Can You Guess Which National Park Near Minnesota Was Just Named No. 1 for Families?
Families are raving about this car-free national park near Minnesota – find out why it’s ranked #1 for an unforgettable adventure! 🌐 #News #Minnesota #Travel #Family
ST. PAUL, MN – Before diving into the details, let me tell you why Isle Royale National Park holds a special place in my heart. Jack and I love taking time to explore the beauty of the Midwest, and this park, nestled on a remote island in Lake Superior, is our absolute favorite. Plus, getting there from northern Minnesota is so much fun – I’ll tell you more about that in a sec!
It’s where we go when we want to leave the hustle behind and truly connect with nature. Plus, I’ll be honest — it’s a great excuse to escape the car for a bit and soak up the peace and quiet.
Why Isle Royale Tops the List for Families
InsureMyTrip, a travel insurance marketplace, recently released a study ranking U.S. national parks based on factors important to families — and Isle Royale came out on top. Their researchers evaluated 63 national parks based on key factors like airport access, visitor numbers, natural diversity, safety, weather, and campsite options.
This remote, island-bound park off the coast of Michigan may seem rugged, but it’s actually a hidden gem for families, offering a safety score of 9.9 out of 10 and plenty of kid-friendly amenities.
Family-Friendly Features You’ll Love
One of the most unique features of Isle Royale is that it’s car-free. Once you’ve parked your car on the mainland in Minnesota or Michigan, your adventure begins with either a ferry or seaplane ride to the island.
That’s part of the fun for families! The park can be reached from four cities in Minnesota and Michigan, making it more accessible than you might think.
What Cities Can You Access Isle Royale National Park From?
The four cities from which you can access Isle Royale National Park are:
- Houghton, Michigan – This is a common departure point with ferry and seaplane services to the island.
- Copper Harbor, Michigan – Another ferry service operates from this location.
- Grand Portage, Minnesota – This is where you can catch the Voyageur II ferry, which also offers water taxi services.
- Duluth, Minnesota – Seaplanes fly from Duluth to the park. This option is so much fun!
Once you arrive, you’ll find over 165 miles of hiking trails and endless waterways perfect for kayaking and canoeing. With 36 campgrounds on the island, many of which are accessible by water taxi, it’s a camper’s dream.
Free Camping and Open Spaces — No Reservation Needed
Isle Royale makes family camping easy with free camping for groups of six or fewer. The best part? No need to reserve in advance. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Unlike more popular parks, you won’t be scrambling to secure a spot. With just 29,000 visitors in 2023, this park offers a peaceful, crowd-free experience that’s hard to beat.
Planning Your Next Family Adventure
If you’re looking for a safe, serene, and exciting place to take the family, Isle Royale National Park should be at the top of your list. Whether you’re planning a fall getaway or looking ahead to next summer, this beautiful spot in Lake Superior has everything a family needs for an unforgettable trip. Happy travels!
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