Ranger III Information

 

RANGER III docked at Mott Island

NPS

Ranger III Anticipates Operating in 2021

The Ranger III is a 165 foot long, 34 feet wide, 648 ton vessel that carries 128 passengers. An experienced nine-member crew takes great pride in maintaining the vessel and serving its passengers. All service departs from Houghton, Michigan or Rock Harbor on Isle Royale.

Ranger III COVID-19 Common Questions

How is Ranger III adapting to providing passenger service during COVID-19?

Reservations will not be taken until March 1, 2021

This is subject to change.

 

Schedule

Passenger service is offered from the end of May through early September annually.

Outbound Island Trips

• From Houghton, MI to Rock Harbor, MI on Tuesdays and Fridays.
  • Begins 5/25/21; Ends 09/10/21
  • Departs Houghton at 9:00 am EDT

Inbound Island Trips

• From Rock Harbor, MI to Houghton, MI on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
  • Begins 5/26/21; Ends 09/11/21
  • Departs Rock Harbor at 9:00 am EDT

 

Small boats can come to the island aboard the RANGER III.

NPS

Fares (One-Way)

Fare Comparison to Previous Years

• Low Season: Prior to 7/7/21 and after 8/22/21
  • Adults: $55.00
• High Season: 7/7/21 through 8/22/21
  • Adults: $70.00

Fares Effective All Season

• Children (1 -15 years): $35.00

• Infants (under 1): Free
• Boat (less then 18'01"): $100.00
• Boat (18'01" to 20'00"): $150.00
• Canoes/Kayaks (hand loaded): $30.00
• Canoes/Kayaks (18'00" / 80 lbs or greater): $60.00
• Outboard Motor: $15.00
• 100 lbs gear per passenger: Free
• Additional freight after 100 lbs: $9.50/100wt.

 

View of the RANGER III at sunset.

NPS / Michele Devlin

Reservations

For 2021 reservations will be accepted starting March 1 through mid-September for the upcoming Ranger III summer passenger season. Reservations received October to February 1 will not be processed.

Make Reservations Online (not yet available for 2021).

• Use the www.pay.gov form: Ranger III Ferry Fees

• Need help? Look over the Ranger III online reservation instructions.

The Online Reservation Form Allows:

• Canoe and Kayak Transportation Reservations
• Boat Transportation Resevations
• Keweenaw Waterway Cruise Reservations (none scheduled for 2021)

Make Reservations Over the Phone

• Contact the Houghton Visitor Center: [phone]
• Have your sailing dates, passenger names and ages, and credit card information ready.

 

Accessibility

NPS vessels strive to be accessible. Ranger III is more than 60 years old with nautical designs predating ADA legislation. Please inform staff when making reservations to facilitate assistance. Ranger III crew will gladly assist with loading and unloading up and down the gangplanks. On the lower deck, the Ranger III Grill and restrooms are accessible.

 

RANGER III Upper Passenger Lounge

NPS

Amenities

There are many amenities that the Ranger III offers to its passengers.

• Indoor and outdoor seating

• Four comfortable passenger lounges

• Luncheon grill

• Interpretive and educational programs

• Can transport private boats up to 20' in length

• Free vehicle parking in Houghton

 

The Journey

Your Isle Royale National Park journey starts at the Ranger III's home port located at 800 E. Lakeshore Dr., Houghton, Michigan. The 73 mile journey to Rock Harbor takes 6 hours. The 62 mile journey to Windigo takes a little over 5 hours.

During the first hour of the trip, the ship navigates the scenic Keweenaw Waterway, passing under the world's largest lift bridge. Once on the open water of Lake Superior, riding the Ranger III allows one to appreciate the size and breadth of the world's largest fresh water lake (measured by surface area). As Isle Royale approaches, a picturesque seascape transitions to a rugged, lichen-covered shoreline and the historic Rock Harbor Lighthouse for those traveling to Rock Harbor. For those traveling to Windigo, the isolated Rock of Ages Lighthouse is viewed before entering the waters of Washington Harbor.

 

Free Ranger III Tours

Scheduled Tours

• To Be Determined for 2021

Tours By Arrangement

Free tours of Ranger III can be arranged in advance by contacting the park. Rangers will present the guided tour, highlighting the history and features of the National Park Service's largest motorized vessel.

Tour Details

• Park at the Houghton Visitor Center

• Gather outside the visitor center about 10 minutes prior to the tour time

• Tour time length: Approximately 1 hour

• Slip resistant shoes recommended

• Narrow stairways and corridors are encountered

• All ages welcome

• No strollers

• Children 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult

 

RANGER III sailing at Isle Royale

NPS

More About Ranger III

The Ranger III is a 165 foot long, 34 feet wide, 648 ton vessel that carries 128 passengers. Go here for full Ranger III specs. An experienced nine-member crew takes great pride in maintaining the vessel and serving its passengers. The Ranger III has been in operation since 1958, and is part of a rich history of vessels that have serviced Isle Royale.

View the Ranger III Photo Gallery.