Isle Royale National Park is Going Cashless for Entrance FeesBeginning in 2022, Isle Royale Natioonal Park will no longer be able to accept cash for park entrance fees. Checks are also not accepted on-island. Only credit card transactions will be accepted.
Why Is Isle Royale National Park No Longer Accepting Cash?As cash sales have declined signficantly over the last ten years, the cost to collect cash overshadowed the volume of cash that was collected. Maintaining cash operations on an isolated island in Lake Superior was no longer financially sustainable. ![]() NPS Entrance Fee Basics
How Do I Pay Entrance Fees?If you have a valid Federal Recreation Pass (Annual, Military, Senior, Access, and Volunteer) entrance fees are waived. No further payment is necessary. However, you are required to bring the pass with you to the island. Upon arrival, you may be asked for an ID matching the signature on the pass. If you forget to bring your pass with you, you will be required to pay for entrance fees at time of park arrival. There are several methods to pay:
Fee Collection HoursIf you did not pay entrance fees prior to your arrival, there are limited hours fees are collected on island at the Rock Harbor and Windigo visitor centers.
I need a refund. What do I do?If I have paid fees in advance, do I need to permit upon park arrival?Yes. All overnight visitors on Isle Royale still need to permit at a visitor center upon arrival at Rock Habor or Windigo (Ranger III passengers permit during the boat crossing to the island). You will show proof of entrance fee payment during the permitting process. ![]() All Federal Recreation Passes (Annual, Military, Senior, Access, and Volunteer) waive entrance fees for the pass holder and up to 3 adults (16 and up) traveling with the pass holder (4 total). The Isle Royale Season PassThe Isle Royale Season Pass costs $60 and will cover up to 3 adults (16 and older) traveling with the pass holder (4 total) for all visits during the entire park season (April 16 through October 31). Can I Buy the Isle Royale Season Pass Online? Special Permit FeesThe following activities within the park may require additional fees:
![]() NPS Your Dollars at WorkThe fees you pay while visiting stay in the park and improve and upgrade services and facilities. Every year as many projects as possible are funded and completed. Projects mostly focus on trail, campsite, and dock maintenance, but any project that improves visitor services may be considered. See what your fees have helped to fund over the years. |
Last updated: February 21, 2023