back | 0 |
| Ishpeming Trail to Ishpeming Point | 23496.364 | 339.852 | Moderate | out and back | 0 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Voyageurs National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blind Ash Bay Trail | 5793.624 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail | 643.736 | 17.9832 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Cruiser Lake to Brown Lake and Anderson Bay | 14001.258 | 224.9424 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Beaver Pond Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Kab-Ash Trail | 24461.968 | 406.908 | Easy | out and back | 3 |
| Sullivan Bay Trail | 2092.142 | 27.7368 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail | 1931.208 | 22.86 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
Wildlife in Isle Royale National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Isle Royale National Park is located in Lake Superior, Michigan and is known for its diverse wildlife. Visitors can expect to see moose, wolves, foxes, and beavers. The moose population on Isle Royale is one of the largest in the country and is a unique opportunity to observe these animals in their natural habitat. The wolves on Isle Royale are also a unique opportunity to observe as they are a closed population, isolated from mainland wolves.
Voyageurs National Park, located in northern Minnesota, is also home to a diverse range of wildlife. Visitors can expect to see beavers, otters, and moose. Additionally, the park is also home to a wide variety of birds, including bald eagles, ospreys, and loons. The park’s location on the border of the boreal forest and the prairie makes it a unique habitat for both plant and animal life. The park is also home to a variety of plant species, including wildflowers, shrubs, and trees.
Overall, both parks offer unique opportunities to observe diverse wildlife in their natural habitats. Isle Royale is known for its moose and wolf populations, while Voyageurs is known for its diverse range of animals and birds, as well as its unique combination of boreal forest and prairie habitats.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Isle Royale National Park and Voyageurs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Isle Royale National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Northern Harrier |
| Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Sharp-Shinned Hawk |
| Osprey | Osprey |
| Tree Swallow | Tree Swallow |
| Mallard | Mallard |
| Canada Goose | Canada Goose |
| Lincoln’s Sparrow | Lincoln’s Sparrow |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
| American Robin | American Robin |
| Great Horned Owl | Great Horned Owl |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Northern Flicker | Northern Flicker |
| Merlin | Merlin |
| Barn Swallow | Barn Swallow |
| Savannah Sparrow | Savannah Sparrow |
| Great Blue Heron | Great Blue Heron |
| Hermit Thrush | Hermit Thrush |
| American Kestrel | American Kestrel |
| Bald Eagle | Bald Eagle |
| Song Sparrow | Song Sparrow |
| European Starling | European Starling |
| Northern Pintail | Northern Pintail |
| American Wigeon | American Wigeon |
| Green-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Isle Royale National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Striped Skunk | Bobcat |
| Little Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
| Deer Mouse | Little Brown Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Deer Mouse |
| Hoary Bat | Raccoon |
| Red Fox | Black Bear |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Porcupine |
| Mink | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Gray Wolf | Hoary Bat |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Red Fox |
| Snowshoe Hare | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| North American River Otter | House Mouse |
| Canada Lynx | Mountain Lion |
| Marten | Mink |
| Moose | Common Gray Fox |
| Red Bat | Plains Wolf |
| Norway Rat | American Badger |
| Southern Red-Backed Vole | Ermine |
| Northern Long-Eared Bat | Snowshoe Hare |
| River Otter | |
| Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Isle Royale National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Coaster Brook Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Brown Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Longnose Sucker | Bluegill |
| Harvey Lake Fathead Minnow | Fathead Minnow |
| Golden Shiner | Golden Shiner |
| Lake Trout | Lake Trout |
| Northern Pike | Northern Pike |
| Ellpout | Ellpout |
| Coho Salmon | Mottled Sculpin |
| Chinook Salmon | Slimy Sculpin |
| Mottled Sculpin | Longnose Dace |
| Slimy Sculpin | Black Crappie |
| Longnose Dace | Black Bullhead |
| Black Crappie | Creek Chub |
| Pink Salmon | Brown Bullhead |
| Creek Chub | Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Isle Royale National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Wood Frog | Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Isle Royale National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Isle Royale National Park is located in the middle of Lake Superior and is comprised of one large island and hundreds of smaller islands. The park is famous for its rugged wilderness and its abundant wildlife, including moose, wolves, and beavers. Visitors to Isle Royale can hike the many trails that traverse the island and enjoy stunning views of Lake Superior and the surrounding islands. The park also offers opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is located on the border of Minnesota and Canada and is comprised of over 200,000 acres of pristine lakes, forests, and wetlands. The park is famous for its stunning waterfalls, such as Kettle Falls, and its abundant wildlife, including moose, beavers, and black bears. Visitors to Voyageurs National Park can explore the many lakes and waterways by boat, canoe, or kayak and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. The park also offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and camping, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Both Isle Royale National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer visitors the chance to immerse themselves in stunning natural landscapes and experience the beauty of the great outdoors.
