News Release

Join Family Day Aboard Ranger III, Thursday, August 21, 2025

NPS / Bridget Byrne

News Release Date: August 5, 2025

Contact: Christopher M. Amidon, [phone]

HOUGHTON, MICH. – On August 21, 2025, join Isle Royale National Park and Kaleidoscope for Ranger III Family Day. Families with children 15 or younger may reserve space aboard one of two, 45-minute scheduled waterway cruises. Ranger III will travel into Portage Lake and back during the trip.
 
For families with children 15 or younger, there is no cost for the cruise. As space is limited, reservations are required. To make required reservations, fill out the online reservation request form linked to the morning or afternoon cruise. For each cruise, reservations will be accepted through Monday, August 18, 4 pm or when Ranger III capacity is reached. The online form will indicate when capacity limits have been reached. Reservations typically fill up quickly within 1-2 days of opening.
 
11:00 am: Family Day Ranger III Cruise onto Portage Lake, Reservations Required
On Thursday, August 21, check in at the Houghton Visitor Center by 10:15 am for boarding and departure preparation. Children 15 or younger must be present in your party for free passage. Complete the Ranger III Family Day Reservation Request Form at kaleidoscope-education.org/special-events/ranger-iii-family-day/
 
2:00 pm: Family Day Ranger III Cruise onto Portage Lake, Reservations Required
On Thursday, August 21, check in at the Houghton Visitor Center by 1:15 pm for boarding and departure preparation. Children 15 or younger must be present in your party for free passage. Complete the Ranger III Family Day Reservation Request Form at kaleidoscope-education.org/special-events/ranger-iii-family-day
 
Upon submitting a reservation form, you will receive an initial response documenting your request from Kaleidoscope. Once reservation processing begins for Ranger III, the individual submitting the request will receive additional communication from Isle Royale National Park with the following responses:

• Ranger III email confirming an assigned voyage with participating passengers.
• Ranger III email indicating your party has been waitlisted.
• A follow up phone call to discuss any reservation complications.

During the cruise, rangers and Kaleidoscope staff will provide activities. A light jacket is recommended. Personal food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted aboard Ranger III.

Kaleidoscope, a nonprofit organization, offers educational opportunities for school-aged children in Hancock and the surrounding Keweenaw area. By providing positive support and engaging learning experiences through classes and community events, Kaleidoscope endeavors to elevate at-home and community-based learning for all families.
 
Celebrate Family Day with Isle Royale National Park and Kaleidoscope by taking a Portage Lake cruise aboard Ranger III!

www.nps.gov
 

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