News Release

Join Family Day Aboard Ranger III, Thursday, August 17, 2023

Enjoy a family trip to celebrate summer in the Keweenaw aboard Ranger III while cruising the historic Keweenaw Waterway.

NPS Photo / Coral Conway

News Release Date: August 8, 2023

Contact: Christopher M. Amidon, [phone]

HOUGHTON, Mich. – On August 17, 2023, join Isle Royale National Park and the Isle Royale & Keweenaw Parks Association for Ranger III Family Day. Families with children 15 or younger may reserve space aboard one of two free, 45-minute scheduled waterway cruises. Ranger III will travel into Portage Lake and back during the trip.  

There is no cost for the cruise, but because space is limited, reservations are required. To make required reservations, go online and fill out the reservation request form for the specific morning or afternoon cruise of interest. For each cruise, reservations will only be accepted through Wednesday August 16, 4 pm or when Ranger III capacity is reached.

11:00 am: Free Ranger III Cruise onto Portage Lake, Reservations Required 
On Thursday August 17, 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 Morning Cruise Reservation Request Form: tinyurl.com/Morning-Cruise. 

2:00 pm: Free Ranger III Cruise onto Portage Lake, Reservations Required 
On Thursday August 17, 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 Afternoon Cruise Reservation Request Form: tinyurl.com/Afternoon-Cruise. 

Upon submitting a reservation request, once reservation processing begins, the individual submitting the request will receive one of the following responses: 

• Ranger III email confirmation for the voyage. 

• Ranger III email indicating your party has been waitlisted. 

• A follow up phone call to discuss any reservation complications. 

During the cruise, rangers will provide activities and a light jacket is recommended. Thank you to the Isle Royale & Keweenaw Parks Association for their assistance with this event and continued support of Isle Royale National Park. 

www.nps.gov 

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