Transportation to Isle Royale National Park
Guests can use ferries or seaplanes to arrive at Isle Royale National Park. The transportation services are not operated by Rock Harbor Lodge. Guests can contact National Park Service, The Isle Royale Line, Isle Royale Seaplanes and Grand Portage Isle Royale Transport Line, Inc.
A park entrance fee is required to enter and remain in Isle Royale National Park. Be sure to pay your entrance fees prior to your trip and enter the park via seaplane or ferry.
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Ranger III
Ranger III is operated by the National Park Service. It is a 165 ft long, 34 ft wide and 648-ton vessel run by a nine-person crew. All services depart from Houghton, Michigan.
| Operating Dates | May 30, 2023 – September 13th, 2023 |
| Time | 6 hours to cross Lake Superior, one way. |
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| Contact Information |
National Park Service Phone: 906.482.0984 Email: ISRO_Ranger3Reserv@nps.gov |
| Reservations |
Please visit National Park Service website for reservations, rates and more information. |
Isle Royale Queen IV
Isle Royale Queen IV sails from Copper Harbor, Michigan to Rock Harbor Lodge. The passenger ferry has warm, comfortable seating areas inside, main deck and fore and aft for passengers to walk.
| Time | Approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes, one way. |
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| Contact Information |
The Isle Royale Line Phone: 906.289.4437 Email: isleroyalequeen@gmail.com |
| Reservations |
Please visit Isle Royale Line website for reservations, rates and more information. |
Isle Royale Seaplanes
Each plane flown by Isle Royale Seaplanes is operated by experienced pilots of over 40 years combined. Passengers can choose from two destinations: Rock Harbor or Washington Harbor.
| Operating Dates | May 21 to September 16, 2023 | |
| Time | 35-45 minutes | |
| Airport | Hancock Portage Canal Seaplane Base in Hancock, Michigan | |
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| Contact Information |
Hancock Portage Canal Seaplane Base Phone: 906.483.4991 Email: info@isleroyaleseaplanes.com |
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| Reservations | Please visit the Isle Royale Seaplanes website for reservations and other important information such as luggage requirements. | |
| Please note this part of the business operates under a CUA. It is not an authorized Concessioner of the National Park Service. |
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Voyageur II
Voyageur II departs from Grand Portage, Minnesota. This ferry does stop at Washington Harbor prior to Rock Harbor Lodge.
| Operating Dates | May 13 to October 1, 2023 |
| Time | From Grand Portage to Washington Harbor it takes 2 hours. From Washington Harbor to Rock Harbor it takes an additional 5 hours. It can be a total of 7 hours if guests are staying at Rock Harbor Lodge. |
| Routes |
Please Note: Each route has a stop at the Washington Harbor dock |
| Contact Information |
Grand Portage Isle Royale Transportation Lines, Inc. Phone: 218.600.0765 |
| Reservations | Please visit their website to learn more information about reservations and schedules. |
Sea Hunter III
The Sea Hunter III ferry provides services to passengers who are visiting or staying in Washington Harbor.
| Operating Dates | June 7th to September 2nd, 2023 |
| Time | 1 hour and 30 minutes |
| Routes |
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| Contact Information |
Grand Portage Isle Royale Transportation Lines, Inc. Phone: 218.600.0765 |
| Reservations | Please visit their website for more information about reservations, rates and ferry schedules. |
Isle Royale Seaplanes
Each plane flown by Isle Royale Seaplanes is operated by experienced pilots of over 40 years combined. Passengers can choose from two destinations: Rock Harbor or Washington Harbor.
| Operating Dates | May 21 to September 16, 2023 |
| Time | 25-45 minutes |
| Airport | Cook County Airport in Grand Marais, Minnesota |
| Routes |
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| Contact Information |
Cook County Airport, 123 Airport Road, Grand Marais, MN 55604 Phone: 906.483.4991 Email: info@isleroyaleseaplanes.com |
| Reservations | Please visit Isle Royale Seaplanes website for reservations and other important information such as luggage requirements. |
| Please note this part of the business operates under a CUA. It is not an authorized Concessioner of the National Park Service. |
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