Looking for that travel experience that few others have—the bragging rights of going somewhere super off the beaten path? Look no further. Have we got an island for you! As reported by MSN, Isle Royale in Michigan is the least visited national park in the lower 48 states, and it’s hard to get to. You’ve got to commandeer a boat, book passage on a ferry, or (alert: most thrilling method) fly in a seaplane to reach this island. To boot, it’s closed for about half the year anyway, from November 1 to April 15 each year. Those who can get there are hardier travelers than most.
If you memorized HOMES as a kid to remember the five great lakes—Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie and Superior—you know where this island is! The big island of Minong, as it’s named in Ojibwe, sits in Lake Superior along with 450 (that’s not a typo) associated islands within the national park. Altogether the islands encompass 850 square miles, including submerged land. In 1980, Isle Royale was designated an international biosphere reserve.
So what’s great there? Wolves! Starting in 1958, researchers have been studying them on Isle Royale: the longest-running large mammal predator-prey study on earth. All the wolves here descended from a single female who arrived in the late 1940s. The girl wolf power vibe is strong here!
Moose also roam the island, with some mystery over how they got here. Did they swim a la the Chincoteague ponies, or did humans bring them?
Another awesome yet tragic find? Shipwrecks! Isle Royale boasts the most intact collection of shipwrecks in any national park. If you’re an experienced diver, bring your scuba gear and explore the 10 wrecks that range from wooden side-paddle steamer vessels to huge steel freighters—all in the cold Lake Superior waters.
On dry land, you can hike or kayak to a different campground each day: there are 36 across the island. One named East Chickenbone Campground has captured our attention (and frankly, admiration). The national park also has several mines, four lighthouses, fishing and ranger programs.