Water-based transportation systems are integral to the experience of visiting many national parks. In fact, in 2016 and 2017, three out of the ten highest use alternative transportation systems in the National Park Service (NPS) were water-based systems, including Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island, Alcatraz Island, and USS Arizona Memorial. These three systems accounted for nearly 15.7 million passenger boardings.
Many national park units are located on islands which are primarily accessed by ferries. These ferries provide a vital transportation link for staff and visitors to get to the parks and they allow for the delivery of food and other essential cargo. In fact, out of 33 water-based systems in 25 parks, 13 systems provide this critical access.
Interpretive tours provide visitors an opportunity to get out on the water and see a park from a different perspective while learning something about the history of the park and its resources. Thirteen systems solely provide interpretive tours while many of the other water-based systems enrich the transportation service with some kind of an educational component.
Water-based systems account for 33% of all national park transit systems. In addition to the vessels, these systems include piers, marinas, constructed waterways and other waterfront features.
Many national park units are located on islands which are primarily accessed by ferries. These ferries provide a vital transportation link for staff and visitors to get to the parks and they allow for the delivery of food and other essential cargo. In fact, out of 33 water-based systems in 25 parks, 13 systems provide this critical access.
Interpretive tours provide visitors an opportunity to get out on the water and see a park from a different perspective while learning something about the history of the park and its resources. Thirteen systems solely provide interpretive tours while many of the other water-based systems enrich the transportation service with some kind of an educational component.
Water-based systems account for 33% of all national park transit systems. In addition to the vessels, these systems include piers, marinas, constructed waterways and other waterfront features.
Showing results 1-10 of 33
- Type: Place
- Locations: Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve, Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit National Historical Park, Minidoka National Historic Site, Olympic National Park, San Juan Island National Historical Park, Wing Luke Museum Affiliated Area
The Maritime Washington National Heritage Area tells a nationally important story of maritime heritage, from Native American canoe cultures to industrial working waterfronts, that shaped western Washington and contributes today to our development as a nation.
- Isle Royale National Park
Sea Hunter III
- Type: Place
- Locations: Isle Royale National Park
SEA HUNTER III passenger ferry services makes day trips to Isle Royale.
- Isle Royale National Park
Voyageur II
- Type: Place
- Locations: Isle Royale National Park
The Voyageur II is a passenger ferry based in Minnesota that services Isle Royale.
- Isle Royale National Park
Isle Royale Queen IV
- Type: Place
- Locations: Isle Royale National Park
The Isle Royale Queen IV passenger ferry is based out of Copper Harbor, Michigan.
- Type: Article
- Locations: Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve
- Offices: Workforce Management
Article written by Emma Rockenbeck for "A Day in the Life of a Fellow" Article Series National Park Service - Workforce Management Fellow in Partnership with Northwest Youth Corps (NYC)
- Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Halls Crossing to Bullfrog Ferry Resumes Operations
- Type: News
- Locations: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
- Date Released: 2024-07-02
The Charles Hall Ferry returns to service July 4th providing passage over Lake Powell between Bullfrog and Halls Crossing. Initially the ferry will operate Thursdays through Sundays and fee payment will be cash only.
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Manitou Island Transit Ferry
- Type: Place
- Locations: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Interested in exploring North & South Manitou Island? The Manitou Transit Ferry Service is how you get there. You can do a day trip or spend the night camping. The ferry ride is slow moving and usually is 1.5 hours one way. Ferry reservations are required. **No pets are permitted on the islands.**
- Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park renews contract with Yankee Freedom for ferry service
- Type: News
- Locations: Dry Tortugas National Park
- Date Released: 2023-11-15
Dry Tortugas National Park announced the selection of Yankee Freedom III, Inc. to provide interpretive ferry service to the park. The new contract term, which begins Nov. 1, is for ten years and will provide daily ferry service to the park with departures from Key West.
- Isle Royale National Park
Ranger III Celebrates 60 Years of Service
- Type: News
- Locations: Isle Royale National Park
- Date Released: 2018-10-26
Ranger III ferry service connecting Houghton, MI to Isle Royale National Park completed 60 years of service this October.
- Isle Royale National Park
RANGER III Ferry Proposed Fares for 2023
- Type: News
- Locations: Isle Royale National Park
- Date Released: 2022-10-24
RANGER III, the National Park Service’s ferry to and from Isle Royale, has been sailing under the same fare structure since 2018. Isle Royale National Park is proposing to update the RANGER III passenger and freight fares for 2023 and encourages the public to comment on these proposed changes before a final decision is made. The comment period is open until November 25, 2022.
Last updated: February 4, 2019