Climate Change at Isle Royale: Johns Hotel

The Johns family was the first to open accommodations to recreational visitors on Isle Royale. The Johns Hotel opened in 1892 on what is now Barnum Island, located in Washington Harbor. Though it was initially only one story, the hotel expanded to include a number of other buildings on site, including a dining room, a store, and a handful of cottages. While the Johns family no longer owns the property, they participate with the National Park Service as volunteers to restore the remaining log building and preserve their family legacy.

The restored Johns Hotel is close to the Lake Superior shoreline, leaving it vulnerable to the elements.

Jim Peaco

Climate Concerns

Isle Royale’s historical resources are commonly vulnerable to the island’s harsh winter climate and Lake Superior’s weathering. As the lake’s water warms, air temperatures increase, and create more evaporation, resulting in higher wind speeds. The combination of these factors results in higher frequency of severe storms. Strong storms and high winds sustain damage and topple numerous trees across the island every year.

In 2011, many trees were downed on Barnum Island near Johns Hotel. Thankfully, the historic hotel and its multiple outbuildings were spared. However, the increasing likelihood of more extreme weather due to climate change causes concern for historic structures and their legacies across Isle Royale.

Bottom Line

As the climate warms, higher wind speeds and more severe storms place historic structures like the Johns Hotel, and their legacies, at risk. In turn, Isle Royale’s cultural and human history is threatened.

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