Isle Royale National Park begins to implement phased opening

Overnight anchoring for boats is now allowed in the Lake Superior waters of Isle Royale National Park. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

HOUGHTON -- Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Michigan Safe Start plan, and local public health authorities, Isle Royale is increasing boat access to the park.

Since June 10, overnight anchoring for boats has been allowed in the Lake Superior waters of the park. Boaters need to get an anchoring permit in advance from the Houghton visitor center by calling 906-482-0984 or emailing ISRO_parkinfo@nps.gov. Please pay entrance fees in advance at www.pay.gov.

All park facilities (docks, trails, visitor centers, campgrounds, shelters, outhouses) remain closed at this time. Details on further opening of the park, tentatively scheduled for late June, will be issued in an upcoming press release.

When recreating, the public should follow state and local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding and avoid high-risk outdoor activities. The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Details and updates on park operations will be posted on the park website https://www.nps.gov/isro/index.htm and social media channels. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.