Nestled in the middle of Lake Superior, the nation’s least-visited national park will soon welcome back tourists, but getting to the park will take some ingenuity.
Isle Royale National park, which closed for the season in November, reopens for 2026 on April 16, but ferry services don’t start running until May and the island’s two lodging options won’t open until early June — and don’t have much availability when they do open.
If you’re looking to rough it at Isle Royale National Park, you’ll have to arrange your own transportation to the island chain and prepare for backcountry camping.
Here’s what to know before visiting Isle Royale National Park this spring.
How to get to Isle Royale
Isle Royale National Park is an island chain in Lake Superior and travel there requires taking a private boat, ferry or seaplane until seasonal ferry and plane services begin running later this spring.
When do Isle Royale ferries start?
From Houghton, options include the Ranger III ferry (6 hours) or Isle Royale Seaplanes, which takes about 40 minutes. The Ranger III season runs from late May through early September, with the first scheduled trip on May 26. The seaplane season starts May 17.
From Copper Harbor, the ferry option is the Isle Royale Queen IV, which takes 3.5 hours. The Isle Royale Line shows trips beginning May 11.
From Grand Portage, Minnesota, you can take the Voyageur II or the Sea Hunter III, which take 2 hours or 1.5 hours. The Voyageur II season begins May 9. The Sea Hunter III season starts June 10.
When does Isle Royale reopen for the 2026 season?
Isle Royale National Park will open April 16, 2026, for the season.
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. Entrance fees must be paid via credit card.
What amenities can you find at Isle Royale National Park?
Some lodging options are available, including the Rock Harbor Lodge, opening June 5, and the Windigo or Washington Harbor Camper Cabins, opening June 6.
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.
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.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Isle Royale National Park opens this week. Getting there won’t be easy
Reporting by Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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