Things To-Do and Activities in Isle Royale National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Isle Royale National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. While both parks offer ample opportunities for hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing, each has its own unique set of attractions.
Isle Royale National Park, located in Lake Superior, is known for its remote wilderness and backcountry camping. Visitors can explore the island by boat, kayak, or foot, and are likely to encounter moose, wolves, and other wildlife. The park also offers ranger-led programs, such as campfire talks and guided hikes, for those who want to learn more about the island’s ecosystem.
Voyageurs National Park, located in northern Minnesota, is centered around four large lakes. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and water-based activities, such as kayaking and canoeing. The park also offers scenic drives, hiking trails, and ranger-led programs. In addition, Voyageurs is home to several historic sites, including the Kettle Falls Hotel and the Ash River Visitor Center, which offer a glimpse into the park’s rich history.
Whether you are seeking a remote wilderness experience or a more developed park with a variety of activities, both Isle Royale and Voyageurs National Parks offer something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Isle Royale National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Isle Royale National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two well-known national parks in the United States that offer unique outdoor recreational experiences. While both parks are located in the Northern Great Lakes region, the seasonal weather patterns are different.
Isle Royale National Park experiences a more severe climate with longer and colder winters. The average temperature in the winter months ranges from -10 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a prime destination for winter sports like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing. Summer temperatures are mild, with average temperatures ranging from 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, making it an ideal time to hike and explore the park.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, experiences warmer summers with average temperatures ranging from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer is the peak season for boating, fishing, and camping activities. Winter temperatures are still cold, but not as severe as Isle Royale, with average temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter sports like snowmobiling and ice fishing are popular during this time.
In conclusion, both Isle Royale National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer unique outdoor recreational experiences, but the best time to visit each park depends on the type of recreational activities you want to do. If you are interested in winter sports, Isle Royale National Park is a better option, while Voyageurs National Park is best for summer activities.
Family Friendliness of Isle Royale National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Isle Royale National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two unique and beautiful national parks that are located in the United States. Each park has its own unique features and attractions, but what sets them apart is their family-friendliness.
Isle Royale National Park is ideal for families who enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking and camping. The park has a variety of trails that range from easy to challenging, making it a great destination for families with children of all ages. The park also offers several educational programs that are designed to engage kids and help them learn about the park’s ecosystems and wildlife.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is ideal for families who enjoy boating and water-based activities. The park has several lakes and waterways that are perfect for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The park also has several campgrounds and picnic areas, making it a great destination for families who enjoy spending time outdoors. Additionally, the park offers several educational programs and ranger-led activities that are designed to engage kids and help them learn about the park’s ecosystems and wildlife.
In conclusion, both Isle Royale National Park and Voyageurs National Park are great destinations for families who enjoy spending time outdoors. However, if you’re traveling with children and you prefer outdoor activities such as hiking and camping, Isle Royale National Park is the better option. If you prefer boating and water-based activities, Voyageurs National Park is the better choice.