M.V. Ranger III in fog

There are four ferries and one seaplane that provide service to and from Isle Royale National Park.  All have different fares and schedules and reservations are strongly recommended. Services do fill up, especially in the peak season, late-July through mid-August. Make your reservation as soon as your travel dates are firm. For a more peaceful experience during our slow time, you may want to visit Isle Royale in late May, early June or September.

Ranger III loading a private boat

The M.V. Ranger III

The Motor Vessel Ranger III is the largest piece of moving equipment owned and operated by the National Park Service and the largest passenger ferry providing service to Isle Royale National Park. The Ranger III is 165 feet long, 34 feet wide, 650 ton vessel that carries 128 passengers. The ship with its crew of nine, offers interpretive and educational programs, a luncheon grill, three staterooms, four comfortable lounges, two decks and indoor and outdoor seating for passenger comfort. Unlike other service providers, the Ranger III offers transportation for private boats up to 20’00” or less and offers its patrons free parking at a secure lot. The ship operates out of Houghton, in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

The Ranger III offers passenger services from June 2 through September 13. The ship travels from Houghton to Rock Harbor on Tuesdays and Fridays, departing Houghton at 9:00 a.m. EDT, and returns from Rock Harbor to Houghton on Wednesdays and Saturdays, departing Rock Harbor at 9:00 a.m. EDT. The leisurely ride to Isle Royale takes 6 hours. 

To learn more about the history of the Ranger III or to view pictures of the boat, click here. To check rates or to make an on-line reservation for the Ranger III, click here.