Isle Royale National Park: Bug Spray, Freeze Dried Food, and T-Shirts

Isle Royale National Park:
Bug Spray, Freeze Dried Food, and T-Shirts

Our group came to Isle Royale National Park to get away from modern life. That means that we didn’t come here to go shopping (we could have stayed home and browsed Instagram for that). We could easily “need” a few things while we are here, however, and so we’re thankful that the essential items are available. Depending on our mood, that could include locally inspired souvenirs and gifts. We’ll show you where to pick these things up.
- Cris

Rock Harbor Trading Post

This store is perfect for last-minute gear such as maps and first aid kits. It ensures that you’re well-prepared, even if you forget something. They even have freeze-dried camping food and snacks. My sister (once) brought a cake to a camping trip. We mocked and ridiculed her…until it began pouring rain and we couldn’t cook anything. She loved our silence as we devoured the cake like hungry wolves. The Rock Harbor Trading Post does not sell cakes. You can, however, do laundry here and rent a shower.

The Washington Harbor Store

The Washington Harbor Store in Windigo caters to people staying at Washington Harbor or passing through, offering a combination of groceries, simple outdoor essentials, and gifts​. This is convenient for people staying in the southern end of the national park. Roughly half of the store is t-shirt and small souvenir trinkets, a quarter of the store is essential camping supplies and a quarter is nirvana (beer, pizza, sandwiches, snacks). After you spend 4 days camping in untamed wilderness, you will understand the meaning of nirvana (your pizza just showed up at your table).

Camping Humor

Bears: Rite of passage.
Signage: Where can I get one of these?
Wisdom: Teaching the next generation.

Dockside Store

The Dockside Store in Rock Harbor sells essential camping supplies but also offers unique souvenirs to commemorate your visit, such as books and themed gifts​. A bookmark or a pen might go nicely with that journal in which you saved brilliant ideas and sketched amazing diagrams.

We didn’t come to Isle Royale National Park to shop, but it was really convenient to pick up chocolate and marshmellows for s’mores along with itch cream for those dang mosquito bites.

Tomorrow, we will share a summary from this week in a single location so you can find it easily when planning your trip.

See you tomorrow.

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