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Home » Isle Royale National Park | Our Scary Seaplane Fear Video

Isle Royale National Park | Our Scary Seaplane Fear Video

Last Updated: September 29, 2024

Table of Contents

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  2 Minutes Read
    • Why Take the Isle Royale Seaplane?
  • Best Time to Visit Isle Royale NP
  • Posts from East North Central US:
    • Is the Cross-Country Amtrak Sleeper Train Worth it?
    • The 7 Best Ann Arbor Restaurants to Try Now (includes map)
    • The 7 Best Madison Restaurants You Must Try (includes map)
    • The 7 Best West Lafayette Restaurants to Try Now (includes map)
    • The 7 Best Bloomington, Indiana Restaurants to Try Now (includes map)
    • The 10 Best Restaurants in Chicago (includes map)

Our next early retirement travel stop was about overcoming the fear of flying for Bev. Riding seaplanes to and from Isle Royale National Park was a big test!! This adventure was our first experience riding on a seaplane. Houghton, MI, was the launching point for this adventure and it is a beautiful town in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Our options for travel to the island were a nearly 6-hour boat ride or a 40-minute flight.

Despite Bev’s fear of flying, we chose flying vs. boating because of the much shorter trip. We used Isle Royale Seaplanes for our trip to the park, and they were a very professional business and did a fantastic job. The pilots were very friendly and made us feel quite comfortable. In addition, they helped Bev to overcome the fear of flying. It was all worth it to spend some time hiking on the amazing Isle Royale National Park.

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Have you ever been in a seaplane?

Why Take the Isle Royale Seaplane?

Taking a seaplane to Isle Royale offers a transcendent journey. It blends exhilarating aerial views with the untouched wilderness of one of America’s most remote national parks. This makes it an essential experience for nature enthusiasts and adventurers. As you soar above Lake Superior’s blue waters, the breathtaking vistas of rugged coastlines, dense forests, and secluded islands provide a tantalizing preview of the untouched paradise upon your arrival. Upon landing, Isle Royale’s serene landscapes, abundant wildlife, and tranquil atmosphere envelop visitors in a realm where time seems to stand still, fostering a deep connection to nature that is both rejuvenating.

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Whether you’re drawn to its pristine hiking trails, clear waters, or the sheer solitude of its remote location, arriving by seaplane not only intensifies the sense of adventure but also offers a privileged perspective that underscores the island’s unparalleled beauty, making it a journey that resonates with authenticity, wonder, and profound natural splendor.

Best Time to Visit Isle Royale NP

We have linked a great website to this button showing the weather for this location by the month. Click below to be taken to Weather-and-Climate.com.

Click here!

Posts from East North Central US:

John and Bev inside Amtrak train car

Is the Cross-Country Amtrak Sleeper Train Worth it?

Aerial view of University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor

The 7 Best Ann Arbor Restaurants to Try Now (includes map)

buildings and skyline of Madison Wisconsin with river in the foreground

The 7 Best Madison Restaurants You Must Try (includes map)

skyline of West Lafayette Indiana at sunset

The 7 Best West Lafayette Restaurants to Try Now (includes map)

buildings and arched gate in Bloomington, Indiana

The 7 Best Bloomington, Indiana Restaurants to Try Now (includes map)

Chicago, Illinois skyline with buildings, trees and a lake

The 10 Best Restaurants in Chicago (includes map)

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A picture of John & Bev celebrating 100 countries with balloons and champaign.

We’re John & Bev a married, American couple who decided to sell our home and give away our stuff so we could explore the world. Having traveled to over 100 countries, we create travel guides to help show you the way. We hope our tips, maps, details, stories, and recommendations help you travel with confidence and plan a grand adventure of your own. Reach out if you have a question, we’re happy to share our thoughts. Happy Journeys!

