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Isle Royale, an island archipelago in Lake Superior, is a true wilderness gem. There are no cars allowed on the island, and all visitors must come ashore by boat or float plane. There is one simple lodge on the main island, where we stay, and miles of beckoning trails. Isle Royale National Park and the Rock Harbor Lodge concession staff provide a host of interpretive programs; we can choose from these and our own inspirations throughout the trip.

Far away from the rest of the world, enjoy an immersion in North Woods nature. At one time two miles of ice covered this island, set in the largest freshwater lake in the world. Today the park is recognized as a Biosphere Reserve, a pristine example of Northern Biome forests, lakes, bogs, and island shorelines. Its rock spine is ancient and scored by the movements of retreating glaciers some 10,000 years ago. We spend four nights on the island, and our tour price includes the round-trip ferry from Copper Harbor, Michigan. From Houghton at the start and end of the trip, we take two full days to explore the beauty of Michigan’s U.P., in particular the Keweenaw Peninsula, where natural and cultural highlights abound.

This is a sampler trip with time for birding, natural history, scenery, and geography; we explore to gain a wonderful sense of place. Plan on an active trip with opportunities to hike, paddle (canoe or kayak), and take short boat trips to nearby islands of the archipelago and before returning to nice accommodations and dining at day’s end. Hikes can be gentle or challenging; each day we have a group activity with our leader, or you can choose to explore on your own—we give you options to fit your energies each day. Experience the slowness of island time; the sense of place we gain on Isle Royale can be profound. As a special bonus, we time this trip for the fall migration as it peaks the last week of August on the Lake Superior shoreline.

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Tour Highlights

  • Experience history and grand scenery on Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula
  • Witness peak fall migration along Lake Superior's scenic coastline
  • Cross the ocean-like waters of Lake Superior to Rock Harbor on Isle Royale
  • Enjoy four nights in lakeside accommodations on Isle Royale, one of our most remote national parks
  • Watch for Moose and listen to Common Loon
  • Learn from experts about the exciting Isle Royale Wolf Project
  • Walk trails through aspen and pine forests amid Lilliputian plants and Snowshoe Hare
  • Watch Beaver feed and busily work on structures in their ponds
  • View amazing night skies and relax by a lakeshore campfire
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Trip Itinerary

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Fri., Aug. 25 : Arrival in Houghton/Hancock, Michigan


Welcome to Michigan’s Copper Country, a fascinating area for history, geology, and a sample of birds and natural history in Michigan’s famed U.P. (Upper Peninsula). Today is a day to arrive and settle in; if some are in early enough, we do a bit of local birding.

Our hotel sits right on the waterfront of Portage Lake, a partially natural, partially manmade waterway that cuts across the Keweenaw Peninsula, making the Keweenaw effectively an island. A lift-bridge makes it possible for large ships to pass. We plan to meet on the porch for introductions, have dinner, and then with luck we watch the sunset over the lake—a great start to the trip!
Accommodations at the Super 8, Portage Lake Waterfront, Houghton/Hancock (D)

Sat., Aug. 26 : Keweenaw Peninsula | Copper Harbor


We start the day with an optional early morning birding trip to the Pilgrim River mouth right in Houghton. The boardwalks through the marshes here offer great birding for land and waterbirds at very close range. We then return to hour hotel for breakfast, after which we set off to explore the many highlights of the Keweenaw Peninsula, taking in natural and cultural sites. Few realize that the Copper Rush here brought in 10 times the fortune of California’s Gold Rush. Today the story is told by abandoned mines and ghost towns, all part of the Keweenaw National Historic Park, part of our National Park system. The sites of the Park are scattered across the whole peninsula with excellent signs and interpretation of life here during the copper mining boom. If we drove straight through it’s an hour up to Copper Harbor—we take most of the day to do it.

