Interpretive Programs & Guided Tours

Interpretive Programs

Rock Harbor Area Programs
Check at visitor center upon arrival for a complete schedule.

Island Connections Join a park ranger for an in-depth exploration of Isle Royale’s natural and cultural history. Offered most nights in July and August, limited schedule in June and September.

Rock Harbor Reflections  Take a leisurely afternoon hike with a park ranger to discover Rock Harbor’s special places. 


Daisy Farm Area Program  
Learn about Isle Royale’s natural and cultural history at the site of a historic settlement. Check for availability of programs at the campground bulletin board.

Windigo Area Programs
Check at the visitor center upon arrival for a complete schedule.

Island Insights
Join a park ranger for an in-depth exploration of Isle Royale’s natural or cultural history. Offered most nights in July and August, limited schedule in June and September.

West EndWanders
Stroll along the trail with a park ranger to discover Windigo’s special places. Offered most afternoons in July and August.

Windigo Whispers
Listen to stories of Isle Royale’s natural or cultural history as shared by a park ranger. Offered most afternoons in July and August.


Ranger III Area Programs
The National Park's ship departing from Houghton, Michigan offers onboard interpretive and educational programs centered on the National Park Service, Isle Royale National Park, and Lake Superior.

National Park Service

Edison Fishery, cultural demonstrator, Les Matson, set his nets.

Guided Tours

MV Sandy Tours From Rock Harbor
For all tours and programs involving the MV Sandy, obtain tickets and information at the Lodge Office. MV Sandy tours operate from early June through early September. Fare rates vary; children under 12 are half price.

Hidden Lake/Lookout Louise (Tuesday and Thursday) ($)
A 4-mile boat trip on the MV Sandy to Hidden Lake Trailhead followed by a guided 2-mile round trip hike past Hidden Lake up 320 feet to Lookout Louise. View the south shore of Canada and the north shore of Isle Royale. Return with the group or bring a lunch and water and hike 9.4 miles back to Rock Harbor. Guided by the National Park Service.

Passage Island (Monday and Friday) ($) 
An 8-mile boat tour on the MV Sandy crosses one of the Isle Royale’s popular shipping lanes. The 2-mile guided round-trip hike leads to Passage Island Lighthouse and explores an area of low moose presence. Guided by the National Park Service.

North Side Cruise/Minong Mine (Wednesday) ($)
Cruise two hours each way along Isle Royale’s north shore bays, pass Blake Point and Amygdaloidal Island, with a possible stop at Belle Isle. A guide may be available to lead a 3-mile hike from McCargoe Cove to the historic Minong Mine. The hike includes difficult walking over steep piles of loose rock on an unmaintained trail. Trip may include a hike of Pine Mountain, offering excellent views of the Canadian shoreline. Bring lunch and beverage.

Edisen Fishery and Rock Harbor Lighthouse (Thursday and Saturday) ($)
Visit the historic commercial fishery with the resident fishery demonstrator (July thru August), take a quarter-mile walk to the oldest lighthouse (1855) on Isle Royale and enjoy its maritime exhibits. Guided by the National Park Service.

Captain’s Cruise (Tuesday evening) ($)
Explore with the Captain of the MV Sandy, scenic, out-of-the way destinations, such as Middle Island Passage, Lorelei Lane, Rock Harbor Lighthouse, Davidson Island, and Starvation Point.

Raspberry Island/Sunset Cruise (7-days a week) ($)
Take a walk along a boardwalk through the spruce bog on Raspberry Island followed by a cruise on the MV Sandy around Scoville and Blake Points to view features like the Canada shoreline, the site of the Monarch shipwreck, and a  Lake Superior sunset (after Aug. 15, cruise only).