Isle Royale reopens April 16

Isle Royale National Park reopens to visitors on April 16, ending its annual winter closure, but most public transportation to the island does not begin until May. (nps.gov) The National Park Service closes Isle Royale and its surrounding islands to visitors every year from November 1 through April 15. The park says all islands reopen on Wednesday, April 16, 2026. (nps.gov) Getting there still takes planning because Isle Royale has no car ferries. The National Park Service lists ferries from Houghton, Michigan, and Copper Harbor, Michigan, plus ferries from Grand Portage, Minnesota, and a seaplane service from Hubbell, Michigan. (nps.gov; nps.gov) The Ranger III, the National Park Service ferry from Houghton to Rock Harbor, generally runs Tuesdays and Fridays to the island and returns Wednesdays and Saturdays. The agency says its 2026 reservation system is open, with confirmations delayed until seasonal staff return in mid-April. (nps.gov) From Copper Harbor, the Isle Royale Queen IV reaches Rock Harbor in about three hours, and its 2026 calendar shows sailings beginning May 11. From Grand Portage, the Voyageur II begins May 9 and the Sea Hunter III begins June 10, with service to Windigo and other island stops depending on the route. (isleroyale.com; isleroyale.com; isleroyaleboats.com; isleroyaleboats.com) The only seaplane concessionaire serves both Windigo and Rock Harbor from Hubbell. The park says seaplane service typically runs from mid-May through mid-September and can be delayed for hours or even days by fog or bad weather. (nps.gov) The park entrance fee is separate from the boat or plane ticket. Isle Royale charges $7 per person per calendar day for visitors 16 and older, and children 15 and younger are exempt. (nps.gov) Visitors who expect to pay more than $60 in daily fees can buy an Isle Royale Season Pass instead. The National Park Service says that pass covers the pass holder and up to three additional adults for the park’s April 16 through October 31 season. (nps.gov) The park is also cashless for entrance fees on the island. The National Park Service says passengers on the major ferries and seaplanes should pay online before departure, while federal recreation passes are accepted with identification. (nps.gov; nps.gov) Early-season travelers will find the island open before the full summer operation starts. Rock Harbor Lodge says its transportation providers are separate businesses and warns guests to secure a ferry or seaplane before assuming a spring room reservation will be reachable. (rockharborlodge.com)