This Remote National Park Voted Best Hidden Gem in Michigan

Let's face it, we here in Michigan are pretty spoiled when it comes to the great outdoors. Beautiful lakes, fantastic shorelines, and not one, but five National Parks. One of those parks is now getting a big-time nod for being voted the " Best Hidden Gem Destination in Michigan".

According to a new list by Cheapism, Isle Royale National Park is Michigan's best-hidden gem. Situated in Lake Superior between Thunder Bay, Canada, and Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Isle Royale is one of America's least visited National Parks most likely due to its remote location.

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Accessible by a five-hour boat ride from the Upper Peninsula, the island destination is an adventurer's dream. The 45-mile-long and 9-mile-wide car-less wilderness has an area of 206.73 sq miles which makes it the fourth-largest lake island in the world. The park consists of one large island surrounded by 400 smaller islands all stunningly beautiful and "brimming with wildlife and nearly entirely devoid of humans".

The park is full of things to explore from wildlife, waterways, and 3 historic lighthouses, Rock Harbor Light, Menagerie Island Light, and Passage Island Light. Hike like you never did before along the 43-mile Greenstone Ridge Trail and come face to face with a moose or two.

Although secluded and quiet, there are accommodations if needed. Rooms are available at the quaint Rock Harbor Lodge. Located on the northwest side of Isle Royale. the hotel offers a cute lodge with all rooms overlooking Lake Superior with a dining room serving local favorites like fresh whitefish and Michigan blueberry pancakes.

How Do You Get to Isle Royale National Park?

So how do you get to this remote outdoor paradise? You can hop a boat from Copper Harbor, Houghton, and even Grand Portage, Minnesota. You can also travel to the island by seaplane. There are also some amazing sightseeing cruises of the stunning shoreline as well.

Get more information about Michigan's "hidden gem" here, and check out the complete list of "Best Hidden Gem Destinations in Every State" by clicking here.

LOOK: Stunning vintage photos capture the beauty of America's national parks

Today these parks are located throughout the country in 25 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The land encompassing them was either purchased or donated, though much of it had been inhabited by native people for thousands of years before the founding of the United States. These areas are protected and revered as educational resources about the natural world, and as spaces for exploration.

Keep scrolling for 50 vintage photos that show the beauty of America's national parks.

Look Inside Granot Loma, the World's Largest Log Cabin

Granot Loma is a 26,000 Square foot log cabin, listed on the National Register of Historic Places located in Marquette, Michigan. It is considered the largest log cabin in the world with 50 rooms and a list of extras that make it truly unique. There are 50 Rooms (Including 23 Bedrooms, and 13 Bathrooms), and 13 additional buildings on the property that includes an indoor boathouse, and a private marina directly on Lake Superior. Built between 1919 and 1923, the estate sits on 5,180 acres. Take a look inside.

RANKED: Here are the most popular national parks

To determine the most popular national parks in the United States, Stacker compiled data from the National Park Service on the number of recreational visits each site had in 2020. Keep reading to discover the 50 most popular national parks in the United States, in reverse order from #50 to #1. And be sure to check with individuals parks before you visit to find out about ongoing, pandemic-related safety precautions at www.nps.gov/coronavirus.

Filed Under: Isle Royale National Park, Lake Superior, Michigan Parks, national parks, Parks, vacation spots

Categories: Lifestyles, Lists, Michigan News, Outdoors, Travel