Educational and enjoyable programs are offered on the Ranger III and on Isle Royale at Rock Harbor and Windigo. In addition, guided excursions explore such areas as Passage Island and Lookout Louise near Rock Harbor. Ranger-guided programs are free, although those involving the tour boat MV Sandy have a transportation fee. Check the bulletin boards at Rock Harbor and Windigo for further details. For outdoor activities, dress for the possibility of cold or wet weather and wear sturdy footwear. Come join us!
Budget shortfalls have reduced staffing. Check at Park Visitor Centers for availability of educational programs.
All times are Eastern Daylight Time
$ indicates a Transportation Cost
Rock Harbor Visitor Center
Information, books, maps, and other educational sales materials, backcountry
camping permits, and user fee payments.
Evening Program
Learn about Isle Royale’s natural and cultural history.
Offered most nights at 8:00 p.m. Meet in the Rock Harbor Auditorium unless otherwise
specified on program schedule.
Hidden Lake/Lookout Louise
A 4-mile boat ride on the MV Sandy takes you to Hidden Lake where a park
ranger guides the 2-mile round trip hike past the lake and up 320 feet to Lookout
Louise overlook. Here you will see a breathtaking view of Ontario and the north
shore of Isle Royale. Return with the group by boat or bring a lunch and water
and hike the 10.2 miles back to Rock Harbor. If stormy weather cancels the trip,
a guided walk will be led to Suzy’s Cave (3.8 miles round trip).
9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays; obtain tickets and
information at the lodge office
$
Passage Island
A park ranger guides this 2-mile round trip walk from the Passage Island dock
to the Passage Island Lighthouse, following the 8-mile boat ride on the MV
Sandy. You will see the rare devil’s club, which are present since
there are no moose on this island. The trail includes some steep inclines. If
stormy weather cancels the trip, a guided walk will be led to Scoville Point
(4.2 miles round trip).
1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Mondays and Fridays
$
Raspberry Island Shuttle
Explore on your own and at your own pace a one-mile self-guiding trail through a spruce
bog on one of Isle Royale’s most diverse, scenic, and rugged outer islands. Bring
your lunch and beverage and enjoy them in the splendor of wave-washed cliffs.
(Via shuttle boat)
Available by reservation daily
$
Captain’s Cruise
Explore scenic out-of-the-way destinations with the Captain of the MV Sandy,
such as Middle Island Passage, Lorelei Lane, Rock Harbor Lighthouse, Davidson
Island, and Starvation Point.
2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays
$
Edisen Fishery/Rock Harbor Lighthouse
Visit a historic commercial fishery with the resident fishery demonstrator and
take a 1/4 mile guided walk to the oldest lighthouse (1855) on Isle Royale.
2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursdays and 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturdays
$
Sunset Cruise to Raspberry Island, Scoville Point, and
Blake Point
Stroll a self-guided trail along boardwalks lined by insect-eating plants through
a spruce bog. Cruise on the MV Sandy around Scoville and Blake Points
to view the Canada shoreline, site of the Monarch shipwreck, and a Lake
Superior sunset.
(After August 15, cruise only)
8:00 p.m. to sunset in June and July; 7:30 p.m. to sunset in August and September
$
North Side Cruise/Minong Mine
Cruise two hours each way along the many harbors and bays of Isle Royale’s
north shore. Pass Blake Point and Amygdaloid Island, with a possible stop at
Belle Isle. Hike the 2 miles round trip from McCargoe Cove to the historic mine. Bring
lunch and water on this all day excursion.
9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays
$
Evening Program - Check for availability at the Daisy Farm
bulletin board.
Learn about Isle Royale’s natural and cultural history at the site of a
historic settlement.
7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays; meet at
the dock
Windigo Visitor Center
Information, books, maps, and other educational sales materials, backcountry
camping permits, and user fee payments.
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily
Evening Program
Learn about Isle Royale’s natural and cultural history.
Offered most nights at 7:30 p.m. Meet in the Windigo Auditorium unless otherwise
specified on program schedule.
Windigo Whispers - check availability at Windigo Visitor Center
Join a ranger to explore special topics relating to Windigo’s natural or
cultural history.
1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. daily; meet at Windigo Visitor Center
Houghton Visitor Center
Information, books, maps, and other educational sales materials, boater and
group backcountry camping permits, user fee payments, Ranger III reservations.
View the 28-minute video 'Isle Royale: An Island Wilderness'.
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday,
June 13 through August 20, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
the rest of the year
Wilderness Portal
Ranger-conducted programs about Isle Royale are presented on trips to and from
the island wilderness aboard the Ranger III. A park ranger will help
plan trips on the island and issue backcountry camping permits.
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesdays-Wednesdays and Fridays-Saturdays
June 1 through September 11
Phone (906) 482-0984 for reservationse
$
For all tours and programs involving the MV Sandy, obtain tickets and information at the Lodge Registration Office
Fare rates for the various tours are available at the Lodge and Rock Harbor Visitor Center; children under 12 are half rate for Sandy cruises
Children 6 to 12 years old can participate in the Junior Ranger Program. Check at any Isle Royale National Park Visitor Center for details. Children can graduate in one full day.
Go to Virtual Visitor Center for Isle Royale National Park
Go to Home Page for Isle Royale National Park
