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## Explore This Park

## Explore the National Park Service

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Trip Idea

# Windigo Day Trip

Multiple Parks

| Duration   | Full Day                                                        |
|------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| Topic(s)   | Wilderness, Scenic Views, Trails                                |
| 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 
                -  windigo 
                -  day trip 
                -  lake superior parks 
                -  michigan 
                -  midwest nps 

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Valerie Martin

### Day Trip Planning

                          -  Day Trips Home** 
                          -  Windigo** 
                          -  Sea Hunter III** 
                          -  Isle Royale Seaplanes** 

## Getting to Windigo

The*Sea Hunter III* offers day trips to Windigo, on the southwest end of Isle Royale, from Grand Portage, Minnesota. After arriving on the ferry, visitors spend four hours exploring the island. Isle Royale Seaplanes also offers day trip service to Windigo.

## 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. 

## Day Trip Schedule

                      - Depart Grand Portage, MN:  8:30 am CDT / 9:30 am EDT
                      - Arrive Windigo:  10:00 am CDT / 11:00 am EDT
                      - Four hour layover on Isle Royale
                      - Depart Windigo:  2:00 pm CDT / 3:00 pm EDT
                      - Arrive Grand Portage, MN:  3:30 pm CDT / 4:30 pm EDT

Throughout the operating season the *Sea Hunter III's*schedule varies; it typically operates from mid-June through Labor Day. Day trip visitors can expect to have approximately four hours on the island.

### Time Zone Information

Grand Portage, MN is in the central time zone, and the *Sea Hunter III*schedule operates on central time. Isle Royale National Park is in the eastern time zone, and operates on eastern time. It is recommended to stay on central time during your trip.

## Activities in Four Hours or Less

                      - Attend a  Ranger Program
                      - Become a  Junior Ranger
                      - Walk the  Windigo Nature Trail
                      - Hike to  Grace Creek Overlook
                      - Paddle  Washington Creek

## 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 a day.
                      - Lake Superior makes island weather unpredictable and travel delays are common.

First Timer Guide

              -  Isle Royale National ParkWalk the Windigo Nature Trail  - Activity Fee:  No (Entrance fees may apply)
- Reservations:  No
- Activity:  Front-Country Hiking
- Pets:  No
- Location:  Windigo Nature Trail at Isle Royale National Park
- Duration:  1–2 Hours
- Season:  Spring,  Summer,  Fall

Walk the Windigo Nature Trail and immerse yourself in the deciduous forest on the western end of Isle Royale.
View Details 
              -  Isle Royale National ParkHike to Grace Creek Overlook  - Activity Fee:  No (Entrance fees may apply)
- Reservations:  No
- Activity:  Front-Country Hiking
- Pets:  No
- Location:  Isle Royale National Park
- Duration:  2–4 Hours
- Season:  Spring,  Summer,  Fall

Grace Creek Overlook offers scenic views of Grace Creek, Grace Harbor, and Lake Superior.
View Details 
              -  Isle Royale National ParkHike to Minong Ridge Overlook  - Activity Fee:  No (Entrance fees may apply)
- Reservations:  No
- Activity:  Front-Country Hiking
- Pets:  No
- Location:  Isle Royale National Park
- Duration:  2–6 Hours
- Season:  Spring,  Summer,  Fall
- Time of Day: Day

Hike to the Minong Ridge Overlook and enjoy views of Isle Royale's west end, Lake Superior, and the Canadian shoreline to the north.
View Details 

              -  Isle Royale National ParkPaddle Washington Creek  - Activity Fee:  No (Entrance fees may apply)
- Reservations:  No
- Activity:  Paddling
- Pets:  No
- Location:  Isle Royale National Park
- Duration:  1–3 Hours
- Season:  Spring,  Summer,  Fall
- Time of Day: Day

Paddle Washington Creek, located on the west end of Isle Royale National Park.Washington Creek is an excellent spot for wildlife viewing.
View Details 

              -  Isle Royale National ParkAttend a Windigo Ranger Program  - Activity Fee:  No (Entrance fees may apply)
- Reservations:  No
- Activity:  Hands-On
- Pets:  No
- Duration:  20–60 Minutes
- Season:  Spring,  Summer,  Fall

Attend a Windigo 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.
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