Isle Royale with Wisconsin Natural Resources Foundation

Isle Royale royal view

Isle Royale view from Lookout Louise

(This tour is full).  You are invited to join the Natural Resources Foundation on a wildlife tour to Isle Royale, Sep. 2-8, 2019, with Door County Nature and Travel.

Join professional naturalist Paul Regnier and a staff or Foundation board member for a 7-day, up north adventure to explore wildlife and wilderness in the comforts of modern lodging. We invite you to join us as we explore raw wilderness beauty on the largest island in Lake Superior, located just 18 miles off the coast of Ontario, Canada.  Isle Royale is a very special place – accessible only by boat or float plane, the 210 square mile island is relatively untouched by outside influences.

The base trip cost is $2,175 per person, which includes a $200 donation to the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin. Cost is based on double occupancy; for a single room throughout the trip, add $350. This cost includes 6 nights of lodging (four on Isle Royale and two in Houghton, MI), all meals on the island, two boating excursions (one to the historic Rock Harbor lighthouse), park fees, services of a naturalist guide, round-trip transportation on the Ranger III between Houghton and Isle Royale, and more. The tour is limited to 20 travelers.

Paul Regnier will lead our trip. A staff or board member from the Foundation will join the tour.  Paul is owner and naturalist for Door County Tours and Door County Nature Travel, and veteran explorer of Isle Royale, having led numerous nature tours to this wilderness national park.

This Park is enjoyed by nature lovers with over 150 miles of scenic hiking trails; its remoteness makes Isle Royale the least-visited national park outside Alaska. Isle Royale’s wilderness setting provides a variety of opportunities, from viewing a 1,000-pound bull moose to smaller creatures like foxes, northern flora, superior sunsets and colorful, late night northern lights. Also, the Isle harbors nesting and migrating birds like, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, ospreys, loons, and numerous ducks and other waterfowl. Historically, wolves made their home here and this will be a hot topic of discussion during our stay.

This tour is a special outing designed for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers wanting to explore a wilderness area in comfort and with guides. The group will convene in Houghton, Michigan on the first night of the tour for an orientation to Isle Royale. In the morning, we board the National Park Service’s 165-food Ranger III boat for a Lake Superior cruise to the island. On the Isle, we’ll enjoy the comforts of Rock Harbor Lodge, which includes a restaurant, a store, laundry facilities, snack bar, and gift shop. While staying at the Lodge, located at waters’ edge, we’ll explore the wonders of the park through day hikes, boat trips, and free time. Exploring Isle Royale is a unique experience and many are drawn to return repeatedly for the solitude, wilderness, and the lush beauty of this little-known gem in the Midwest. This trip is rated from easy to moderate physical activities including walking and hiking on uneven trail surfaces with one walk including some incline, no more than 2 miles walk or hike per day (with options for additional hiking).

Space is limited, so act soon to secure your reservation! To register, send your $500 per person deposit as soon as possible to: Door County Tours P.O. Box 136 Bailey’s Harbor, WI 54202. Include: Check, name, email, and mailing address (see registration form here). For a complete trip itinerary and additional questions, please contact Paul Regnier at doorcountypaul@gmail.com, or 920-493-1572.