NPS Welcome Aboard 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. Schedule, Fares, Reservations, Accessibility, Amenities, Departure Location, Schedule Passenger service is offered from the end of May through early September annually.
The first scheduled day of 2018 passenger service to and from Rock Harbor:
The last scheduled day of 2018 passenger service to and from Rock Harbor:
NPS 2018 Fares (One-Way)Compare 2018 Fares to 2017 Fares
Fares Effective All Season
Reservations Please review the Ranger III Reservation Instructions before making a reservation.
Accessibility NPS 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 Amenities There are many amenities that the Ranger III offers to its passengers.
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. 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. 
NPS Vessel History The Ranger III is a 165 foot long, 34 feet wide, 648 ton vessel that carries 128 passengers. Go here for full Ranger III statistics. 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.Vessel Tours Free group tours of the Ranger III can be arranged in advance by contacting the park. Captain Rand Attaway will present the guided tour, highlighting the history and features of the National Park Service's largest motorized vessel.
NPS Keweenaw Waterway Cruise
Enjoy a relaxing 3 hour cruise down the Portage Canal aboard the Ranger III. Cruises take place on select Thursdays in July and August. Please contact the park for the most up to date cruise information.
Keweenaw Waterway Cruise Fares
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Last updated: May 2, 2018
