![]() NPS Welcome AboardThe 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.
SchedulePassenger service is offered from the end of May through early September annually.
The first scheduled day of 2019 passenger service to and from Rock Harbor:
The last scheduled day of 2019 passenger service to and from Rock Harbor:
![]() NPS 2019 Fares (One-Way)2019 Fares are the same as 2018 Fares (compare 2019 fares to 2017 fares)
Fares Effective All Season
![]() NPS / Michele Devlin ReservationsReservations are accepted January 2 through mid-September for the upcoming Ranger III summer passenger season. Reservations received October to January 2 will not be processed.
Do not use the online reservation system if:
Make Reservations Over the Phone
AccessibilityNPS vessels are accessible. 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 AmenitiesThere are many amenities that the Ranger III offers to its passengers.
The JourneyYour 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. 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. Free Ranger III ToursScheduled Tours
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.
![]() NPS More About the 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: October 24, 2019