Isle Royale is small, mighty, and certainly not to be missed. But without some pre-planning, you might just miss the boat…the Isle Royale National Park Ferry, that is!
Isle Royale is an archipelago located in Lake Superior near the United States, Canada border. The only ways to access the islands are by ferry, boats, or seaplane. Unless you own a boat or a seaplane, the most economical options for most families will be the ferry service.
What are the Isle Royale National Park Ferry routes?
Sailing to Isle Royale National park, there are fiven ferry routes from three different mainland cities.
Passengers can take the ferry from Minnessota’s northeastern most city of Grand Portage. Alternately, you can take a ferry from Houghton or Copper Harbor in the upper peninsula of Michigan.
This map, courtesy of the United States National Park System, illustrates the routes. Note that Grand Marais, MN does not offer ferry service, but it does offer a sea plane service.
Choosing your ferry route for the Isle Royale Ferry System
There are five primary considerations when determining which ferry route you will take:
- Which port town is most convenient for your trip?
- Which port town offers ferry service on the day of the week that you prefer to sail?
- Which port towns sail to your preferred Isle Royale destination?
- How long is each ferry trip?
- Are reservations available?
Port Towns for the Isle Royale Ferry System
Grand Portage, MN
Grand Portage is the northern-most point in the lower 48! It is on the border of the United States and Canada, and visitors can use the border crossing, when open.
Grand Portage National Monument as well as Grand Portage State Park draw visitors to the remote area of Minnessota. However, there are few places to stay or camp in the area. Cellular service is also sparse.
Whether you choose to depart from this port town or not, we suggest you consider using Grand Morais, MN as your home base while visiting the area.
Grand Morais lies forty minutes sout of Grand Portage along the shore of Lake Superior. This coastal community was once deemed, “America’s Coolest Small Town.” If stunning lakeshores, indie coffee shops, and creative taco havens sounds good to you, then Grand Morais will be your paradise!
Grand Morais also offers multiple hotels, inns, and campgrounds including the nearby Judge Magney State Park.
Note that Grand Morais is about three hours and forty-five minutes from the Voyageurs Naitonal Park’s Kabatogama Visitor Center. Read more about Voyageurs and what to do there.
Houghton, MI
Houghton, Michigan is a charming and friendly town in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The park’s mainland headquarters and visitor center is located in Houghton.
When we last visited Isle Royale National Park, this was our first stop. We wanted to be sure to pick up a Junior Ranger Program and do some learning about the park prior to our daytrip to the island.
Houghton is also a great place to camp. It has a strong, community-like feel among its RV campers. Although we always suggest advanced reservations, we were able to find last minute availability at the Hancock Recreation Area.
We were not as fortunate, however, with ferry availability from Houghton. Since we did not secure advanced tickets, the route to Rock Harbor was sold out. The park rangers advised that we head down a small peninsula to Copper Harbor.
Copper Harbor, MI
After we left Houghton, we lucked out and found a campsite for two nights at the Fort Wilkins Historic State Park in Copper Harbor. This town was full of charm, and we highly suggest it to anyone who can live off grid (and manage biting flies) for a few days.
This beachfront town had a small port where we met the ferry to Isle Royale. Like a gift form Heaven, there was a world-class bakery open and available before our ship boarded. They also smoked fish and sold coffee. Between these goodies and the clear-blue skies, we couldn’t have asked for a better start to our day of touring Ise Royale National Park!
Ferry Service Dates & Fees to Isle Royale National Park
Grand Portage to Windigo Route
- Voyageur II – From Grand Portage to Windigo: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday 7:30am-9:30am CENTRAL. Return trips from Windigo to Grand Portage: Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday 1pm-3pm CENTRAL. These route run from May 29 – September 17. Check the website if you are sailing outside of this window. NOTE: you cannot leave Grand Portage and return to Grand Portage on the same day of the week if you sail on the Voyageur II. You will need to stay overnight at Isle Royale National Park OR sail to a different port city for the night. One-way sailing time is about 2 hours. Rates: adults $87 each direction, children $77 each direction.
- Sea Hunter III – From Grand Portage to Windigo: 8:30am-10am CENTRAL. Windigo to Grand Portage 2pm-3:30pm CENTRAL. Wednesday, Friday, Saturday June 2nd-September 2nd. Add Thursday and Sunday sailings from July 12th-August 13th. NOTE: This is your daytrip option from Grand Portage to Windigo. You will have four hours to explore the island before returning. One way sailing time is about 1.5 hours. Rates: adules $99 round trip, children $91 round trip.
- Both ships leave from the Grand Portage Marina.