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📍 104 Countries - Cruising the Panama Canal 🗺 Traveling the world full-time 🎥 Community of 138K+ on YouTube ⬇️ Watch and read latest content ⬇️
  • We rolled into Gyeongju on a zippy high-speed train and realized that this place is like walking through a history book that forgot it was supposed to be boring. They call it Korea’s “museum without walls,” and we couldn’t agree more. Our favorite stop? The stunning Woljeonggyo Bridge — painted dragons above, river below, and us smack in the middle of this fabulous city wondering how we could rearrange our schedule for a longer stay. Our hearts were hitching a ride back to the 7th century, but unfortunately, the next train was scheduled to take us to the next amazing Korean city. We’ll be back, no doubt! We love it so!
#korea #gyeongju #retirementtravelers
  • One thing we learned in Seoul today is that by wearing our Retirement Travelers shirts and vlogging our adventures, we were no longer ordinary tourists. We were viral-worthy legends in the eyes of middle-school boys. At Gyeongbokgung Palace, we were admiring the royal rooftops when this fun group of kids spotted us and swarmed. Phones clicked, peace signs flew, and we soaked up our five minutes of fame. And to think—our kids back home just call us “cute old people” but clearly, in South Korea, we are one step away from debuting as the next K-pop duo. 🤣 #seoulkorea #seoul🇰🇷 #kpop #korea NEVER STOP ACTING LIKE A KID!!!
  • Hands down, our favorite thing at the Osaka World Expo 2025 was the Grand Ring—a jaw-dropping, 2-kilometer wooden skywalk that loops above the pavilions like a giant hula hoop. Not only does it hold the Guinness World Record for the largest wooden architectural structure, but it also came with one magical feature most of the pavilions lacked: no reservations required!!! We strolled around the wooden marvel like VIPs with zero lines and awesome views. #osaka #worldexpo #japan
  • We took one last wander through Kyoto’s bamboo forest today—along with what felt like the entire population of Earth. Still, the towering stalks and swaying hush made it feel like nature was trying its best to whisper over the crowd. As we get ready to leave Kyoto behind, we’re carrying some unforgettable moments with us and we look forward to adding some more along the way. #kyoto #japanlife  #bambooforest
  • We’ve officially arrived in Kyoto, and guess who’s already winning at this whole cultural immersion thing. Our 7-year-old granddaughter. Jet lag? She laughed in its face. Chopsticks? She’s in training. Bowing politely? Basically, a local diplomat. And the outfit? A pink kimono and a matching fan that we bought her—she’s got more style than the rest of us combined. Meanwhile, we’re over here trying to decode the Japanese metro system like it’s an escape room… after a month of being spoiled by China’s luxury rail life. She’s thriving, we’re surviving—and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way! It is also good reminder to us to still see the world through the curiosity and innocence of a child. Evie, Thanks for joining us in Japan!!! #kyotojapan #kyoto #japan
  • In the heart of Shanghai’s futuristic skyline, we found ourselves living a dream—our lodging nestled high within the iconic Jin Mao Tower(Bldg on left). Each morning, we woke to a commanding view of the World Financial Center slicing through the sky, and just steps away stood the architectural marvel that is the Shanghai Tower—the third tallest building in the world. Our adventure reached thrilling new heights as we ascended to its summit, where the city sprawled beneath us like a living tapestry. It was more than just a stay; it was a front-row seat to one of the most awe-inspiring skylines on Earth. #shanghai #chinatrip #jinmaotower #shanghaitower #china
  • A visit to Beijing isn’t complete without a long walk on the Great Wall (Badaling section), which is now only a 30-minute train ride from Beijing North Railway Station. It is simply spectacular and a must visit. #greatwall #greatwallofchina #china
  • Bev stood in awe before the Army of Terracotta Warriors near Xi'an. Hidden for 2200 years, these ancient relics were only unearthed by a Chinese farmer in 1974. China's First Emperor Qin Shi Huang sought to defy mortality. He poured vast resources into constructing an underground empire, complete with palaces, armies, chariots, and stables. Spanning 21 square miles, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest burial ground on earth. #xian #xianchina #terracottawarriors #china #retirementtravel
  • The reason we stopped in Chengdu was pretty black and white………and very, very cute. 🐼
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is an incredible facility that houses over 200 Giant Pandas and Red Pandas. This photo is the most famous resident here. She is a cutie and a social media star in China, named HuaHua. 
#pandas #huahua #chengdu #chinatravel
  • We are in Chongqing. This municipality in southwestern China is considered one of the largest cities in the world with over 30 million people. It is massive! It is nicknamed “The Mountain City” because of the many urban hills with unique transportation systems that adapt to the terrain. This is a vibrant place with lots of high-end shopping, a monorail that passes through a building, towering skyscrapers, and so many wonderful “Hot Pot” restaurants. #china #chongqing #lizibastation
  • Just zipping around China by train,
We think it’s much better than a plane.
A rail network so vast,
And speeds that are fast,
There is nary a thing to complain.

