(EMAILWIRE.COM, November 16, 2009 ) HOUGHTON, MI: When Albert Stoll, a writer for the Detroit News newspaper, visited Isle Royale in the 1920s, he found an unspoiled wilderness fit for king. Stoll enjoyed his visits so much, he wrote several articles about the island and is generally regarded as the driving force behind the movement to make Isle Royale a national park. In 1931, Isle Royale National Park was born and is, to this day, the only national park located on an island. Today, visitors to the island can hike the Stoll Trail - named for the writer – and see the same view that inspired him nearly 100 years ago.
There is plenty to do and see on the island. Recreation opportunities abound including hiking, camping, scuba diving, fishing or just plain sightseeing.
There are roughly 165 miles of hiking trails ready for exploration and 36 campgrounds for backpackers. There are several long trails, up 10 miles long, suitable for multi-day hiking/camping trips as well as a number of shorter hikes suitable for day hikes.
Leave the land behind for a day of kayaking, canoeing or scuba diving in Lake Superior. With numerous lakes, bays and islands, Isle Royale National Park provides many miles of waterways for the canoeist and kayaker to explore.
Lake Superior houses a variety of shipwrecks in outstanding condition for exploration and photography. In the last 125 years, ten major vessels have sunk in waters surrounding the park. Dry suits are recommended for the same reason that has slowed the numerous wrecks decomposition – frigid 40 degree water. Divers will find excellent visibility with no light required down to 40 feet in places. Shallow wrecks like the America and the Algoma – both located in less than 10 feet of water -- are the most popular. But there is plenty of deeper diversity including the Kamloops, whose deepest remains lie 270 feet below the surface. These sunken vessels are protected by the National Park Service as cultural treasures to be enjoyed by experienced scuba divers.
The waters of Lake Superior house more than shipwrecks. Anglers will salivate over the trout and salmon population. Fishing Charters are available at the only hotel on the island – The Rock Harbor Lodge. All charter boats are fully equipped and fishing tackle is provided. Trips start at $382. Rock Harbor Lodge also offers numerous sightseeing trips from $15.50/person.
The Rock Harbor Lodge offers two types of accommodations: Lake-view lodge rooms and cottages with fully-equipped kitchenettes from $216 per night. For more information about lodging on Isle Royale, visit www.rockharborlodge.com.
Isle Royale Resorts – Rock Harbor Lodge
CONTACT: Heather Miller
TEL: (970) 568-7423
E-MAIL: heather@atmstravelnews.com
WEB: www.rockharborlodge.com
