Edisen Fishery

Edisen Fishery is a historic fishing settlement in Rock Harbor on Isle Royale containing seven structures that operated as a working camp. The site includes a fish processing house, net storage building, residential cabins, a small chicken coop, a whaleboat, docks, and various fishing equipment arranged across the shoreline.

The fishing industry around Isle Royale grew in the 1880s when refrigerated rail transport made it profitable to ship fresh catch. The founders established the operation in 1895 and ran it as a working commercial enterprise until the industry declined in the region decades later.

The buildings reflect the Norwegian and Swedish fishing traditions that shaped this community on the island. Visitors see how these newcomers adapted their building methods to survive the harsh local climate.

The site is reached by boat through Rock Harbor, where signs and displays explain the fishing operations and early settlement history. Wear sturdy shoes and bring weather protection, as conditions on the island can change quickly and the shoreline can be uneven.

The 1895 net house shows an unusual hybrid design combining saddle-notched log walls on one side with frame construction and tar paper on the other. This shows how builders improvised when materials were limited or weather exposure demanded different approaches.