This remote paradise in Michigan has been named America’s best national park

Imagine a place where adventure awaits around every corner and the hustle and bustle of everyday life is like being in another world. That’s exactly the atmosphere that awaits you at one of America’s amazing national parks. With hundreds of national parks across the United States, it would be hard to narrow down the choices to the best of the best, but that’s exactly what one list has done, and Michigan is the undisputed leader.

Believe it or not, there are actually 429 national parks in the country. However, only 63 of them have “national park” in their name. The other sites fall into several categories, according to Travel + Leisure, including National Battlefields, National Historic Sites, National Monuments, National Seashores and National Recreation Areas.

The Wall Street Journal has taken a closer look at the country’s parks in a new list of “The Best National Parks of 2024.”

“Here, The Wall Street Journal presents an objective evaluation of the best national parks from Acadia to Zion based on four criteria: crowds, hiking trails, camping and availability of other recreational activities such as fishing and snowshoeing. While all of the parks listed are popular national treasures, the rankings were designed to reward parks that draw fewer crowds but still offer a wide range of traditional park activities,” the WSJ said.

Michigan, of course, showed what it can do when it comes to the great outdoors. One of our majestic gems made it to the top spot. When you think about it, that’s a pretty impressive feat considering it knocked out big-name cities from Washington, California, and even “Big Daddy” Yellowstone National Park.

So which perfect park was crowned the best of the best? Michigan’s own Isle Royale National Park took the title of the best national park in the country. Located on the northwest corner of Lake Superior, Isle Royale is a hidden gem that offers an unforgettable getaway into nature. This remote setting is known for its pristine wilderness, rugged beauty, and diverse wildlife, including the famous moose and wolves that roam the 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 forested archipelago near the northwest shore of Lake Superior, is the best, according to our calculations,” the WSJ wrote. “This is true wilderness: a land of elk and wolves and the drama that constantly plays out between them.”

Interestingly, Isle Royale is the least visited national park in America, most likely due to its remoteness.

This is what the rankings looked like according to the Wall Street Journal:

1. Isle Royale National Park in Michigan
2. North Cascades National Park in Washington
3. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in California
4. Big Bend National Park in Texas
5. Denali National Park and 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’re an avid hiker, a nature lover, or just looking for a peaceful retreat, Isle Royale National Park has something for everyone. As the best national park in the country, it’s time to put this incredible destination on your bucket list and experience the magic of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula!