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Fees & Passes

Fees paid to Isle Royale National Park help to augment the cost of preserving and maintaining this special place. The park would not be able to provide quality services, facilities, or experiences without your financial assistance.

Entrance Fees, Park Passes, Special Permit Fees, Your Fees at Work, Entrance Fee FAQs

 

Your entrance fees are used to support park projects like dock maintenance and trail rehabilitation.

NPS

Fee Changes for 2017

• The park charges a $7 per person daily entrance fee. It is charged to enter or remain within the park per calendar day.
• The Isle Royale Season Pass costs $60 and will cover up to 3 people traveling with the pass holder (4 total) for all visits during the entire 2017 season (April 16 through October 31).
• The $150 season boater rider pass has been discontinued. Boaters may purchase the $60 Isle Royale Season Pass instead.
• All Federal Recreation Passes (Annual, Military, Senior, Access, and Volunteer) are now honored. Entrance fees will be waived for the pass holder and up to 3 adults traveling with the pass holder (4 total).
• Children 15 and under are exempt from the daily entrance fee.
• Check out common entrance fee questions.

 

Entrance Fees

What is an entrance fee?

The entrance fee for Isle Royale National Park applies to all park visitors, except for children 15 and under. It is a fee to enter or remain within the park charged per person per calendar day. This includes the day you arrive and the day you depart the park.

How do I pay the entrance fee?

There are several methods to pay the entrance fee:

1. Most Preferred: Pay fees in advance at pay.gov (avoid congestion and long waits on the island). Type Isle Royale into the search block (located in the upper left corner). Scroll down to Isle Royale NP Individual Daily Pass or the Isle Royale NP Season Pass. Select Continue to Form for either option. To pay, fill in your personal information, transportation arrangements, and payment information. Print or electronically show your receipt using a smart phone to show proof of payment upon arrival.
   • If your entrance fee charge will be greater than $60, consider purchasing an Isle Royale Season Pass. It can be purchased on pay.gov or you can also contact the Houghton Visitor Center. Allow two weeks for mailing of your pass to you. If your travel dates are within the two week window of your trip and, please purchase the pass in person upon arrival at either the Houghton, Windigo, or Rock Harbor Visitor Centers .
2. Least Preferred: Entrance fees can be paid and passes purchased at Rock Habor and Windigo upon arrival. This is the least preferred method as the large volumes of visitors disembarking a ferry can create long waiting times.
   • Personal checks are no longer accepted at these two visitor centers.

Ranger III passengers pay their entrance fee at the time of the reservation.

If I have paid the entrance fee 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.

For additional entrance fee questions, check out the Entrance Fee FAQ section.

 

Park Passes

A number of different passes are available for purchase and issue at any park visitor center, including the Isle Royale Season Pass.

America the Beautiful Passes such as the Annual, Senior, Access, and Military are valid at Isle Royale. Learn how park passes can reduce the entrance fees you and your group pay. If you have any park pass questions, please feel free to contact the park.

You can now order your Isle Royale Season Pass on line at pay.gov. Search Isle Royale Season Pass and click on "Continue to Form." If you are unable to allow two weeks for pass delivery prior to your trip departure, purchase the pass on the island when you arrive.

 

Special Permit Fees

The following activities within the park may require additional fees:

• Group Camping (7-10 individuals)
• Weddings
• Commercial Filming or Still Photography
• Commercial Services (tour groups, outfitters, etc)
• Special Events
• Any activity outside of normal park use

 

The fees you pay to Isle Royale go to projects like clearing downed or unsafe trees from trails.

NPS

Your Fees at Work

The fees you pay while visiting the park 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 last ten years.