Rock Harbor (Michigan) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rock Harbor, Michigan
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Map of Rock Harbor on the northeast side of Isle Royale
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 Rock Harbor
Location in Michigan
Rock Harbor
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Michigan |
| County | Keweenaw |
| Township | Houghton |
| Elevation | 610 ft (190 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code(s) |
49931 (Houghton)
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| Area code(s) | 906 |
| GNIS feature ID | 636080 |
Rock Harbor is a special place on Isle Royale in Lake Superior. It is the main spot where visitors arrive to explore this amazing island. Isle Royale is a national park, which means it is protected for everyone to enjoy.
Rock Harbor is located about 4 miles (6.4 km) from the northeast end of the island. The island itself is about 45 miles (72 km) long. Two important buildings here, the Rock Harbor Light and the Edisen Fishery, are listed as historic places. This means they are very old and important to the area's history.
Contents
What is Rock Harbor?
Rock Harbor is more than just a visitor area. It is also the name for a long, narrow inlet of water. This inlet stretches for about 11 miles (18 km). It goes from Moskey Basin to Scoville Point.
A Protected Waterway
This inlet is protected from the big waves of Lake Superior. Several smaller islands block the open water. One of these islands is Mott Island, where the park's main office is located.
How to Get to Rock Harbor
Getting to Rock Harbor is an adventure! Since Isle Royale is an island, you have to travel by boat or seaplane.
Ferry Boats and Seaplanes
- The Ranger III is a ferry run by the park service. It leaves from Houghton, Michigan, in the Upper Peninsula.
- The Isle Royale Queen IV is another ferry. It departs from Copper Harbor, Michigan.
- You can also fly to Rock Harbor by seaplane.
- The Voyageur II ferry starts from Grand Portage (community), Minnesota. This boat travels all the way around Isle Royale. It makes stops at different places, including Washington Harbor on the west side of the island.
Snug Harbor: Your Arrival Point
When the ferry boats arrive, they land at a place called Snug Harbor. This area has many things for visitors:
- Places for private boats to dock.
- A campground where you can stay overnight.
- A visitor center to learn more about the park.
- A lodge, which is like a hotel, that was built even before the national park was created!
Exploring Rock Harbor
Rock Harbor is a great starting point for exploring Isle Royale. It offers many activities and services for visitors.
The Greenstone Ridge Trail
Rock Harbor is the eastern end of the Greenstone Ridge Trail. This famous trail crosses the entire island. It is a popular path for hikers who want to see the island's wilderness.
Rock Harbor Lodge and Services
Even though no one lives in Rock Harbor all year, it is a busy place in the summer. It is sometimes called Rock Harbor Lodge. Here you will find:
- The Rock Harbor Lodge, offering places to stay.
- A restaurant where you can eat.
- Several boat docks for different vessels.
- Campgrounds for those who love to camp outdoors.
From 1924 to 1958, Rock Harbor even had its own summer post office!
