Discovering America's Best Idea: A Journey Through 63 National Parks

Isle Royale National Park

Isle Royale National Park is a remote island located in Lake Superior, accessible only by boat or seaplane. Despite being near the borders of Canada and Minnesota, the island is part of Michigan and operates on Eastern Time. With its rugged terrain, dense forests, and isolated location, Isle Royale is one of the least visited national parks in the United States, making it a perfect destination for those seeking solitude and a deep connection with nature. The park is all about simplicity—no cars, no bikes, just miles of trails to explore on foot. Camping, hiking, and paddling are the main activities here, and the wildlife and wildflowers thrive in this untouched environment.

Our journey began with a seaplane flight to the island. We were allowed only 45 pounds of luggage each, totaling 90 pounds between the two of us. However, we quickly realized we were 50 pounds over the limit and had to rush back to the car to lighten our load. The 40-minute flight to Isle Royale was smooth, and watching the island emerge from the clear waters of Lake Superior was exhilarating. We landed at Rock Harbor, one of two seaplane destinations on the island, and were immediately struck by the pristine beauty of the landscape.

We stayed at Rock Harbor Lodge, specifically in Chippewa Cabin #33. While I love camping and had considered it for this trip, we ultimately decided that a cozy cabin would be a better choice for our anniversary. The idea of having a comfortable place to return to after a day of exploring sounded too good to pass up. That said, camping is definitely on the list for our next visit, as the park offers some incredible backcountry experiences.

Before checking into our cabin, we had a few hours to spare, so we visited the Rock Harbor Visitor Center. It was a great place to learn more about the park and chat with other travelers. We even did a bit of people-watching, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of the island. Although there are two dining options on the island, we preferred to cook our meals. One evening, while grilling, we struck up a conversation with four fishermen from Michigan who generously shared some of their fresh catch with us. It was an unexpected and delicious treat.

The highlight of our trip was waking up to a stunning sunrise on our 25th dating anniversary. We decided to celebrate by taking a leisurely hike to Scoville Point via the Stoll Trail. The trail offered incredible views of the island and Lake Superior, and along the way, we were thrilled to spot two Sandhill cranes. Their unique calls echoed through the forest, adding to the magic of the moment. Later on, we took a break from hiking to cool off in Lake Superior, scrambling down a section of the trail to reach the water. The lake was cold, but it was the perfect way to refresh ourselves before continuing our hike.

Each morning, I made it a point to watch the sunrise. The colors transitioned from a deep, blood-orange to a warm, golden yellow, casting a beautiful glow over the island. It was the perfect way to start each day, setting a peaceful tone for the adventures ahead. In the evenings, I'd wake up in the middle of the night to watch the stars and look for the Northern Lights. Stargazing at Isle Royale was an unforgettable experience. The night sky was so clear, with stars shining so brightly, that it felt like I was looking at a giant Lite-Brite toy from my childhood, with each star twinkling like tiny, glowing pegs against the dark canvas of the sky. The fact that it didn't get dark until about 10 PM made the days feel wonderfully long, allowing us to squeeze in as much as possible while still feeling unrushed. Time seemed to slow down on the island, and without any cell service or electronic distractions, we were able to fully immerse ourselves in the natural world around us.

On our last night, we were invited to a fish fry at the marina. The sense of community among the visitors was strong, and it felt like we were all part of a small, tight-knit group, sharing the experience of being on this remote island. During the cookout, someone spotted a wolf near the marina. I quickly grabbed my phone and managed to snap a picture. Word spread fast, and soon I was known as the "wolf girl" among the other visitors. It was a rare and exciting sighting, one that added an extra layer of excitement to our trip.