Facts about Isle Royale National Park

Description:

This forested island, the largest in Lake Superior, is distinguished by its wilderness character, timber wolves, moose herd, and pre-Columbian copper mines. Also of significance are threatened, endangered, or special wildlife and plant species; shipwrecks; lighthouses; historic fisheries; and historic resort ruins.

Authorized:

March 3, 1931

Established:

April 3, 1940

Boundary Changes:

May 28, 1934; June 20, 1938; March 6, 1942; August 14, 1958; April 11, 1972; and October 20, 1976

Wilderness designation:

October 20, 1976

Designated International Biosphere Reserve:

1980

Total acreage (land and water):

571,790.11

Federal acreage (land and water):

539,281.87

Nonfederal acreage (land and water):

332,508.24

Land area:

133,781.87

Wilderness area (land-based):

132,018

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