There are picturesque lighthouses, several nature reserves where we walk the trails, the Quincy Mine, the legendary Keweenaw Snow Thermometer, and in Calumet we take a look at the excellent displays and a local Theater/Opera House (circa 1900) built of gorgeous Jacobsville red sandstone. We have lunch at a historic restaurant right in town.

We explore the Lake Superior shoreline near Eagle River and Eagle Harbor, where we find granite-eroded sands of the Canadian Shield, picturesque coves, offshore rocks, and often resting Herring and Ring-billed Gulls. We may find a mixed flock of warblers high in the canopy of pines. Magnolia, Myrtle (Yellow-rumped), Chestnut-sided, and Black-throated Green and Northern Parula are likely to be in on the action. For sure we stop by the Jam Pot, a bakery and store for jams and chutneys run by Byzantine monks.

The shoreline around Copper Harbor can be quite good for finding warblers and migratory songbirds in shrub habitat beside the harbor. A must here is to see the scenic Brockway Mountain Drive from Copper Harbor west, a route on which we stop at several overlooks before reaching the grand view of the very spine of the Keweenaw Fault. The viewpoint is over 700 feet higher than the lakeshore, and on a clear day it is possible to see all the way to Isle Royale, some 50 miles away. This landscape is richly clad in vegetation and dotted with lakes; several ridges run parallel before us adjacent to Lake Superior’s pebble-clad shore.

As evening approaches, enjoy some time to walk around the small village of Copper Harbor. Enjoy a delicious dinner at a favorite local restaurant (try the local Lake Superior Whitefish!), then rest up before our adventure—four fabulous nights on Isle Royale National Park.
Accommodations at the King Copper Hotel, Copper Harbor (B,L,D)

Sun., Aug. 27 : All Aboard the Ferry to Isle Royale National Park


This morning after an early breakfast, we head down to the ferry docks to join other comrades going to Isle Royale.

We set off in the morning on the Isle Royale Queen IV, a 100-passenger ferry, for a four-hour crossing to Rock Harbor. There is comfortable seating in several lounges and plenty of room on deck. Before you know it, the Rock Harbor light comes into view and soon staff members from the National Park Service are welcoming us ashore and giving us a brief orientation. We arrive at the island in time for lunch. As we wait to check into our rooms later this afternoon, we orient to the canoe docks, visitor center, trailheads, and general Rock Harbor area.

Enjoy the smell of pines and sound of lapping waves on the shoreline as we settle into our rooms. Those that wish can meet for a first walk and some local birding. Dinner is in the lodge’s cozy dining room; our rooms have porches overlooking Lake Superior!
Accommodations at Isle Royale Lodge (B,L,D)

Mon., Aug. 28 – Wed., Aug. 30 : Isle Royale National Park


With four nights here, we have three full days to explore the island, and each day we offer a mix of hikes at varied paces, opportunities to canoe or kayak, boat excursions with our guides, island birding, studying geology, learning about the Moose and Wolf studies, exploring a true bog with pitcher plants and sundews and free time to just relax.

This is a wilderness park, with just the one lodge, and little other development other than trails and the marina. Fall asleep to the lapping of waves on Lake Superior. Enjoy the simple rhythm of all meals at the lodge, unpack once for the four nights, and immerse yourself in North Woods nature. We time the visit for lack of crowds, and lack of pesky mosquitoes and black flies. We also time our visit for fall migration, and we hope for a good show of warblers!

Isle Royale is a treasured Biosphere Reserve, a fine example of the Northern Biome, with forests, lakes, bogs, and Lake Superior shorelines. Enjoy learning more at park ranger talks and explore from our home base at Rock Harbor; a water taxi is available so we can take shuttles to facilitate the best hiking. Avid hikers can return from one of our trips on the trail that follows the Island’s backbone, the Greenstone Ridge. You might even enjoy fishing or an evening kayak or canoe. Isle Royale is the home of the Peterson Wolf Research Center which provides information on wolves and moose over time, as this is the longest-running predator-prey study known, commencing in 1958. A strong supporter of conservation, Naturalist Journeys helped to fund the recent restoration of additional wolves to the island by providing matching funds of $2500 and encouraging donors for this vital project.
Accommodations at Rock Harbor Lodge, Isle Royale (B,L,D each day)

Thurs., Aug. 31 : Isle Royale | Copper Harbor


It’s always hard to say good-bye to island life, so blessedly removed from the busy pace of life for the rest of the world.

