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Trip Idea

# Rock Harbor Day Trip

Multiple Parks

| Duration   | Full Day                                                                    |
|------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Topic(s)   | Wilderness, Scenic Views, Trails, Unique Species, Wetlands,Geology*more »*  |
| Activities | Hands-On, Junior Ranger Program, Front-Country Hiking, Paddling             |
| Type       | Solitary/Remote, Outdoors, Group Friendly                                   |
| Parks      | Isle Royale National Park                                                   |

Isle Royale National Park

## ** Tags

                -  isle royale national park 
                -  isle royale 
                -  rock harbor 
                -  day trip 
                -  midwest nps 
                -  michigan 
                -  lake superior parks 

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Paul Brown

### Day Trip Planning

                          -  Day Trips Home** 
                          -  Rock Harbor** 
                          -  Isle Royale Queen IV** 
                          -  Isle Royale Seaplanes** 

## Getting to Rock Harbor

The *Isle Royale Queen IV*offers day trips to Rock Harbor, on the northeast end of Isle Royale, from Copper Harbor, Michigan. After arriving on the ferry, visitors spend three hours exploring the island. Isle Royale Seaplanes also offers day trip service to Rock Harbor.

## Day Trip Schedule

                      - Depart Copper Harbor, MI:  8:00 am EDT
                      - Arrive Rock Harbor:  11:45 am EDT
                      - Three hour layover on Isle Royale
                      - Depart Rock Harbor:  2:45 pm EDT
                      - Arrive Copper Harbor, MI:  6:30 pm EDT

Throughout the operating season, the *Isle Royale Queen IV* schedule varies; it typically operates from early May through the end of September. The *Isle Royale Queen IV* makes the departure and return trip on the same day, allowing for both overnight and day trip passengers. Day trip visitors can expect to have approximately three hours on the island.

## Be Prepared for an Unexpected Overnight

Adverse weather conditions or unexpected transportation issues may cause a park day trip to turn into an overnight.You can prepare yourself by bringing essential items: prescriptions, food, and extra clothing for variable weather. Consider bringing a tent, sleeping pads, and sleeping bags; Isle Royale does not provide these items for visitors. 

## Activities in Three Hours or Less

                      - Hike the  Stoll Trail
                      - Become a  Junior Ranger
                      - Paddle  Tobin Harbor

## Know Before You Go

                      -  Isle Royale is a remote island in Lake Superior. 
                      -  The park is comprised of a roadless backcountry. 
                      -  Make sure to bring a water bottle, food, and anything you might need for the day. 
                      -  Lake Superior makes island weather unpredictable and travel delays are common. 

First Timer Guide

              -  Isle Royale National ParkStoll Memorial Trail (Scoville Point)  - Activity Fee:  No (Entrance fees may apply)
- Reservations:  No
- Activity:  Front-Country Hiking
- Pets:  No
- Location:  Rock Harbor Area
- Duration:  1–6 Hours
- Season:  Summer
- Time of Day: Any Time

The Albert Stoll Jr. Memorial Trail is a relatively easy hiking trail that captures the majesty of Lake Superior and engages with the wilderness character of Isle Royale National Park.
View Details 
              -  Isle Royale National ParkHike to Suzy's Cave  - Activity Fee:  No (Entrance fees may apply)
- Reservations:  No
- Activity:  Front-Country Hiking
- Pets:  No
- Location:  Suzy's Cave
- Duration:  2–6 Hours
- Season:  Spring,  Summer,  Fall

Discover Suzy’s Cave, a wave-washed cliff and an inland sea arch, found on Isle Royale’s eastern end.
View Details 

              -  Isle Royale National ParkExplore Raspberry Island  - Activity Fee:  No (Entrance fees may apply)
- Reservations:  No
- Activity:  Front-Country Hiking
- Pets:  No
- Location:  Raspberry Island
- Duration:  2–6 Hours
- Season:  Spring,  Summer,  Fall

Take a leisurely walk along a boardwalk through the spruce bog on Raspberry Island accessible by private boat, vessel rental, or a tour on the MV SANDY from Rock Harbor on Isle Royale’s east end.
View Details 

              -  Isle Royale National ParkPaddle Tobin Harbor  - Activity Fee:  No (Entrance fees may apply)
- Reservations:  No
- Activity:  Paddling
- Pets:  No
- Location:  Tobin Harbor
- Duration:  3–6 Hours
- Season:  Spring,  Summer,  Fall

Embark on a serene paddle in Tobin Harbor, on the east end of Isle Royale National Park. Wildlife sightings, especially aquatic birds, are abound in this scenic harbor.
View Details 

              -  Isle Royale National ParkBecome an Isle Royale Junior Ranger  - Activity Fee:  No (Entrance fees may apply)
- Reservations:  No
- Activity:  Junior Ranger Program
- Pets:  No
- Location:  Isle Royale National Park
- Duration:  2–6 Hours
- Season:  Winter,  Spring,  Summer,  Fall

Become an Isle Royale Junior Ranger and learn about the isolated island, the unique plants and animals found in the park, the island’s cultural history, and Leave No Trace principles.
View Details 
              -  Isle Royale National ParkAttend a Rock Harbor Ranger Program  - Activity Fee:  No (Entrance fees may apply)
- Reservations:  No
- Activity:  Hands-On
- Pets:  No
- Location:  Rock Harbor
- Duration:  20–60 Minutes
- Season:  Spring,  Summer,  Fall

Attend a Rock Harbor ranger program at Isle Royale National Park. Learn about the isolated island, it's cultural history, and the critters who call the island home. Topics include moose, wolves, geology, shipwrecks, island biogeography, wilderness, and more. Ranger programs also include guided hikes and tours.
View Details