(The Center Square) – Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon – step aside, please.
The No. 1 national park in the nation is Isle Royale in the heart of northern Michigan, says the Wall Street Journal.
Yes, you heard that right. The WSJ says its ranking system is “designed to reward parks that draw less crowds yet still offer a wide range of traditional park activities.”
Ranks are made up of four key criteria: crowds, quality and quantity of trails, campsite availability, and access to activities like horseback riding, kayaking or fishing. Out of all 63 national parks, Isle Royale combines recreation opportunities with low crowds to make it to the number one seat.
“Accessible only by ferry, private boat or seaplane, this is true wilderness: a land of moose and wolves and the drama forever playing out between them,” the article reads. “Backpackers can pitch a tent in one of the park’s 36 rustic campgrounds, but visitors will find plenty of day-hiking opportunities, too, and the circa-1956 Rock Harbor Lodge makes up for a lack of bells and whistles with an endless reserve of old-school charm.”
The Lake Superior island’s remote location attracts only 29,000 visitors per year, according to the National Parks Service. At 206 square miles, it’s the fourth-largest lake island in the world. The park is open to the public from April 16 through Oct. 31, boasting 165 miles of trails to explore throughout the summer and fall.
Following Isle Royale on WSJ’s list are North Cascades National Park in Washington and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks in California.