We still have the full morning on the island, as the ferry departs at 2:45 PM. The journey across is four hours, so we arrive with time to retrieve our luggage from the ferry and travel the short distance to our convenient hotel in downtown Copper Harbor. We then have a bit of free time to explore Copper Harbor, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodations at the King Copper Hotel, Copper Harbor (B,L,D)

Fri., Sept. 1 : Keweenaw Peninsula | Houghton/Hancock


Today, we have an early morning bird walk at scenic Hunter’s Point Park, just across the harbor from our hotel and the boat dock. We then return and, after breakfast and loading our vehicles, we drive back to Houghton exploring parts of the Keweenaw Peninsula on the way, either visiting new places or stopping again at some of our favorites. Time-permitting, we may visit historic Fort Wilkins before leaving town, some nature reserves and state parks, or the abandoned Central Mining District on our way south. We return to the Super 8 in Houghton tonight so if you wish to store some belongings there you can do so. We want to be here so those that need the early morning flights out can take them as there are not that many flights each day.
Accommodations at the Super 8 on Portage Lake, Houghton/Hancock (B,L,D)

Sat., Sept. 2 : Departures


Those flying out today can depart at your leisure; transportation will be provided to Houghton County Memorial (CMX) for morning departures and to Green Bay Austin Straubel (GRB) for flights out after 1:00 PM. (B)

View Printable Itinerary
  • Magnolia Warbler, Isle Royale, Northwoods Nature Tour, Michigan Nature Tour, Naturalist Journeys
  • Moose, Isle Royale, Northwoods Nature Tour, Michigan Nature Tour, Naturalist Journeys
  • Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Isle Royale, Northwoods Nature Tour, Michigan Nature Tour, Naturalist Journeys
  • American Redstart, Isle Royale, Northwoods Nature Tour, Michigan Nature Tour, Naturalist Journeys
  • Chestnut-sided Warbler, Isle Royale, Northwoods Nature Tour, Michigan Nature Tour, Naturalist Journeys
  • Pileated Woodpecker, Isle Royale, Northwoods Nature Tour, Michigan Nature Tour, Naturalist Journeys

Cost of the Journey

Cost of the tour is $3890 DBL / $4840 SGL from Houghton/Hancock, Michigan.

The tour price includes airport transfers, all accommodations, most meals as specified in the itinerary, round-trip ferry ride to and from the island, professional guide services, local guides, local park entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses.

It does not include roundtrip airfare to Houghton/Hancock, or items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone, drinks from the bar, gratuities for porterage, or personal services.

Travel Details

Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.

Please arrive in Houghton, Michigan at Houghton County Memorial (CMX) at your leisure on August 25. We officially meet for dinner as a group, but if you arrive earlier in the day, you can join in some casual birding. Please plan your departures at leisure from CMX on September 2, or if you prefer to depart from Green Bay, your guides will be returning the vans there and you are welcome to transfer with them. If you would like to depart from Green Bay-Austin Straubel International (GRB), please plan flights out after 1:00 PM on September 2.

Browse below for trip reports and species lists from past versions of this and other tours from this destination.

Michigan

Minnesota

Bearskin Lodge & Boundary Waters

Wisconsin

Map for Michigan’s Isle Royale & Keweenaw Peninsula

Essential Information +

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have Read more

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have the best experience possible. If you only read one section, this one is key!

