Isle Royale Forums

We plan to visit IR around the Memorial Day weekend 2013. Based on the information compiled on the old ferry schedules, 2011 and 2012, we believe that the first ferry might depart Grand Portage on Saturday before Memorial day. We plan to stay for three nights on the island at the Rock Harbor, because it offers more activities. We plan to catch the ferry back to Grand Portage on the following Tuesday morning.

We have following questions:

1. Do you think the place will be very crowded during that time period, Memorial Day Weekend? (We plan to stay in Rock Harbor.) From what we read on the board, the place is normally crowded around July.

2. The web site states that the camping permit will be issued on first comes, first serves. How do we know that we will be able to stay in that area, without getting sent to further campground? The boat will not arrive at the Rock Harbor until 3:00 p.m.

3. Is it difficult to find the campground in the Rock Harbor area? We do not plan to stay further from Rock Harbor because it offers the groceries and services that we need, such as showering. (If you have the cost to shower, we will be very much appreciated.)

4. Do they have any toilet facilities in the Rock Harbor campground? I read the information somewhere and it stated that there are some spigots for fresh water around.

5. Have anyone ever rented the boat and Engine from the Rock Harbor Marina, http://www.rockharborlodge.com/marina-rock-harbor ? Do they install the engine on the boat for the renters? Do we need to purchase the fuel from them?

6. When we depart Grand Portage, the schedule indicates that the ferry will stop in Windigo for 30 minutes, do you know whether they allow us to depart and grab something from the groceries over there within that 30 minutes time frame before heading out to the Rock Harbor?

7. We are uncertain whether we should prepare for any insects, such as mosquitoes during that time.. Please advise.

We do apologize for asking too many questions. We would like to glimpse this trip as our first visit and get ourselves familiarized with the beautiful place before heading there the second time at the end of the summer time. Thanks again for your replies.

Welcome to the forums! And no need to apologize for questions!
(1) It won't be crowded. Never is even in July/Aug by any other standard
(2) Won't be a problem getting a campsite or shelter at that time. Anyone coming in that day will be on the boat with you! After June 1 there's a one night restriction at R.H. so you're good til then.
(3) No problem.
(4) There's water spigots and pit toilets in the campground. The showers and plumbed toilets are by the dock, a few hundred yards away.
(5) They'll take care of everything you need with the boat for you. You may have to buy your gas, but they'll fill it up for you.
(6) On the way back they usually try to keep the stop at Windigo as short as possible, so don't plan to go to the store.
(7) I always bring 100% DEET and a headnet with me--always use the DEET, never the headnet, but I was a Boy Scout ("Be Prepared"). If you don't use them, smile and be happy!

I'd suggest calling the lodge folks at their winter number about what facilities will be open by then (store, showers, boat rentals, bathrooms, etc). Things are just getting up and going for the season around that time, so the tours may not be going yet, if that's what you meant by "more activities". In any case, they do all the commercial stuff there, so they can answer all those questions.

3. Showers have been $6.00 for five minutes. Make sure the faucet is turned off before putting your token in

Ingo's got it nailed. I'll elaborate on the ferry ride, as as far as stops at Windigo go. While we try to be in and out of Windigo in 30 minutes or less, the limited time of the stop is for allowing passengers like you who are reboarding to get their permits and orientation as quickly as possible and get back to the boat so we can get you to RH possibly earlier than 3pm. A bunch of people going to the store for last minute shopping can and will delay us by more than a 1/2 hour at times. Those types of delays are not fair to passengers that have everything they need before arriving at Windigo and are hoping to get some miles behind them when they arrive at their chosen stop. Granted, no one is going to take your birthday if you really forgot something and need it. The return trip is about the same, but there is a little more time for the store as permitting doesn't enter into it. That said, most people that we are picking up and bringing back have some distance to travel so if given the choice the majority want to get back to Grand Portage and on the road as quickly as we can get them there. Check with us in mid May about the store, they are not always open by Memorial Day but we will have more up to date info by then. You are going to have a good time on the island that time of the season.

You cannot transport gas on any of the ferries due to coast guard restrictions; so you must purchase the fuel from the Rock harbor concessionaire. They also sell boat gas at Windigo. When the Voyageur first lands at Windigo, you must participate in a 10-15 minute orientation by a park ranger. Then they give certain folks time to register their camping itinerary at the visitor center, if they will be getting off at McCargoe Cove or Belle Isle. Spend the time checking out the visitor center, not the grocery store. Walk the park trails just before or at first light for best chance to see moose, remembering they have the right of way.

My first time was the week after Labor Day this past September. While we did not do Rock Harbor (we went to Windigo and did the counterclockwise Feldtmann Lake Loop), this message board was absolutely golden. I spent quite a bit of time reading on here, but it REALLY helped us immensely to pack right and to know what to expect coming to IR. So spend as much time as you can on the forums, it will be well worth your time. A very nice community of people as well.