Several of you have asked how we are getting around in China? Well, the Chinese high-speed train system has quite simply BLOWN US AWAY!!! It is modern, affordable, fast, clean, efficient, convenient and has great service. There is a rapidly expanding network of 25,000 miles of high-speed rail lines, with numerous daily routes going about anywhere you would want to go. We have tried the 1st and 2nd class tickets, both of which are perfectly fine, but admit we love the over-the-top luxury of business class for affordable prices. We will be detailing more info about Chinese train travel in future videos, so stay tuned. John and Bev
#china #trains #traintravel
  • Tianmen Mountain was our third incredible attraction near Zhangjiajie, China. The mountain can be accessed from the city by two different exhilarating aerial trams or a dangerous highway featuring 99 hairpin turns. Tianmen literally means “Heaven’s Gate” and the 999 stairs leading up to the opening are known as the Stairway to Heaven. Climbing this stairway was another bucket list experience for us, so we took our time on the steep steps and just savored every moment. After passing through the gate, a long series of escalators take you up through the inside of the mountain to the top, where they have a glass-bottomed walkway hugging a cliffside and many great views of the area.
#china #tianmen #tianmenmountain
View on Instagram
We rolled into Gyeongju on a zippy high-speed train and realized that this place is like walking through a history book that forgot it was supposed to be boring. They call it Korea’s “museum without walls,” and we couldn’t agree more. Our favorite stop? The stunning Woljeonggyo Bridge — painted dragons above, river below, and us smack in the middle of this fabulous city wondering how we could rearrange our schedule for a longer stay. Our hearts were hitching a ride back to the 7th century, but unfortunately, the next train was scheduled to take us to the next amazing Korean city. We’ll be back, no doubt! We love it so!
#korea #gyeongju #retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
We rolled into Gyeongju on a zippy high-speed train and realized that this place is like walking through a history book that forgot it was supposed to be boring. They call it Korea’s “museum without walls,” and we couldn’t agree more. Our favorite stop? The stunning Woljeonggyo Bridge — painted dragons above, river below, and us smack in the middle of this fabulous city wondering how we could rearrange our schedule for a longer stay. Our hearts were hitching a ride back to the 7th century, but unfortunately, the next train was scheduled to take us to the next amazing Korean city. We’ll be back, no doubt! We love it so! #korea #gyeongju #retirementtravelers
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
1/12
One thing we learned in Seoul today is that by wearing our Retirement Travelers shirts and vlogging our adventures, we were no longer ordinary tourists. We were viral-worthy legends in the eyes of middle-school boys. At Gyeongbokgung Palace, we were admiring the royal rooftops when this fun group of kids spotted us and swarmed. Phones clicked, peace signs flew, and we soaked up our five minutes of fame. And to think—our kids back home just call us “cute old people” but clearly, in South Korea, we are one step away from debuting as the next K-pop duo. 🤣 #seoulkorea #seoul🇰🇷 #kpop #korea NEVER STOP ACTING LIKE A KID!!!
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
One thing we learned in Seoul today is that by wearing our Retirement Travelers shirts and vlogging our adventures, we were no longer ordinary tourists. We were viral-worthy legends in the eyes of middle-school boys. At Gyeongbokgung Palace, we were admiring the royal rooftops when this fun group of kids spotted us and swarmed. Phones clicked, peace signs flew, and we soaked up our five minutes of fame. And to think—our kids back home just call us “cute old people” but clearly, in South Korea, we are one step away from debuting as the next K-pop duo. 🤣 #seoulkorea #seoul🇰🇷 #kpop #korea NEVER STOP ACTING LIKE A KID!!!
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
2/12
Hands down, our favorite thing at the Osaka World Expo 2025 was the Grand Ring—a jaw-dropping, 2-kilometer wooden skywalk that loops above the pavilions like a giant hula hoop. Not only does it hold the Guinness World Record for the largest wooden architectural structure, but it also came with one magical feature most of the pavilions lacked: no reservations required!!! We strolled around the wooden marvel like VIPs with zero lines and awesome views. #osaka #worldexpo #japan
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
Hands down, our favorite thing at the Osaka World Expo 2025 was the Grand Ring—a jaw-dropping, 2-kilometer wooden skywalk that loops above the pavilions like a giant hula hoop. Not only does it hold the Guinness World Record for the largest wooden architectural structure, but it also came with one magical feature most of the pavilions lacked: no reservations required!!! We strolled around the wooden marvel like VIPs with zero lines and awesome views. #osaka #worldexpo #japan
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/12
We took one last wander through Kyoto’s bamboo forest today—along with what felt like the entire population of Earth. Still, the towering stalks and swaying hush made it feel like nature was trying its best to whisper over the crowd. As we get ready to leave Kyoto behind, we’re carrying some unforgettable moments with us and we look forward to adding some more along the way. #kyoto #japanlife  #bambooforest
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
We took one last wander through Kyoto’s bamboo forest today—along with what felt like the entire population of Earth. Still, the towering stalks and swaying hush made it feel like nature was trying its best to whisper over the crowd. As we get ready to leave Kyoto behind, we’re carrying some unforgettable moments with us and we look forward to adding some more along the way. #kyoto #japanlife #bambooforest
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/12