Ahead of Your Tour

  • Please talk with your doctor about general health needs. It is a good idea to consult with your doctor about general vaccinations recommended for travel.
  • Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed. After you make travel reservations, please send a copy of your travel itinerary to the Naturalist Journeys office at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com.
  • Travel insurance in case of serious medical emergency is recommended. Full health coverage and repatriation is available through Allianz Travel Insurance, agent number 176098.
  • Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Remember to pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.

Health Information

We will share a copy of your health and emergency contact information with your guide. This information will be kept confidential but is very important in case of a medical emergency. In addition to bringing any prescription medications with you, we recommend that you have a copy of the prescriptions in case of loss.

Pace of the Tour & What to Expect

You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of hotels (our eContact List) a few weeks before your departure. This will serve as an outline for each day and alert you to any recent changes made in the schedule or to our hotels, if needed.

Our journeys are set up to follow the rhythm of nature. Our focus is on birding and nature; we offer full, well-planned field days and often get up early for that magical time around dawn. We generally follow the published itinerary, but we stay flexible to the weather, wildlife opportunities and the interests of the group. Your guide will keep you apprised of the next day’s schedule at each evening meal, noting what to bring and what to prepare for. Questions and/or concerns are welcome.

The pace of our Naturalist Journeys tours is moderate; to fully participate you should be able to get in and out of vehicles several times a day, and walk 1-3 miles over uneven terrain. It is important to participate with a flexible attitude as adjustments may be made in our schedule to make the most of our time in the field or for other purposes at your guide's discretion. We are not a “listing” bird company that drills down on target species, but at times we do wait for those special species unique to the places we visit. During the day, we take time to stop for photos and for educational opportunities to learn about conservation projects, landscapes, and geology. We appreciate other taxa as well as birds, with mammals often the biggest draw but plants and butterflies are also very popular. Our clients often lend their own expertise to the mix.  

We like to make meals a fun and memorable part of the experience, too. Breakfasts are often at hotels, and we carry snacks, fruit, and water in the vans each day. Lunches are a mix of picnics in the field (weather dependent) and a chance to dine with locals at small cafes and restaurants. For dinner, we pride ourselves in our homework to keep up with the best choices for dining, choosing restaurants with atmosphere that specialize in local foods. On occasion we keep dinner simple to go back out in the field for sunset wildlife viewing or night walks. In some remote locations, our choices are limited. If you are tired, room service for dinner may be an option you can choose.

Annoyances & Hazards

Your guide will let you know of anything to watch for on our trip. The greatest concerns are sun exposure and dehydration as humidity is low.  Bring a hat, longsleeved shirts, long pants, and sunscreen for sun protection and make sure to drink plenty of water.

Food & Drink

We carry water and juices/cold drinks in the cooler each day, and sodas if people like them. Please also plan on bringing and filling your water bottle for hiking each day. We try to use as few plastics as possible!

Packing, Clothing & Laundry

Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Please pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.

Dress is informal and is casual even at restaurants. Layering is a great way to stay comfortable. We suggest packing a medium/heavy jacket along with lighter layers. Lightweight long-sleeved shirts and long pants make ideal field clothing, as they are more protective from sun, insects, and vegetation. You do need closed toe shoes, and we highly recommend walking boots with good tread. Light hiking boots with good support for hiking and on rocky terrain can work well. A list of suggested items to pack was emailed earlier – if you need an additional copy, please let us know.

Spending Money

Many people ask how much to plan to bring as spending money. Part of that depends on how much you want to shop. There is not a lot to buy along the way; most of the shops will take VISA and MasterCard or American Express. Typical items people purchase include local souvenirs and T-shirts, caps, and natural history books.  You may want to bring cash for drinks with dinner (if available) or smaller local purchases.

Gratuities

Expect the normal tipping protocol to apply for hotel maids and bar service. If at the end of the tour, you would like to show your appreciation to your guides, tipping is entirely appropriate but at your discretion. We hope that you will be pleased with all professional services. Gratuities for group meals are included. For your birding tour guide, we suggest $10-$15 per day per guest. Note that if there is more than one guide, this amount can be split among them.

