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, 648 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 May 29 through September 15. 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. To review instructions for making a reservation and payment by e-mail, fax, or mail, click here. To make a reservation using the reservation request form, click here. To make a Ranger III reservation by phone, please call (906) 482-0984. To view the 2012 rates and schedule, click here.
In 2012, the Ranger III will offer six passenger seats to Mott Island/Three Mile Campground on September 18, 25, October 2, and 9 and six seats returning from Mott Island/Three Mile Campground on September 20, 27, October 3, 11 and returning from Windigo on October 16. To make reservations for these limited seats, please call 906-482-0984.
Keweenaw Waterway Cruises:
Board the Ranger III for a 2 1/2 hour tour of the mainland's scenic Keweenaw Waterway. Tours depart at 1:00 p.m. on July 12 and 26, August 9 and 23. To make a reservation for the Keweenaw Waterway Tours, call 906-482-0984.
To learn more about the history of the Ranger III or to view pictures of the boat, click here.
