Isle Royale reopens April 16

Isle Royale National Park reopens to visitors on Thursday, April 16, ending its annual winter closure on the Lake Superior island. (nps.gov) The reopening does not mean regular passenger service starts that day. The National Park Service says the park closes to visitors from November 1 through April 15 each year, and commercial transportation begins later in May and June. (nps.gov) From Houghton, Michigan, the National Park Service vessel Ranger III generally sails to Isle Royale on Tuesdays and Fridays and returns on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The park says a few Thursday trips are added during the summer. (nps.gov) From Copper Harbor, Michigan, the Isle Royale Queen IV starts its 2026 season on May 11. The ferry leaves at 8 a.m., returns from the island at 2:45 p.m., and the crossing takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes. (isleroyale.com) From Grand Portage, Minnesota, the Voyageur II begins sailing May 9 and the Sea Hunter III begins June 10. The Voyageur II reaches Windigo in about two hours before continuing east across the island, while the Sea Hunter III runs direct service to Windigo. (isleroyaleboats.com) Small-plane access starts later too. Isle Royale Seaplanes says it will fly daily between May 17 and September 19, with service to both Rock Harbor and Windigo from Michigan and Minnesota bases. (isleroyaleseaplanes.com) Visitors pay a $7 daily entrance fee for each calendar day they are in the park, including arrival and departure days. Children 15 and under are exempt, and the park’s season pass waives fees for up to four people, including the pass holder, during the April 16 to October 31 season. (nps.gov) The park is cashless for entrance fees. The National Park Service says visitors should pay online before arrival or use fee stations at Rock Harbor, Windigo, or Houghton during posted collection hours. (nps.gov) Lodging also comes online after the park reopening. Rock Harbor Lodge lists its 2026 operating season as June 5 through September 12, and the Rock Harbor Marina lists limited operations beginning May 22. (rockharborlodge.com 1) (rockharborlodge.com 2) That staggered calendar is typical for Isle Royale, one of the most remote national parks in the lower 48 states. The National Park Service says the island is accessible only by ferry, seaplane, or private watercraft, and Lake Superior weather can affect both the trip over and conditions once visitors arrive. (nps.gov) For travelers planning an early-season trip, April 16 is the date the island legally reopens. For most visitors, the practical travel season begins weeks later, when boats, planes, docks, and lodging start running on their separate schedules. (nps.gov 1) (nps.gov 2)