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New Schedule For Ranger III Ferry To Isle Royale National Park

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Published Date

January 12, 2020
The Ranger III ferry at Isle Royale National Park will make stops at Windigo this year/NPS

The Ranger III ferry at Isle Royale National Park will make stops at Windigo this year/NPS

This year Isle Royale National Park and its Ranger III passenger ferry will offer limited transit from Houghton, Michigan, to Windigo, Michigan, at the national park, returning the following day from Windigo to Houghton. Trips will take place once each month from June through September. 

2020 Schedule 

Ranger III passenger service is offered from May 26 through September 12, 2020.

Outbound Island Trips

From Houghton to Rock Harbor on Tuesdays and Fridays 

(except select Windigo trips)

  • Begins 5/26/20; Ends 09/11/20
  • Departs Houghton at 9 a.m. EDT
New: From Houghton to Windigo
  • Tuesday: 6/2/20, 7/7/20, 8/4/20, and 9/1/20
  • Departs Houghton at 9 a.m. EDT

Inbound Island Trips

From Rock Harbor to Houghton on Wednesdays and Saturdays
(except select Windigo trips)

  • Begins 5/27/20; Ends 09/12/20
  • Departs Rock Harbor at 9 a.m. EDT

New: From Windigo to Houghton 

  • Wednesday: 6/3/20, 7/8/20, 8/5/20, 9/2/20
  • Departs Windigo at 9 a.m. EDT

Previous season Ranger III trips traveled only between Houghton and Rock Harbor. Visitors were limited to exploring the northeast section of the island unless additional transportation was procured. These Windigo passenger trips allow visitors to begin or end a backpacking or paddling trip on the Windigo side of the island and fully utilize Ranger III service for both transportation legs. 

“It’s great to offer additional opportunities for visitors to explore the different areas of the park," said Liz Valencia, the park's interpretation and cultural resources manager. "This year will be a trial to determine if this updated Ranger III schedule will work for both park and visitor needs. If you’ve never been to Windigo, I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Ranger III reservations can be made online at pay.gov (search Isle Royale Ranger III) or by calling the Houghton Visitor Center at (906) 482 – 0984. More information about the Ranger III passenger ferry, including fares and amenities, can be found on the park’s website: www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/ranger-iii-info.htm.

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