Cell Phones & Internet Service

Wi-Fi and cell phone service are available throughout most of the journey. Wi-Fi is provided in all hotels, lodges, and restaurants you visit, at least in public areas. Please refrain from taking or making cell phone calls in the vehicles when traveling with other passengers unless it appears to be an emergency as this disrupts other guests – please plan cell phone calls on your own time.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle or in any situation where the group is participating in an activity together, such as a vehicle excursion or a guided walk. Please respect all designated smoking areas at hotels and restaurants.

Transportation

For this tour, your guides will drive travelers in either full-size or mini-vans or a combination of those two. We ask all attendees to please rotate your seating, so you ride with different drivers and alternate between front and back seats.

Photo Release & Sharing

We take many group photos and will share photos with the group. And after your tour, we will organize a chance to share photos via Dropbox or Google Photos. Please note that this is our policy and if you prefer to be excluded, we need to know ahead of your tour.

By registering for this tour, you agree to grant to Naturalist Journeys and its authorized representatives permission to record photos and/or video of your participation in the tour. You further agree that any or all of the material photographed may be used, in any form, as part of any future publications, brochures, or other printed materials used to promote Naturalist Journeys, and further that such use shall be without payment of fees, royalties, special credit or other compensation.

Questions?

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com or telephone our office: (520) 558-1146 or toll free: (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey.

 

Packing List +

Please Pack Light! Soft luggage is much easier for us to pack than a more rigid Read more

Please Pack Light!

Soft luggage is much easier for us to pack than a more rigid hard sided piece, so if you have the choice, please use your soft luggage. Be sure to have your name and address on the inside of the bag, as well as on the luggage tag on the handle. It is our hope that you can pack in one checked suitcase that does not exceed 45 pounds. Be sure to place your personal medication, airline tickets, passport, binoculars, camera, and other essential items in your carry-on bag. You will want a day pack for field trips, so this is an ideal carry-on. Please reconfirm your airline’s baggage weight and size restrictions about a week or so before departure.

Weather on Isle Royale is quite unpredictable and can change rapidly. In general, the weather during your stay has average temperatures with high 65°F/ low 45°F, and rain is always possible. On the lakeshore, you’ll find yourself often wanting a sweater or windbreaker. Your raingear can double as a windbreaker, but make sure this is adequate as we go out in rain. Boat trips are subject to weather, so we work around blustery days. On the ferry, a hat and gloves can come in handy if you like to be out on deck.

Dress is comfortable and informal throughout the trip. Dressing in layers is the best way to be comfortable. Lightweight long-sleeved shirts and long pants make ideal field clothing as they are protective from sun and vegetation. But if you like to wear them, by all means bring some shorts. Also, choose clothing you don’t mind getting dirty or muddy and things that are comfortable and easy.

Note on clothing colors and insect repellent: We recommend muted colors of tan, brown, khaki, grey or green, as they are spotted less easily than white or bright colors. It is possible to purchase field clothing permeated with insect repellent; such as the Craghoppers Insect Shield collection. Another approach is to purchase Permethrin spray (online or from REI) to treat your field clothing and socks before your departure.

