Isle Royale–Keweenaw Course Details

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June 16-22, 2024 Course

Course filled – Contact us with questions or to be put on a Waiting List.

The course begins in Copper Harbor, MI at Keweenaw Mountain Lodge.

Check-in time is 3PM (Eastern Daylight Time)
The Orientation Session begins at 4PM on Sunday (June 16) in the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge Banquet Room, followed by dinner and a program.
Keweenaw Mountain Lodge (on 560 acres surrounded by wilderness) is “a WPA-era wilderness resort at the top of the Keweenaw, with a history that dates back to 1934, and is on the state and national historic registers.” The rustic log cabins are basically duplexes, with queen beds, fireplaces, microwave, coffee maker, mini-fridge, outdoor grill, and Wi-Fi.
Keweenaw Mountain Lodge is a smoke-free facility — Smoking “in any room will be subject to a fine of $250 and being expelled from the property.”

June 30-July 6, 2024 Course

Spaces Still Available

The course begins in Houghton, MI at the Holiday Inn Express.

Check-in time is 3PM (Eastern Daylight Time)
The Orientation Session begins at 4PM on Sunday (June 30) in the Holiday Inn Meeting Room, followed by dinner and a program.
“Deluxe Hot Breakfast” provided at Holiday Inn Express
Holiday Inn Express has an indoor pool, fitness center, and Wi-Fi, flat screen HDTV, mini-refrigerator and microwave in the rooms
Holiday Inn Express is a smoke-free facility — if smoking occurs, a $250 fine is charged to the smoker.

Note for Arrivals by Airplane and Early Arrivals:

Flights into Houghton County Airport are limited and we recommend coming on the evening before the course begins (Saturday), since trying to come Sunday means you would arrive late enough to miss all the Sunday afternoon/evening activities. Others appreciate an early arrival after a long drive, or for time to explore ahead of the course. If you wish to arrive early and would like to take advantage of our group price on the Saturday evening before the course starts, contact us and we’ll reserve a room for you; the charge will be $178 ($160/night plus tax) for a double room (or half of a duplex cabin), which is $89 per person, and we’ll add that to your bill.

June 16-22, 2024 Course

Isle Royale Queen IV

Transportation to Isle Royale from Copper Harbor is on the 100-foot long, 85-passenger vessel Isle Royale Queen IV. The 55-mile journey to Rock Harbor takes about 3:45 hours. Each passenger is allowed 70 pounds of gear/luggage, including one small piece of carry-on luggage.

The Isle Royale Queen website describes this journey: “The awe-inspiring crossing of Lake Superior is part of any Isle Royale adventure.”

Traveling on the Isle Royale Queen IV, we will arrive at Rock Harbor before noon on Tuesday, and depart Rock Harbor just before 3PM on Saturday.

The course ends when the Isle Royale Queen IV arrives back in Copper Harbor, soon after 6PM on Saturday (June 22).

June 30-July 6, 2024 Course

Ranger III

Transportation to Isle Royale from Houghton is on the 165-foot-long National Park Service vessel Ranger III. If weather allows, programs may be given on board. The 73-mile journey to Rock Harbor takes about 6 hours. Luggage limit is “100 lbs. gear per passenger.”

The National Park Service describes this journey: “During the first hour of the trip, the ship navigates the scenic Keweenaw Waterway, passing under the world's largest lift bridge. Once on the open water of Lake Superior, riding the Ranger III allows one to appreciate the size and breadth of the world's largest fresh water lake (measured by surface area). As Isle Royale approaches, a picturesque seascape transitions to a rugged, lichen-covered shoreline and the historic Rock Harbor Lighthouse for those traveling to Rock Harbor.”

The course ends when the Ranger III arrives back in Houghton, soon after 3PM on Saturday.

Rock Harbor Lodge (both courses)

Lodging on Isle Royale is at Rock Harbor Lodge, with lakeside rooms that directly overlook Lake Superior. Luggage is delivered to your room. The Rock Harbor Lodge complex includes a restaurant, the Greenstone Grill, a gift shop, canoe rental, an auditorium, etc.

Double Occupancy

Lodging is reserved as double occupancy rooms. Other arrangements may or may not be possible — contact us to see what is available. There is an additional charge to guarantee single occupancy (if available).

What to Expect

Weather and temperature — be prepared for early spring (40 degree) to mid-summer temperatures, rain, and fog. Weather can be very changeable throughout the day, so be prepared with clothing that can be layered, to enable you to adjust to weather changes. Bringing good rain gear will enable you to enjoy the island even when the sun is not shining.

Isle Royale is an isolated place, and it is important to be aware that obtaining emergency medical treatment can be a matter of several hours, possibly much more. There is no pharmacy, no public telephone, and cell phone reception is not dependable. Trails on Isle Royale are rocky, with very uneven footing. (Around the Rock Harbor Lodge area, trails are paved or gravel.) Day hikes will be as long as 5 miles. While many do make the 5-mile day hikes over uneven terrain, we work with folks to be flexible, provide options and make it the best trip possible; we are happy to make suggestions for ways to adjust to your own abilities and preferences. We encourage you to contact us if you have concerns or questions.

Rock Harbor Lodge has modern facilities, but be prepared to use outhouses when on daytrips.

If you are a smoker, smoke downwind and away from the group; carry out all cigarette butts, matches, etc.

Isle Royale has many gifts to offer, and most of them come when we are quiet, calm, mindful and alert to what is happening around us (wildlife sightings are a good example). Come with open and inquisitive minds and hearts.

Please Note: It is strongly recommended that participants purchase travel insurance to defray extra costs that might be associated with inclement weather (e.g., ferry delays) or the remoteness of Isle Royale National Park. As you plan your travel connections after this course, please keep in mind that delays in ferry service are uncommon, but do occasionally happen.

Isle Royale–Keweenaw Course Price — $2,467

Price includes all lodging, meals (except alcoholic drinks), Keweenaw coach tour, entrance fees, lectures and programs, guided day hikes, tours on Isle Royale sightseeing boat, and transportation between Houghton and Isle Royale. These are small groups — maximum 19 participants.

$300 non-refundable deposit required upon registration.

Final payment due 60 days before course start date.

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellation 30 days or more prior to course start date — all refunded except $300 non-refundable deposit
Cancellation 11-29 days prior to course start date — 50% refunded
Cancellation 10 days or less prior to course start date — no refund