National Park Service

Ranger III's upper observation deck

The Ranger III is the largest ship owned and operated by the National Park Service and is the largest ship transporting passengers and freight to Isle Royale National Park. Crewed by nine, the Ranger III is the only Isle Royale vessel that offers two decks for passenger use, three staterooms, four lounges, a grill, handicap accessible bathroom, free mainland parking, interpretive and educational programs, and onboard issuance of backcountry permits. The ship is the only one to offer transportation for private boats between the mainland and the Island for boats up to twenty feet in length.