Day-walk storage
30–35L Hiking Daypack
Carry spare layers and walking supplies; check fit and use a liner for valuables.
Fly & Drive guide
Fly into RHI, drive to Isle Royale National Park
10 h 3 min drive428 milesReservations: moderate
Trip snapshot
Arrival airport- RHI
Airport drive- 10 h 3 min · estimate
Suggested stay- 4–6 days
Reservation demand- Moderate · check entry notes
Vehicle notes- No cars or bikes are permitted on the island; travel is restricted to foot, canoe, or seasonal water taxi.
Your route
RHI
Rhinelander Oneida County Airport
Isle Royale National Park
About 10 h 3 min · 428 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
Step 1Flights to RHI
Compare fares into Rhinelander Oneida County Airport.
Find flights
Step 2Standard car at RHI
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Isle Royale National Park. Compare rental companies in one search. Est. from $45/day · typical rate.
Compare rentals
Step 2SUV at RHI
Select an SUV, pickup location and dates on Airport Rentals. Est. from $55/day · typical rate.
Compare SUVs
Before you goStore extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storage
03 · First night near Isle Royale National Park
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
Step 3Hotels near Isle Royale National Park
Est. from $110/night · typical rate. Compare hotels and lodges; check cancellation terms on Expedia.
Search Expedia
Step 3Cabins & homes near Isle Royale National Park
Est. from $120/night · typical rate. Whole homes and cabins for families or groups.
Search VrboBefore you land
Reservations
Advance Ferry and Wilderness Permit Reservations
Isle Royale requires two separate reservations: one for transportation (ferry or seaplane) and one for park entry/camping. Overnight camping permits for groups under seven are obtained on the island, but the Rock Harbor Lodge and ferry seats must be booked many months in advance due to strict capacity. All visitors must check the official NPS schedule for seasonal closure dates.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
June – September
Your route
Day 1 · Arrival and Boreal Introduction
Rock Harbor Visitor Center → Stoll Trail to Scoville Point
Day 2 · The Spine of the Island
Greenstone Ridge Trail → Mount Ojibway Fire Tower
Day 3 · Lakeside History and Wildlife
Edisen Fishery → Rock Harbor Lighthouse
Day 4 · Tobin Harbor Waters
Tobin Harbor → Hidden Lake Trail
Viator
Tours & experiences near Isle Royale National Park
Explore guided activities around Isle Royale National Park. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separatelyCurated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Isle Royale National Park
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Sunny outdoor stops
Cooling Neck Gaiter
A light neck covering for sunny walks; use alongside sunscreen, not instead of it.
Uneven walking trails
Adjustable Trekking Pole
An optional support on uneven walks. Check trail rules, pole length and airline baggage rules.
Wildlife & night viewing
OWLER1 Night Vision Binoculars
20X optical zoom · 500m IR range. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$294.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Isle Royale National Park?
Rhinelander Oneida County Airport (RHI) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from RHI to Isle Royale National Park?
Roughly 10 h 3 min (about 428 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Isle Royale National Park?
Isle Royale requires two separate reservations: one for transportation (ferry or seaplane) and one for park entry/camping. Overnight camping permits for groups under seven are obtained on the island, but the Rock Harbor Lodge and ferry seats must be booked many months in advance due to strict capacity. All visitors must check the official NPS schedule for seasonal closure dates.
Keep planning
Full guideStays, 3-day plan and route map for Isle Royale National Park
