Isle Royale is an island archipelago where communities formed around protected harbors. Lake Superior was the highway; canoes and rowboats were historically the primary means of transportation.

Most visitors to Isle Royale have no idea that it is home to a rare surviving example of a recreational enclave in the North Woods region of Minnesota, Wisconsin & Michigan. Nothing like it exists elsewhere in the U.S. With the establishment of the Park, not only were wilderness qualities protected but change to the camps was arrested. Other late 19th & early 20th century recreational enclaves in the U.S. were updated with modern conveniences like plumbing and electricity. None of that happened on Isle Royale. Generations of the same family have cared for these places and passed down their history, stories & traditions. To enter one of these camps is like taking a step back in time.
Members of the community came from vastly different socio-economic backgrounds yet formed bonds that have lasted for generations.
All surviving camps and cabins are either listed on the National Register of Historic Places or qualify for listing. Care and maintenance of historic cultural resources located on a wilderness island in the middle of Lake Superior bring unique challenges.
Our presentation will provide an overview of these historic cultural resources, the community & highlight some of the preservation work we do on the surviving camps & cabins.