Isle Royale Officially a National Park

From Authorization to Reality

Last month, we highlighted March 3, 1931, as the day Congress authorized the establishment of Isle Royale National Park and the park’s history. But authorization was just the beginning. It wasn’t until April 3, 1940, that President Franklin D. Roosevelt officially designated Isle Royale as a national park. Why the delay? Like many things in government, the process was anything but simple.

After Congress authorized the park, the government had to define its boundaries, acquire land, and put the necessary infrastructure in place. This took time, especially considering Isle Royale’s remote location and the interests of various stakeholders.

Key Milestones

1931 – Authorization: Congress approved the establishment of Isle Royale National Park on March 3, 1931, with the goal of preserving the region’s pristine North Woods Wilderness.
1936 – Fire: A devastating fire broke out at a lumber mill camp owned by the Consolidated Paper Company. The event had lasting effects on the island’s ecology and spurred further conservation efforts. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was brought in to help develop park infrastructure.
1939 – Jurisdiction Ceded: The State of Michigan ceded exclusive jurisdiction over Isle Royale to the U.S. government, paving the way for the final steps toward national park status.
1940 – Official Establishment: On April 3, 1940, after the federal government formally secured the deeds to all lands on the island, President Roosevelt officially designated Isle Royale as a national park.

Since its designation, Isle Royale has continued to gain recognition for its unique and rugged wilderness. In 1976, most of the park was declared a wilderness area, ensuring its protection for future generations. Four years later, in 1980, Isle Royale received international recognition as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Thus cementing its status as a globally significant natural area.

Today, Isle Royale remains one of the least-visited yet most cherished national parks in the United States. Its remote location and strict conservation efforts make it a haven for those seeking solitude and a true wilderness experience. So, as we mark another April 3rd, let’s appreciate the long journey it took to make Isle Royale the incredible national park it is today.

Marisa Fancy along with her husband and four children dreamt of moving “Up North”. They had vacationed for years in northern Michigan and in 1995 they finally made the move.

The family was always out exploring, but with 4 kids there was some limitations on what they could do. Marisa discovered the amazing network of trails in Northern Michigan after Steve died and she would walk for miles. The trails provided her with peace, comfort and solitude at a difficult time in her life. Later, after meeting Guy who would become her second husband, she learned to golf and found another passion she could enjoy in beautiful Northern Michigan.

Marisa has been the family historian, writer, and poet for as long as she can remember. She has always loved to write and has now found a creative outlet for it other than family. You can read her articles in Adventures in Northern Michigan, Northern Michigan History and Golf Up North.