She was built in 1958, and has undergone several refits. Boats depart from two cities in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and one from Minnesota. It holds about 60 people, and you mostly have to sit or weather permitting be outside along the rail or in back. Passengers must be at the boat dock and prepared to board 20 minutes prior to departure from Grand Portage and 15 minutes prior to departure from Isle Royale on the way back. The seaplane is operated by Isle Royale Seaplanes. All boaters staying overnight at anchor, at docks, or in campgrounds must first obtain a camping permit in-person at Houghton, Rock Harbor, or Windigo. At Anchor: The operation of such generators is permitted between 6:00 am and 10:00 pm eastern time while at anchor within Quiet/No Wake Zones except when anchored within 1/4 mile of park docks (listed above) where on-board generator use is prohibited. Voyageur II & Sea Hunter, Grand Portage, Minnesota- The Voyageur II is a great boat to see the whole island as it circumnavigates Isle Royale. Visitors bringing pets to Isle Royale will be required to leave immediately. On Monday, Wednesdays, and Saturdays the Voyageur II departs Grand Portage, makes a quick stop at Windigo, then takes the north shore of the island to Rock Harbor, making a couple stops along the way. Powerboaters and sailboaters alike have numerous docks and countless anchorages in which to find their own wilderness. The Isle Royale Season Pass ($60) includes up to 3 adults traveling with the pass holder. 49931, CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks, Beginning June 26, 2020, campgrounds, docks, and trails will be open. Houghton, MI Never been to Isle … If it were me, I would take the IR Queen outbound, timed to the Voyager schedule. Within Quiet/No-Wake Zones, vessels must not exceed 5 mph or create a wake in excess of surrounding seas. Water skiing and personal watercraft (e.g. The sea plane only takes 45 minutes from take off to landing on the island but it's pretty expensive. Aquatic Invasives, Camping and Docks, Customs, Dock Closures, Electronics and Generators, Fees, Firewood, Fishing, Fuel and Pump-Outs, Pets, Quiet/No-Wake Zones, Restricted Activities. Hammocks may not be erected at shelter sites or inside shelters. Boaters must obtain an overnight permit in advance from the Houghton Visitor Center at 906-482-0984. Isle Royale Ferry Options. The Sea Hunter lll operated by the Grand Portage-Isle Royale Transportation Company now offers evening cruises on Lake Superior, in addition to day trips to Isle Royale. They may not be reserved or held for others. Plenty of ways to spend a half-day in the RH area. There are 2 ways most people get to Isle Royale: by a ferry boat or a sea plane. Popular boating destinations on Lake Superior include... 1. The ferry takes a lot longer to get to the island (3-6 hours depending on if you're coming from Minnesota or Michigan) but it also costs much less, about 60% less compared to the sea plane. The park’s boundary extends 4-1/2 miles into Lake Superior from the outer islands or to the international boundary. Click on any name for more detailed information. Visitors to Isle Royale, including those fishing in park waters, are required to pay a $7 per person daily entrance fee. The, Any NPS or concession fuel dispensing dock, Shipwreck Mooring buoys (for active diving only), Any other dock posted or signed as closed to overnight use, Any other dock posted or signed as closed to public entry. Grand Portage Isle Royale Transportation Lines offers day trips to the island aboard the Sea Hunter III. During that time, it’s rare to get a day warm enough for swimming, and particularly so in the cooler-than-normal summer of 2009. We depart at 8:30 am from Hat Point Marina in Grand Portage, MN. The Ranger III is a nice small ship that carries passengers from Houghton Michigan to the Isle Royale Park. The only way to reach Isle Royale is to take a seaplane or boat out to the island. The seaplane is operated by Isle Royale Seaplanes. When recreating, follow state and local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding, and avoid high-risk outdoor activities. Boaters already set up at a tent site or shelter, and who have a valid camping permit, must be given priority access to dock space. There are numerous campgrounds, many of which are only accessible by water. Camping And Hiking Trips. Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Michigan Safe Start plan, and local public health authorities, Isle Royale is increasing recreational access to the park. I'm positive my memory is correct that an old NPS Isle Royale brochure had a recommendation for minimum boat length for making a private transit to the island. She is designed to be operated by a crew of six when only carrying cargo, and by a crew of nine, when carrying passengers. Stay 1 night in RH. Grand Portage ~ Isle Royale Transportation Line; Isle Royale Ferry Service; Isle Royale Virtual Visitor Center; National Park Service Ranger III ; Categories. Day Trips To Isle Royale. Please request a permit prior to your mainland departure. There are NO roads or bridges to Isle Royale National Park. Isle Royale Boating During COVID-19. It was a rough ride! The Rock Harbor Marina provides nightly slip rentals with utility service hook-ups. A big draw is Isle Royale, about 15 miles from both Canada and Minnesota and accessible only by boat or seaplane. All dock space and small-party campsites (including shelters) are available first-come, first-served. And lectures by rangers on the history and geology of the park and the Lake Superior region. Isle Royale Boaters Association Our mission is to educate, represent, and promote the interest of power and sail boaters, sport fishermen, canoeists, kayakers, backpackers, and all visitors of Isle Royale … Exceptions: North Desor Campground and Minong Trail from Hatchet Lake Junction to East Huginnin Trail Junction. The Rock Harbor Marina has 450' of dock space and accommodates boats up to 65'. For large non-trailered vessels, owner must inspect vessel hull, outdrives, trim tabs, and motors for AIS. Observe stay limits for campgrounds, in effect June 1 through early September. Boaters who are not entering Isle Royale National Park through Houghton, Rock Harbor, or Windigo have the option of requesting a permit prior to arrival in the park. Isle Royale Boating During COVID-19. Visitors to Isle Royale, including those fishing in park waters, are required to pay a $7 per person daily entrance fee. This fee is charged to enter or remain within the park per calendar day. No pets allowed. Houghton, MI Heading to Isle Royale on the Isle Royale Queen IV in Lake Superior. You can also get to the park by seaplane. Visitors are responsible for adhering to regulations. The. Isle Royale National Park: Boating to Edisen Fishery and Rock Harbor Lighthouse. Dogs, cats and other mammals are not allowed. With more than 700 species of plant life, Isle Royale’s … It is actually tilted up more than this, but for the sake of fitting in on a map it's been turned clockwise a bit. Click the image links below or BOOK NOW above to book a trip. *For late September day trips aboard the Voyageur II see "Schedules" below. Zebra mussels and other Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) pose a serious threat. Ingo Forum Moderator Posts: 1686 Joined: Wed Sep 12, 2007 8:11 pm Isle Royale Visits: 12 Location: Hillsborough, NC. Fires are allowed only in provided metal rings and grates. Isle Royale Boaters Association. Catch the boat at the Marina ini Grand Portage, MN at 7:00 PM to be sure to see the sunset and moon rise on Lake Superior from the boat. Do not use staples or nails on shelters. Newsletters; Park Service; Photos; Uncategorized; Hosted by Baraga Telephone Co./ UP.net. I say "old" because I searched now and can't find any reference. Prohibited: The operation of such generators is prohibited at: Birch Island, Chippewa Harbor, Daisy Farm, Duncan Bay, Duncan Narrows, McCargoe Cove, Merritt Lane, Moskey Basin, Siskiwit Bay, Three Mile, Todd Harbor, and Tookers Island. From Grand Portage, Minnesota – The Voyaguer II, a 65 foot twin engine diesel boat, runs via the Grand Portage Isle Royale Transportation Line. Isle Royale’s boating season commences in late May and lasts through early September. And would this be cheaper than taking the seaplane? Isle Royale lies in the northwest end of Lake Superior, much nearer to Canada and Minnesota than Michigan. Very professional. 800 East Lakeshore Drive All the information you need to keep you safe and legal while visiting Isle Royale in your boat. The Isle Royale Line in Copper Harbor, Michigan The ISLE ROYALE QUEEN IV passenger ferry operates between Copper Harbor, Michigan, and Rock Harbor at Isle Royale National Park. The risk management lawyers in the government most likely had something to do with removing the reference (or I just missed it today). Always keep an eye on marine forecasts and weather forecasts. Are there any individuals or private companies that can take a couple of people by boat to Isle Royale? Very few campgrounds allow fires. Vessels with motors (even if not in use) are prohibited on inland lakes and streams. Enjoy fishing the waters of Lake Superior and the island's numerous inland lakes and streams. Ranger III is a 648-ton vessel built to carry visitors to Isle Royale National Park, on Lake Superior. Special conditions apply to guide dogs. We succeeded in getting wonderful pictures and views rarely seen, except from the water. Presented below are Tour Companies that offer boating trips and/or boat and watercraft rentals for lakes and other bodies of water in and near Isle Royale NP. This is the only ferry that provides pick-ups and drop-offs around the island at McCargoe Cove, Daisy Farm, Chippewa Harbor, and Malone Bay. This includes pets on boats within the park boundaries, which extend 4 ½ miles into Lake Superior from the outermost land areas of the park. Click on any name for more detailed information. The "Isle Royale Queen III" is a charming 81' vessel featuring