We’ve officially arrived in Kyoto, and guess who’s already winning at this whole cultural immersion thing. Our 7-year-old granddaughter. Jet lag? She laughed in its face. Chopsticks? She’s in training. Bowing politely? Basically, a local diplomat. And the outfit? A pink kimono and a matching fan that we bought her—she’s got more style than the rest of us combined. Meanwhile, we’re over here trying to decode the Japanese metro system like it’s an escape room… after a month of being spoiled by China’s luxury rail life. She’s thriving, we’re surviving—and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way! It is also good reminder to us to still see the world through the curiosity and innocence of a child. Evie, Thanks for joining us in Japan!!! #kyotojapan #kyoto #japan
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
We’ve officially arrived in Kyoto, and guess who’s already winning at this whole cultural immersion thing. Our 7-year-old granddaughter. Jet lag? She laughed in its face. Chopsticks? She’s in training. Bowing politely? Basically, a local diplomat. And the outfit? A pink kimono and a matching fan that we bought her—she’s got more style than the rest of us combined. Meanwhile, we’re over here trying to decode the Japanese metro system like it’s an escape room… after a month of being spoiled by China’s luxury rail life. She’s thriving, we’re surviving—and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way! It is also good reminder to us to still see the world through the curiosity and innocence of a child. Evie, Thanks for joining us in Japan!!! #kyotojapan #kyoto #japan
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
5/12
In the heart of Shanghai’s futuristic skyline, we found ourselves living a dream—our lodging nestled high within the iconic Jin Mao Tower(Bldg on left). Each morning, we woke to a commanding view of the World Financial Center slicing through the sky, and just steps away stood the architectural marvel that is the Shanghai Tower—the third tallest building in the world. Our adventure reached thrilling new heights as we ascended to its summit, where the city sprawled beneath us like a living tapestry. It was more than just a stay; it was a front-row seat to one of the most awe-inspiring skylines on Earth. #shanghai #chinatrip #jinmaotower #shanghaitower #china
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
In the heart of Shanghai’s futuristic skyline, we found ourselves living a dream—our lodging nestled high within the iconic Jin Mao Tower(Bldg on left). Each morning, we woke to a commanding view of the World Financial Center slicing through the sky, and just steps away stood the architectural marvel that is the Shanghai Tower—the third tallest building in the world. Our adventure reached thrilling new heights as we ascended to its summit, where the city sprawled beneath us like a living tapestry. It was more than just a stay; it was a front-row seat to one of the most awe-inspiring skylines on Earth. #shanghai #chinatrip #jinmaotower #shanghaitower #china
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
6/12
A visit to Beijing isn’t complete without a long walk on the Great Wall (Badaling section), which is now only a 30-minute train ride from Beijing North Railway Station. It is simply spectacular and a must visit. #greatwall #greatwallofchina #china
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
A visit to Beijing isn’t complete without a long walk on the Great Wall (Badaling section), which is now only a 30-minute train ride from Beijing North Railway Station. It is simply spectacular and a must visit. #greatwall #greatwallofchina #china
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
7/12
Bev stood in awe before the Army of Terracotta Warriors near Xi'an. Hidden for 2200 years, these ancient relics were only unearthed by a Chinese farmer in 1974. China's First Emperor Qin Shi Huang sought to defy mortality. He poured vast resources into constructing an underground empire, complete with palaces, armies, chariots, and stables. Spanning 21 square miles, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest burial ground on earth. #xian #xianchina #terracottawarriors #china #retirementtravel
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
Bev stood in awe before the Army of Terracotta Warriors near Xi'an. Hidden for 2200 years, these ancient relics were only unearthed by a Chinese farmer in 1974. China's First Emperor Qin Shi Huang sought to defy mortality. He poured vast resources into constructing an underground empire, complete with palaces, armies, chariots, and stables. Spanning 21 square miles, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest burial ground on earth. #xian #xianchina #terracottawarriors #china #retirementtravel
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
8/12
The reason we stopped in Chengdu was pretty black and white………and very, very cute. 🐼
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is an incredible facility that houses over 200 Giant Pandas and Red Pandas. This photo is the most famous resident here. She is a cutie and a social media star in China, named HuaHua. 
#pandas #huahua #chengdu #chinatravel
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
The reason we stopped in Chengdu was pretty black and white………and very, very cute. 🐼 The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is an incredible facility that houses over 200 Giant Pandas and Red Pandas. This photo is the most famous resident here. She is a cutie and a social media star in China, named HuaHua. #pandas #huahua #chengdu #chinatravel
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
9/12
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
We are in Chongqing. This municipality in southwestern China is considered one of the largest cities in the world with over 30 million people. It is massive! It is nicknamed “The Mountain City” because of the many urban hills with unique transportation systems that adapt to the terrain. This is a vibrant place with lots of high-end shopping, a monorail that passes through a building, towering skyscrapers, and so many wonderful “Hot Pot” restaurants. #china #chongqing #lizibastation
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
10/12
Just zipping around China by train,
We think it’s much better than a plane.
A rail network so vast,
And speeds that are fast,
There is nary a thing to complain.

