Isle Royale National Park, one of the nation’s least-visited and most remote parks, is preparing to welcome back Michigan visitors for the season, but it may be a struggle to get there for a few more weeks.
The island offers a remote landscape in the middle of Lake Superior to explore in the northern Great Lakes, according to Pure Michigan.
“Wolves and moose, the wild north woods forest, ever-changing weather and a cool climate, and the crystal clear waters and rugged shoreline of Lake Superior characterize Isle Royale National Park,” Pure Michigan says.
While federal budget cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency are not expected to impact travel to the park, ferry service won’t be available until May. Until then, visitors will need to take private craft or seaplanes to the park.
Here’s what to know.
When does Isle Royale National Park reopen?
Isle Royale National Park is set to reopen for the season April 16.
Where is Isle Royale National Park?
Isle Royale National Park is a group of islands in northwestern Lake Superior north of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
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What is Isle Royale National Park?
Isle Royale National Park provides opportunities for backpacking, hiking, boating, paddling, diving and more, the National Park Service says. The park consists of a large island surrounded by more than 450 smaller islands, preserving 132,018 acres of wilderness on 850 square miles.
How do I get to Isle Royale?
In addition to private boats, there are several seaplane and ferry routes to the island.
From Houghton, the options include the Ranger III ferry (6 hours) or Isle Royale Seaplanes, which takes about 40 minutes. Ranger III service starts May 27, according to the website.
From Copper Harbor, the ferry option is the Isle Royale Queen IV, which takes 3.5 hours. Service starts May 12, according to the website.
From Grand Portage, Minnesota, you can take the Voyageur II or the Sea Hunter III, which take 2 hours or 1.5 hours. Service for Voyageur starts May 10, according to the website.
When does ferry season open?
Ferry service to Isle Royale starts as soon as May 10, but Ranger III service from Houghton starts May 27.
Until ferries run, visitors can only reach the park by private boats or seaplanes.
Will federal cuts impact the ferry routes?
No, the National Park Services says no disruptions to Ranger III ferry service are expected.
The National Parks Traveler reported Wednesday that the ferry’s engineer and assistant engineer retired under a Trump administration buyout program and will continue receiving pay through September, while a hiring freeze prevents replacements.
The National Park Service’s Washington office, instead of addressing whether Ranger III has an engineering crew, said in a statement that the vessel is “currently in dock with snow and ice blocking the Keweenaw Waterway” and that the agency is “looking forward to the upcoming summer season and seeing visitors enjoy all the park offers.”
“At this time, we do not anticipate disruptions to the passenger season schedule, which starts on May 27,” the statement continued. “The park is working to finalize scheduling for the first freight trip, which is currently scheduled for late April. We don’t comment on specific staffing questions due to federal privacy law.”
How much does it cost to visit the park?
Day passes through the National Park Service are $7 while season passes are $60. Fees for travel to the island are not included.
What activities are available at Isle Royale National Park?
Activities available at Isle Royale National Park include:
What wildlife does Isle Royale National Park have?
Isle Royale National Park is home to 19 mammal species, including wolves and moose, fish, birds and more.
What amenities are available at Isle Royale National Park?
Some lodging options are available, including the Rock Harbor Lodge and the Windigo Camper Cabins. The island has boating docks, multiple campgrounds with options for group camping, inland lake paddling campgrounds, trail accessible campgrounds and Lake Superior accessible campgrounds.
The island has two restaurants at the Rock Harbor Lodge, the Lighthouse Restaurant and the Greenstone Grill. Boaters and backpackers typically bring their own food.
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Basic supplies for camping, hiking, boating, groceries, freeze-dried foods, fishing tackle, stove fuel, showers, laundry and sundries are for sale at camp stores in Rock Harbor and Windigo. Rock Harbor also features a gift shop selling gifts, apparel, postcards, souvenirs, daily fishing licenses and tackle.
Are there lighthouses at Isle Royale National Park?
Here are the lighthouses at Isle Royale National Park, all listed on the National Register of Historic Places:
The Detroit Free Press contributed.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: How to visit Michigan’s Isle Royale National Park in 2025
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