![]() NPS Reservations Open January 3, 2023The Ranger III is a 165 foot long, 34 feet wide, 648 ton passenger vessel. An experienced nine-member crew takes great pride in maintaining the vessel and serving its passengers. All service departs from Houghton, on the mainland of Michigan, and travels to either Rock Harbor or Windigo on Isle Royale. Schedule 2023Passenger service is offered from May 30 through September 13. The Ranger III takes approximately 6 hours to cross Lake Superior each way. You do not have to schedule a round-trip; one-way trips may be scheduled. There are no one-day, round-trip voyages. Outbound Island Trips Houghton, MI to Rock Harbor, MI; 9:00 am eastern time.
Houghton, MI to Windigo, MI; 9:00 am eastern time
Inbound Island Trips Rock Harbor, MI to Houghton, MI; 9:00 am eastern time
Windigo, MI to Houghton, MI; 9:00 am eastern time
![]() NPS / Michele Devlin Reservations Open January 3, 2023For 2023, reservations will be accepted starting January 3 through mid-September for the upcoming Ranger III summer passenger season. Online Reservations Preferred
Do You Want to Transport a Boat, Canoe, or Kayak?Find out specific information that is helpful when making a boat, canoe, or kayak transportation reservation. Once Reservations Are ConfirmedOnce your reservations are confirmed, check out our Ranger III Departure Preparations page to plan for your Ranger III voyage. ![]() NPS Fares (One-Way) All Season2023 Fares
Park Entrance FeesA per person daily entrance fee is required to enter and remain in the park. Pay fees online prior to your trip.AccessibilityNPS 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. ![]() NPS Amenities
The JourneyOnce you've made reservations, check out our Ranger III Departure Preparations page to prepare for your Ranger III voyage. Free Ranger III ToursTours By ArrangementFree tours of Ranger III can be arranged in advance by contacting the park. Rangers will present a guided tour highlighting the history and features of the National Park Service's largest motorized vessel. Groups of more than 25 may require additional tour times or staffing needs. Tour Details
![]() NPS More About Ranger IIIThe 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. |
Last updated: December 16, 2022