Operating Hours & Seasons

Aerial view of Washington Harbor.

NPS Photo/Paul Brown

Isle Royale National Park is open every year from April 16 through October 31. The island is closed from November 1 through April 15 due to extreme winter weather conditions and for the safety and protection of visitors. This closure extends 4.5 miles out into Lake Superior from the island. The park headquarters during the winter is in Houghton, Michigan. The summer headquarters is located at Mott Island on Isle Royale National Park.

 

Visitor Centers & Administrative Offices Locations & Hours

Houghton Visitor Center

Location: 800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI 49931
Seasons & Hours: Houghton Visitor Center Hours
April 15 - May 24: Monday-Friday 10:00 am - 4:00pm ET
May 26 - September 20: Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm ET, Saturday 10 am - 5 pm ET
September 21 - October 31: Monday-Friday 10:00 am - 4:00pm, Closed Federal Holidays
November 1 - April 14: Closed

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Rock Harbor Visitor Center

Location: Northeast end of Isle Royale National Park

Seasons & Hours:
June 5 - September 20: Daily 8:00 am - 5:00 pm ET
Prior to June 5 and after September 20: Open intermittently

 

Windigo Visitor Center

Location: Southwest end of Isle Royale National Park

Seasons & Hours:
June 5 - September 20: Daily 8:00 am - 5:00 pm ET
Prior to June 5 and after September 20: Open intermittently

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Fee Collection Hours

Houghton Visitor Center

April 16 - October 31

Monday-Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm ET
Saturday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm ET

 

Rock Harbor Visitor Center

June 5 - September 20

Daily: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm ET

 

Windigo Visitor Center

June 5 - September 20

Daily: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm ET

 

Administrative Offices

Location:
May - September: Mott Island, Isle Royale National Park
Year Round: 800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI 49931

Seasons & Hours:
By Appoinment Only: Contact the Park

 

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  Entrance Fees and Passes

  Learn the basics about Isle Royale fees and passes.

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  Overnight Camping & Backpacking Permits

  Small-party permits are for those camping overnight in the park with 6 or fewer people (excluding boaters, see below)

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  First Timer Guide

  Start planning your trip.