Go See It

Isle Royale National Park: Go See It

A roadless island national park in Lake Superior, reached only by ferry or seaplane, where greenstone is on the beaches and off-limits to pocket.

The facts

Address

Houghton visitor center: 800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI 49931. Copper Harbor ferry dock: 14 Waterfront Landing, Copper Harbor, MI 49918.

From Marquette: 146 mi via US-41 N, to the Copper Harbor ferry dock; the ferry to Rock Harbor is 3.5 hours more
Cost: Children 15 and under free. Season pass $60, covers the holder plus up to three adults. Entrance fees are cashless, cards only. Ferry or seaplane fare is extra.
Season: Park open April 16 to October 31, closed November 1 to April 15. Ferry and seaplane service runs from mid-May to September, so late-season trips need a boat that is still sailing.
Hours: Rock Harbor and Windigo visitor centers daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, June 5 to September 19. Houghton visitor center Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET, September 21 to October 31.
From the Bridge: 5 hr 27 min (309 mi) via US-41 N, to the Copper Harbor ferry dock (toll on the Bridge)

Boats run from Copper Harbor (Isle Royale Queen IV, 3.5 hours to Rock Harbor), Houghton (Ranger III ferry, 6 hours, or seaplane, 40 minutes) and Grand Portage, Minnesota.
Greenstones, agates, datolites and other minerals, including those found in Lake Superior, may not be removed or disturbed. Look, photograph, leave them.
Entrance fees are cards only; the park no longer takes cash.
Drive times are to the Copper Harbor ferry dock, not the island.

Verified September 29, 2026