Cookn Travels: A Superior Visit to Lake Superior!

Pictured Rocks, Apostle Islands, and Isle Royale NP

We crossed the Mackinac Bridge and headed north to Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where we began our tour of Lake Superior.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, est. Oct 15, 1966

Like its name, this first stop was picture perfect. The best way to see the Pictured Rocks is from the water. We stepped aboard a high speed Catamaran for a 2 hour trip along the coast, where we saw colored cliffs, sea caves and waterfalls. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

To learn more about Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore visit the NPS website. Pictured Rocks NLS

This one is called "Indian Head Rock" and according to the cruise guide, the Native Americans who lived in this region were afraid of this rock formation.

This was the first light house in the area, located on Grand Island, and built in 1860. The keeper lived here with his wife and 12 children. Grand Island still has no running water or electricity but hosts many summer homes.

Also, within the park, you can visit sandy beaches or hike to a few waterfalls. We did a short hike to Munising Falls and to the top of the cliff called Miners Castle, which we saw from the water on our cruise.

Munising Falls

Miners Castle

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, est. Sept 26, 1970

Four and half hours west of Pictured Rocks NLS to Bayfield, WI, where we spent two days visiting Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, known as the "Jewels of Lake Superior." Note: This is another quaint little town with not much to do except tour the islands and relax, which we took full advantage of on both aspects.

To learn more about the park here is a link to the NPS website. Apostle Island National Lakeshore

Again, we boarded a boat tour to get the best views and appreciation of the entire park. This is the first time that we had to wear masks during our trip. Everywhere else is optional and we we have been outside. It was also the first time that we had rain, which we didn't let put a damper on our day. For most of the cruise we stayed inside the catamaran and only went to the upper deck to take pictures.

Leaving the Harbor

Bald Eagles

Adult on far branch on right, young eagle sitting on nest far left, another adult in the nest.

Rocky Shores

Gull nesting area (they aren't called sea-gulls here because we aren't on the sea).

Fisherman's Camp

Once a host for fisherman, now owned and operated by the NPS, Park Rangers still use it when staying on this island.

Various Islands

Man made rock formation to warn boaters of shallow water.

3 islands in a row. There are 22 islands in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

Devil's Island

The furthest island in the park, it is home to sea caves. Devil's Island got its name because the Native Americans thought the island was haunted because of the crying sounds the caves make.

One of 8 Light Houses in the park.

Still maintained by the NPS, a Park Ranger lives here to help maintain the structure. Tours are given in non-covid times.

Raspberry Island

We would have loved to have toured Raspberry Lighthouse but the shuttles are not operational this year because of Covid. Someday Doug and I plan to make a returned trip this area and visit some of the islands on foot. Camping on these islands is all tent/back country camping and requires a permit from the NPS.

The Ranger on duty that lives here was waving from the front porch. He is a retired Bayfield HS principal. Our captain was his student at one time.

Isle Royale National Park, est. April 3, 1940

This is the least visited National Park in the lower 48 states at only approximately 18,000 visitors a year BUT it is the most re-visited park of any other National Park in the US.

One interesting thing about this trip is that every since I began teaching, I have used this National Park as an example in my Biology and Environmental Science classes when teaching predator/ prey relationships and carrying capacity. Isle Royale is an Island in Lake Superior and in the 1940s, the lake froze over and Moose migrated to the Island. There were no predators there so they began to eat and eat and eat. The population grew exponentially and they exceeded the carrying capacity of the island. Then another winter the lake froze again and this time a pack of wolves came to the island. There were so many moose that the wolves were able to eat and their numbers grew. Eventually, the wolves and moose on the island formed a balance. I just find it interesting that I got to visit this island that my students have been studying for years. Unfortunately our time was limited and I didn't get to see one of the 2,000 moose or one of the 12 wolves still on the island.

This Island is 99.9% wilderness, with only a few cabins and mainly backcountry camping. We took a day trip via a ferry, leaving from Grand Portage Minnesota, to the west side of the Island. Technically, Isle Royale is in Michigan and you can also catch a ferry from Copper Harbor or Houghton, Michigan. I am going to give a brief review of this "ferry." This is our 4th ferry/boat tour and the most expensive. For some passengers it was standing room only. The boat had no creature comforts, was not a touring vessel, and I prayed it didn't sink the whole way there or the whole way back. I am pretty sure we were also over capacity in the number of people they booked for the size of the boat. IF I ever go back it will probably be by seaplane. The 4 Cooks gave this boat ride 4 thumbs down.

We arrived, after the 1.5 hour "ferry ride," at the Windingo Visitor Center and did a short 4 mile hike on the island during our 3 hour stay, before catching the ferry back to Grand Portage. We hiked on Feldtmann Lake Trail to the overlook. The trail was well cut with some walking planks with a slight elevation. We enjoyed the quietness and aesthetic value of this hike.