Isle Royale Wilderness Sojourn
Tour Description
We begin this journey with a scenic drive along the rugged north shore of Lake Superior into the North Woods. Upon arrival at the Naniboujou Lodge, we step into the Jazz Age, filled with style and comfort. Spend a full day exploring the eighteenth-century fur-trading traditions with private interpretation from the Park Service at Grand Portage National Monument. Then it’s on to the world’s largest freshwater sea and the road-less wilderness island of Isle Royale National Park. The next several days are filled with behind-the-scenes access to the park’s fifty-plus years of wolf and moose wildlife study, visits to historic fishing camps, and excursions by land and lake.
ParkScapes Highlights
Grand Portage National Monument
Grand Portage National Monument was created to preserve the history of the 18th century fur trade and an important site along the trading route. The monument also helps preserve the knowledge and understanding of Ojibwa heritage.
Isle Royale National Park
This road-less paradise is accessible only by boat or float plane, and has maintained a biological and ecological uniqueness that has earned it status of International Biosphere Reserve.
Expert Guides
Learn from your expert study leader of the Isle Royale Institute, as well as knowledgeable naturalists and historians from the Park Service.
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Tour Map
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Daily Itinerary
The itinerary for the trip from Phantom Ranch to Diamond Creek can vary widely. We adapt to individual group needs, weather, water flows and take into consideration other groups on the river. No two trips are alike, but here is an idea of what to expect.
July 24: Arrivals in Duluth, Minnesota
Arrive to the Duluth airport to meet your group around noon. Then it’s off for a drive along the famed North Shore of Lake Superior to Grand Marais. After time to relax, we meet for reception and dinner at a local restaurant and an orientation to the week’s activities with an overview of the boreal landscape of the Northwoods and Isle Royale’s wilderness. Naniboujou Lodge (B,L,D)
July 25: Grand Portage National Monument
We head farther north along the North Shore to the small town of Grand Portage. Grand Portage is the final town before the Canadian Border and home of a national monument. Grand Portage National Monument marks the spot where, in the 1700s, fur trading flourished between the French, English, and Ojibwa people. The wonderful new visitor's center looks out over Lake Superior, and we’ll have a private tour from the Park Service. Naniboujou Lodge (B,L,D)
July 26: Grand Portage to Isle Royale National Park
Embark on M.V. Voyager II for today’s adventure. We leave the shores of Minnesota and head across Lake Superior to Isle Royale. Enjoy the scenic wonder of this wilderness island as we make several passenger drops before reaching our destination of Rock Harbor. Settle in at scenic Rock Harbor Lodge; overlooking the lake, this is the only commercial lodging in the park. Relax and enjoy dinner and an evening program at the Rock Harbor Lodge. Rock Harbor Lodge (B,L,D)
July 27-29: Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
Our schedule for these three days will vary depending on weather and individual interests of participants; however, here is an idea of what to expect.
These three days are spent entirely on Isle Royale, home of one of the most famous biology studies in the world – the over 50-year population study of moose and wolf. Due to its isolation and continuous study, the island has offered biologists an unusual opportunity to study the complex interactions between species in a very special ecosystem. Included are easy canoe/kayak tours, moderate interpretive hikes, and hands-on learning. We meet a senior scientist with the wolf/moose research study team who provides us with the latest results of their fascinating research. During these three special days we examine animal signs and with a little luck, see a moose or two! Isle Royale, along with its amazing natural history, also has a fascinating human history. With historical interpretation from NPS, we learn about this aspect of the park as well. Its past relationship with Lake Superior shipping, one time industrial fishery, and how it came to be one of our national treasures, is a story worth hearing. Each day on Isle Royale is filled with top-notch study leaders, free time activities, and lots of fun. For the daring there is always the opportunity for a refreshing dip into sparkling clear (and cold) Lake Superior! Rock Harbor Lodge (B,L,D)
July 30: Voyage to Grand Marais, Minnesota
Bid farewell to Isle Royale as you board the M.V. Voyager II for our return voyage to Grand Portage, followed by the transfer to Grand Marais. Gather for a farewell dinner at the restaurant of Naniboujou Lodge. Naniboujou Lodge (B,L,D)
July 31: Departures from Duluth, Minnesota
Following breakfast, we drive back down the rugged coastline to Duluth and afternoon flights home. (B)
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Tour Details
NPCA Member Price
$3,195 per person double occupancy; $500 single supplement
Price Includes
All accommodations, meals as noted (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner), ground transportation, professional guide services, park and other entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses.
Price Does Not Include
Roundtrip airfare to and from destination, gratuities for guides, alcoholic beverages, or personal expenses.
Payments/Cancellations
Space is confirmed by calling the NPCA at 800.628.7275. A $500 per person deposit is due at registration. Final payment will be invoiced separately and is due 90 days prior to departure. Cancellation notice must be submitted in writing and is effective upon date of receipt. Cancellations up to 85 days prior to departure are subject to a $150 per person handling fee. Cancellations 84-57 days prior to departure result in full loss of deposit. Cancellations 56-28 days prior to departure result in the loss of 50% of your total cost. Cancellations within 28 days of departure result in the loss of 100% of your total cost.
Travel Insurance
To protect yourself from the loss of deposit and cancellation fees, you are encouraged to purchase travel insurance. NPCA recommends purchasing insurance through Travel Insurance Select; information on this plan will be included with trip confirmation packets.
Arrive/Depart
Duluth, Minnesota
Length of tour
10 days/9 nights
Pace
Moderately active with time spent hiking and canoeing this remote wilderness island. This park offers few modern conveniences beyond a small lodge and restaurant.
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