Clothing & Gear

  • Long pants, 1-2 pair
  • Shorts (optional)
  • Tee-shirts or equivalent, (3-4)
  • Long-sleeved shirts, (2-3)
  • Light sweater or fleece shirt
  • Medium weight sweater or equivalent – one you can layer with items above
  • Rain gear – a two-piece suit is preferred if you will be participating in hikes and walks. It is important that this be waterproof and breathable as you will most likely be active while wearing it (walking, hiking, getting in and out of the vans), as well as large enough to fit over other layers when on less active activities. A longer raincoat without pants will also work.
  • Wind proof, warm jacket (may double as raingear)
  • Hat with broad brim (for sun protection)
  • Warm cap/hat and gloves (for boat ride and cool days)
  • Personal underclothing
  • Socks – several pairs (lightweight and easy to wash and dry)
  • Comfortable walking shoes (such as tennis shoes)
  • Supportive hiking boots or walking shoes, with good tread and that can keep your feet dry in boggy areas or wet weather
  • Additional lightweight pair of shoes to wear to dinner, relax in, etc. (optional)
  • Water shoes for kayaking might come in handy (or a spare pair of shoes that can get wet)
  • Comfortable, casual clothes for evening; consider a cleaner version of your field clothes.
  • Bathing suit (optional)

Equipment & Miscellaneous

  • Airline tickets and copy of tickets in separate location or e-ticket verification
  • Photo identification
  • Umbrella (optional)
  • Small daypack or fanny pack to carry gear while hiking
  • Alarm clock (or use your phone)
  • Flashlight/headlamp with fresh batteries
  • Sunscreen and Lip balm with SPF
  • Sunglasses with neck strap
  • Folding hiking poles for balance on trails (some are rocky, exposed roots) (optional)
  • Toiletry articles
  • Insect repellent; biting insects are less this time of year, but bring just in case or if you’re very sensitive
  • Earplugs if you are sensitive to noise
  • Tissues
  • Binoculars and optics cleaning supplies, a shower cap works well to keep off rain and mist
  • Spotting scope if you own one and are comfortable using it, by all means bring it (optional)
  • Camera and extra batteries, film, lens cleaning supplies and your instruction manual (optional)
  • Cell phone and charger
  • Rechargeable power bank (optional)
  • Water bottle (can be purchased after arrival or re-use plastic bottles we supply)
  • Notebook or journal and pen (optional)
  • Field guides (optional) Leaders will have a variety of guides and library materials available

 

WE DO NOT RECOMMEND TRAVELING WITH PRECIOUS OR VALUABLE JEWELRY – don’t tempt anyone and don’t bring things you’d regret losing, and your mind will be at ease!

Medical & First Aid Items

  • Personal medications (and copy of vital prescriptions)
  • Motion sickness preventatives if likely to be needed on bus, van drives, etc.
  • Personal first aid kit and medications for general ailments
  • Copies of eyeglass prescription, medical prescriptions, vaccination records, and medical alerts
  • Insurance information
  • Extra pair of eyeglasses or contacts
  • Band-aids, moleskin to protect against blisters
  • Antibacterial soap in small container for quick handwashing

 


Photo credits: Banners: Moose by Sandy Sorkin; Hiking Isle Royal by Peg Abbott; Waterbirds on Isle Royal by Peg Abbott; Grey Wolf by Greg Smith; Lake Shore, Naturalist Journeys Stock; Common Loon, Naturalist Journeys Stock; White-throated Sparrow, Naturalist Journeys Stock; Sunset, Naturalist Journeys Stock; Happy Hikers, Naturalist Journeys Stock; Moose Antlers, Naturalist Journeys Stock; Sunset over the lake by Peg Abbott; Admiring the view by Peg Abbott; Canoeing by Peg Abbott; Scenery by Peg Abbott; Michigan Scenics, Peg Abbott; Overlooking Lake Peninsula, courtesy of Courtney Celley via Flickr; Boats, Naturalist Journeys Stock; Broad-winged Hawk, Peg Abbott; Michigan group, Peg Abbott; Canoe Panoramic, Peg Abbott; Magnolia Warbler, Doug Greenberg; Pileated Woodpecker, Sandy Sorkin; Moose, Greg Smith; Magnolia Warbler by Doug Greenberg; Moose taking a drink by Peg Abbott; Ruby-throated Hummingbird by Peg Abbott; American Redstart by Mahlon Hale; Chestnut-sided Warbler, Naturalist Journeys Stock; Pileated Woodpecker by Sandy Sorkin.

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