Several of you have asked how we are getting around in China? Well, the Chinese high-speed train system has quite simply BLOWN US AWAY!!! It is modern, affordable, fast, clean, efficient, convenient and has great service. There is a rapidly expanding network of 25,000 miles of high-speed rail lines, with numerous daily routes going about anywhere you would want to go. We have tried the 1st and 2nd class tickets, both of which are perfectly fine, but admit we love the over-the-top luxury of business class for affordable prices. We will be detailing more info about Chinese train travel in future videos, so stay tuned. John and Bev
#china #trains #traintravel
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
Just zipping around China by train, We think it’s much better than a plane. A rail network so vast, And speeds that are fast, There is nary a thing to complain. Several of you have asked how we are getting around in China? Well, the Chinese high-speed train system has quite simply BLOWN US AWAY!!! It is modern, affordable, fast, clean, efficient, convenient and has great service. There is a rapidly expanding network of 25,000 miles of high-speed rail lines, with numerous daily routes going about anywhere you would want to go. We have tried the 1st and 2nd class tickets, both of which are perfectly fine, but admit we love the over-the-top luxury of business class for affordable prices. We will be detailing more info about Chinese train travel in future videos, so stay tuned. John and Bev #china #trains #traintravel
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
11/12
Tianmen Mountain was our third incredible attraction near Zhangjiajie, China. The mountain can be accessed from the city by two different exhilarating aerial trams or a dangerous highway featuring 99 hairpin turns. Tianmen literally means “Heaven’s Gate” and the 999 stairs leading up to the opening are known as the Stairway to Heaven. Climbing this stairway was another bucket list experience for us, so we took our time on the steep steps and just savored every moment. After passing through the gate, a long series of escalators take you up through the inside of the mountain to the top, where they have a glass-bottomed walkway hugging a cliffside and many great views of the area.
#china #tianmen #tianmenmountain
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
Tianmen Mountain was our third incredible attraction near Zhangjiajie, China. The mountain can be accessed from the city by two different exhilarating aerial trams or a dangerous highway featuring 99 hairpin turns. Tianmen literally means “Heaven’s Gate” and the 999 stairs leading up to the opening are known as the Stairway to Heaven. Climbing this stairway was another bucket list experience for us, so we took our time on the steep steps and just savored every moment. After passing through the gate, a long series of escalators take you up through the inside of the mountain to the top, where they have a glass-bottomed walkway hugging a cliffside and many great views of the area. #china #tianmen #tianmenmountain
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
12/12

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