By Tim Cochrane Change (not “balance”) is an inevitable part of island life. One notable conclusion of Island Biogeography is species “wink” in and out, that is, are extirpated and others may recolonize an Island. Island resiliency is limited, less able to buffer impacts. The pace of change accelerates with human interventions. Let me explain: Most of us who visit Isle Royale assume that we are fortunate to be seeing what is perceived as “natural.” Further, many people, not g

Volunteers are the heart of coordinated effort This summer National Park Service officials announced the launch of the Isle Royale Heritage Alliance, a new effort to advance coordinated protection and improvement of Isle Royale National Park’s historic structures—approximately 90 cabins, 19 fishery buildings, and four lighthouses. The Alliance will be powered by volunteers, with coordination by the National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation (NPLSF), the designated nonprofit p

Hat Point Ferry Building installation is near completion Hat Point marina is a bustling place in the summer, as visitors from around the United States and beyond catch the Voyageur II and Sea Hunter III ferries to Isle Royale National Park, known as Minong by the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa (Anishinaabe). Soon, the marina’s new ferry building, which is owned and operated by the Grand Portage Band, will also be a place to learn about the deep cultural connec

By Tim Cochrane Duchess of Oldenburg apple lithograph For over five millennia people have made their way to Isle Royale. Evidence of that presence is sometimes subtle and sometimes it is like the bow of the packet freighter America looming out of the depths of Lake Superior. Whether obvious or not, each sign of human activity often can tell a remarkable story such as the rewilding Island Mine road turned into a trail or the toy left behind at the Hay Bay fishery. But evidence

Isle Royale’s Washington Harbor/Ozaagaateng (formerly known as Windigo) is one of the busiest areas of the island. A destination for ferry services from Grand Portage, MN and Houghton, MI, and the area includes a visitor center, concessions, park offices, and staff housing. Beginning in the 2026 visitor season, those uses will be powered by solar electricity instead of diesel, thanks to upgraded solar supported by NPLSF with key funding from the National Park Foundation. An o

In early August 2025, NPLSF and its partners tackled a massive cleanup at Fisherman’s Home, a historic commercial fishing camp at Isle...

By Isak Kvam This story was originally published on Fresh Energy . When a pristine wilderness park becomes even cleaner — and quieter — ...

National Park Foundation provides seed funding for Minong exhibit Grand Portage Tribal Chairman Bobby Deschampe and Tribal Secretary...

With Isle Royale Backpacking Tips and Insights from the Isle Royale Guy Remote, rugged, and reachable only by boat or seaplane, Isle Royale National Park offers one of the most distinctive backpacking experiences in the United States. The park has 165 miles of hiking trails and 36 campgrounds spread across a Lake Superior archipelago of more than 400 islands. Jon Prain, known as “The Isle Royale Guy,” is a seasoned backpacker who has spent years helping others understand and

On Wednesday, June 12, NPLSF Executive Director Tom Irvine joined community members who gathered for the Gichi Onigaming Flag Raising...

The volunteers leaving Wright Island by boat. In August, NPLSF brought a team of volunteers to Isle Royale National Park’s Wright Island,...

By Dan Gjelten In 2022, retired University of St. Thomas Library Director Dan Gjelten, and his brother, retired National Public Radio...

Maddy talks about the realities of kayaking the big lake, and talks about the sea caves around the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore ,...

ST PAUL, MINN – Minong Mine Copper Mining District, part of Isle Royale National Park, has been designated a National Historic Landmark...

ST PAUL, MINN – Following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local officials, and to...

Drew Rush, National Geographic wildlife photographer/videographer, is partnering with NPLSF and Isle Royale to capture the sights and...

ST PAUL, MINN – In September, a significant journey across Lake Superior from Isle Royale to Grand Portage, Minnesota, took place. The...

In October 2020, National Parks Lake Superior Foundation Board Chair Tom Irvine invited National Geographic Explorer photographer David...

Photo by Steve De Neef. Isle Royale National Park News Release Release Date: December 15, 2020 Contact: Melissa Ledbury...