Isle Royale National Park - Plan Your Visit
Operating Hours & Seasons
Isle Royale National Park is one of the few national parks to close during the winter. The Island is closed November 1 and will reopen on April 16. The closure is due to the extreme winter weather conditions, for the protection of wildlife, and for the safety and protection of visitors. The Park Headquarters for the winter is located in Houghton, Michigan, the summer headquarters is located at Mott Island on Isle Royale National Park.
Local Partners & Information Resources
Ranger III vessel to Isle Royale
Isle Royale Queen III to Isle Royale
Voyageur II to/around Isle Royale
Seaplane to Isle Royale
On island tours and taxi
Getting There
Plane
Regular seaplane service is provided by the Royale Air Service based out of the Houghton County Airport. They can be reached by calling toll-free 877-359-4753, or emailing RoyaleAirService@aol.com, or write Royale Air Service, Inc., P.O. Box 15184, Duluth, Minnesota 55815
Car
Vehicles are not permitted on Isle Royale. Visitors park their cars in Houghton, Michigan; Copper Harbor, Michigan; or Grand Portage, Minnesota and ride passenger ferries to the island, or fly with Royale Air Service to the island from Houghton, Michigan.
Public Transportation
Passenger ferries from Houghton, Michigan; Copper Harbor, Michigan; and Grand Portage, Minnesota provide boat access to Isle Royale. Seaplane service is provided from Houghton, Michigan.
Getting Around
During its clockwise circumnavigation of the island, the Voyageur II provides drop off and pick up service at several areas. Rock Harbor Lodge offers the M.V. Sandy vessel, which provides a number of special tours. Also available out of Rock Harbor Lodge is a water taxi and motorboat and canoe rentals. Motorboat and canoe rentals are also available at Windigo. Travel on Isle Royale is by foot or boat.