This Remote Michigan Paradise Named Best National Park in America

Imagine a place where adventure awaits around every corner, and the hustle and bustle of everyday life feel worlds away. That's exactly the vibe that awaits at any of America's amazing National Parks. With hundreds to enjoy throughout the United States, it would be hard to narrow it down to the best of the best, but that's exactly what one list has done, and Michigan is reigning supreme.

Believe it or not, there are actually 429 National Parks in the country. However, just 63 of those have the "National Park" designation in their names. The other sites fall under several categories, including National Battlefields, National Historic Sites, National Monuments, National Seashores, and National Recreation Areas according to Travel + Leisure. 

The Wall Street Journal took a closer look at the country's parks with a new list of 'The Best National Parks of 2024'.

"Here, The Wall Street Journal lays out an objective view of the best national parks from Acadia to Zion across four criteria: crowds, hiking trails, campsites and the availability of other recreational activities like fishing and snowshoeing. While all of the parks listed are beloved national treasures, the ranking was designed to reward parks that draw less crowds yet still offer a wide range of traditional park activities", WSJ said. 

Michigan, of course, showed what they're made of when it comes to the great outdoors One of our majestic gems found itself taking the top spot landing at #1. If you think about it, that's one pretty impressive accomplishment considering it beat out notables from Washington, California, and even the 'Big Daddy' Yellowstone National Park.

So what perfect park was named the best of the best? Michigan's very own Isle Royale National Park took the title of the best national park in the country. Situated in the northwest corner of Lake Superior, Isle Royale is a hidden gem that offers an unforgettable escape into nature. This remote ambiance is renowned for its pristine wilderness, rugged beauty, and diverse wildlife, including the iconic moose and wolves that roam its vast landscapes.

“Most people tend to associate national parks with a few predictable places—Yellowstone, Zion, Yosemite—but when we crunched the numbers, an unexpected winner emerged: Isle Royale, a wooded archipelago near the northwestern edge of Lake Superior, is, according to our metrics, the best,”  WSJ wrote.“This is true wilderness: A land of moose and wolves and the drama forever playing out between them.”

Interestingly enough, Isle Royale is the least visited of the National Parks in America, most likely due to being so remote.

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Here's how the rankings shaped up according to The Wall Street Journal:

1. Isle Royale National Park in Michigan
2. North Cascades National Park in Washington
3. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks in California
4. Big Bend National Park in Texas
5. Denali National Park & Preserve in Alaska
6. Lassen Volcanic National Park in California
7. Great Basin National Park in Nevada
8. Death Valley National Park in California and Nevada
9. Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas
10. Yellowstone National Park in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming

If you are an avid hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Isle Royale National Park has something for everyone. As the best national park in the country, it's time to add this incredible destination to your bucket list and experience the magic of Michigan's Upper Peninsula!