Houghton to Rock Harbor
The Ranger III departs from the ferry terminal at the mainland Isle Royale Visitor Center.
On Tuesdays and Fridays from 5/30-9/12, it departs at 9am EASTERN and sails passengers to Rock Harbor.
From 6/3 to 9/13 it departs Rock Harbor on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 9am EASTERN, returning passengers to Houghton.
EXCEPTIONS
- The Ranger III does sail from Rock Harbor to Houghton on Thursday 6/1
- No Houghton to Rock Harbor trips on Tuesdays 6/13, 7/11, 8/8
- No Rock Harbor to Houghton trips on Wednesdays 6/14, 7/12, 8/9
Fares on the Ranger III are $80 per adult and $40 per child EACH DIRECTION. You MUST check availability HERE before making your reservation. Reservation form is HERE.
Houghton to Windigo
Houghton to Windigo sailings on the following Tuesdays: 6/13, 7/11, 8/8. The Ranger III departs at 9am EASTERN time.
Windigo to Houghton sailings on the following Wednesdays: 6/14, 7/12, 8/9. The Ranger III departs at 9am EASTERN time.
Fares on the Ranger III are $80 per adult and $40 per child EACH DIRECTION. You MUST check availability HERE before making your reservation. Reservation form is HERE.
Copper Harbor to Rock Harbor
Meet the Isle Royale Queen IV at the ferry dock in Copper Harbor to begin your 3.5 hour journey.
The ferry departs Copper Harbor at 8am EASTERN to arrive at Rock Harbor at 11:30am.
The ferry departs Rock Harbor at 2:45pm EASTERN to arrive at Copper Harbor at 6:15pm.
From June 5th – September 9th, the Royale Queen IV sails most days except Wednesdays and some Sundays. Round-trip rates are $180 per adult and $115 per child. Check schedule and make reservations HERE.
Ferry Service Destination Ports on Isle Royale National Park
There are two main ports at Isle Royale National Park. On the western side of the park, there is Windigo. One the eastern side of the island there is Rock Harbor.
Windigo
Stop at the Windigo Visitor Center for a map and a junior ranger program. Consider joining a ranger program. Windigo also offers cabins for those who wish to spend extra time on the island. There are numerous hiking and camping opportunities from this western coast of the island.
Rock Harbor
In Rock Harbor, we suggest that you start at the Visitor Center. Pick up your park map and your junior ranger program. Talk to a ranger. Decide on your itinerary. Consider joining a ranger program.
Then, just a short walk down the water’s edge, you can find the Rock Harbor Inn. There, you can sit down at the restaurant for a meal or rent a canoe or kayak. They also offer tour options and guest lodging.
How much does the Ferry to Isle Royale National Park cost? (2023)
| Route | Round Trip Adult | Round Trip Child |
| Grand Portage to Windigo on Voyageur II | $174 | $154 |
| Grand Portage to Windigo on Sea Hunter III | $99 | $91 |
| Houghton to Rock Harbor | $160 | $80 |
| Houghton to Windigo | $160 | $80 |
| Copper Harbor to Rock Harbor | $180 | $115 |
How long is the Ferry to Isle Royale National Park?
| Route | Time (each direction) |
| Grand Portage to Windigo on Voyageur II | 2 hrs |
| Grand Portage to Windigo on Sea Hunter III | 1.5 hrs |
| Houghton to Rock Harbor | 6 hrs |
| Houghton to Windigo | 6 hrs |
| Copper Harbor to Rock Harbor | 3.5 hrs |
What you MUST know about the Isle Royale National Park Ferry Service
If you only have time for a daytrip to Isle Royale, your options are:
- The Sea Hunter from Grand Portage, MN on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays during summer or
- The Royale Queen from Copper Harbor, MI on most days EXCEPT most Wednesdays and Sundays over the summer.
There are some outlying dates and sailings. Once you have decided on a date, you will want to immediately check the appropriate ferry schedule and verify departing dates and times.
You should make reservations early. Many reservation options open in January of the year of the preferred sailing date.
If you do NOT schedule a day trip on the Sea Hunter or the Royale Queen, you should book accommodations before scheduling your ferry. Verify availability for both the accommodations and the ferry service prior to booking. Both are limited and fill quickly.
Finally, be sure to read all of the fine print regarding baggage and vessel limits. Consider the weather policies, and pack motion sickness medications if the lake will be rough. (We did not need it when we sailed during July.)
The boat ride can feel long for your children, so ensure that you have plenty of snacks, drinks, and games.
Final Thoughts
While it requires some logistical effort, Isle Royale National Park is a special place that is worth the trip. Read more about why you can’t miss an opportunity to visit this park.
It will most definitely be an adventure to remember!