multiple outdoor viewing areas & heated interior cabins, onboard restrooms, a full service interior bar & a state-of-the-art sound system. Isle Royale National Park is located in the middle of Lake Superior. Closures in eastern time. Copper Harbor Tourism; Copper Harbor Hotels; Bed and Breakfast Copper Harbor; Copper Harbor Holiday Rentals; Copper Harbor Holiday Packages; Flights to Copper Harbor There are two main entry points to Isle Royale – Rock Harbor and Windigo. Unless you’re one of the rare visitors arriving by private boat (congrats) or floatplane (super-expensive), you’ll be taking one of four ferries to Isle Royale. Wheeled vehicles are not permitted on Isle Royale, such as bicycles or canoe portage devices; however, wheelchairs are allowed. Our staff is currently working remotely. Daily trips to Isle Royale National Park This is the only way to get from Copper Harbor to the park. Quiet/No-Wake Zones are not marked by buoys. These zones protect the natural quiet and wilderness values sought by most Isle Royale visitors and reduce wake impacts. A great park service boat to get out to Isle Royale National Park! Please check out the park's COVID-19 Boating FAQ for clarification. No drones are allowed within park boundaries. Boaters are responsible for knowing the locations of Quiet/No Wake Zones. It was our final morning on Isle Royale. Rates. All Federal Recreation Passes will be honored for the pass holder and up to 3 accompanying adults. CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks, Beginning June 26, 2020, campgrounds, docks, and trails will be open. Isle Royale National Park regulations are intended to protect park resources and visitor experiences. A waterproof lake chart of the waters around Isle Royale National Park is recommended. See the park newspaper, The Greenstone for details on decontamination methods. You may only use one shelter and shelters may not be used solely for cooking or storage. Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Michigan Safe Start plan, and local public health authorities, Isle Royale is increasing recreational access to the park. Electrical and fresh water hook-ups with sewage pump-out service, gasoline, and diesel fuel are available. Generally, only docks that adjoin campgrounds are open for overnight use. The voyage from Grand Portage, Minnesota to Windigo, Isle Royale takes about 2 – 2 ½ hours. Lakeland Boating; Visiting Isleroyale. Voyageur II & Sea Hunter, Grand Portage, Minnesota- The Voyageur II is a great boat to see the whole island as it circumnavigates Isle Royale. Exceptions: North Desor Campground and Minong Trail from Hatchet Lake Junction to East Huginnin Trail Junction. You can also get to the park by seaplane. Gasoline, diesel and pump-out services are available in Rock Harbor and Windigo during business hours. Boating Guides & Outfitters Boating Lakes I understand that Isle Royale has a marina but is it allowable for my friend and I to drop anchor off shore in a bay or inlet, take a dinghy to shore, explore an area of the island that day, then row back and sleep on the boat? There are four options to get to the island if you don’t own a boat capable of crossing Lake Superior. Copper Harbor Tourism; Copper Harbor Hotels; Bed and Breakfast Copper Harbor; Copper Harbor Holiday Rentals; Copper Harbor Holiday Packages; Flights to Copper Harbor Boating As an archipelago with over 400 islands, Isle Royale National Park is an exciting place to embark upon a boating adventure. There are four options to get to the island if you don’t own a boat capable of crossing Lake Superior. Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Michigan Safe Start plan, and local public health authorities, Isle Royale is increasing recreational access to the park. Be prepared for any Lake Superior challenge. Any vessel arriving from Canada must clear US Customs at the Rock Harbor or Windigo Visitor Center during business hours. Open water motorized zones include Lake Superior waters outside of designated Quiet/No Wake Zones. Operation of electronic and motorized devices such as stereos, televisions, radios turned to commercial stations and portable generators are not permitted except in developed and open-water motorized zones. Top. Dock closures to accommodate passenger ferry and tour boat operations. Isle Royale National Park, Michigan Picture: Boat trip to Isle Royale - Check out Tripadvisor members' 451 candid photos and videos. 1 Reply. Presented below are Tour Companies that offer boating trips and/or boat and watercraft rentals for lakes and other bodies of water in and near Isle Royale NP. Pets disturb wildlife and can transmit diseases. Recreational activity on Isle Royale includes hiking, backpacking, fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, and observing nature. Boaters must obtain an overnight permit in advance from the Houghton Visitor Center at 906-482-0984. There are numerous hidden shoals and underwater reefs that create hazards. Please check out the park's COVID-19 Boating FAQ for clarification.