How to Get to Isle Royale from Michigan In 2025
Wondering how to get to Isle Royale from Michigan? You’re in the right place. Isle Royale is one of the most beautiful, remote areas of wilderness. It is said to be the most re-visited U.S. National Park, because most people who visit the island can’t help but go back.
Because of its incredible scenery, visiting Isle Royale is a treat for photographers, and people who want to truly connect with nature. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the island, which makes the island a slow-paced, peaceful environment focused on nature conservation. Visitors to Isle Royale have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the natural beauty.
Given how remote and far away Isle Royale is from mainland Michigan, Isle Royale is not the easiest place to get to. It’s too far away for any roads, or bridges to lead there, and it’s also completely closed to visitors during the winter months.
However, if you’re looking to get to Isle Royale from Michigan in 2025, then you’re in the right place. We’re going to go over the best ways to get to Isle Royale from Michigan, so you can weigh your options and decide which one is best for you.
So, let’s jump in – how to get to Isle Royale from Michigan!
How far is it to Isle Royale from Michigan?
The distance to Isle Royale from Michigan depends on where along the coastline you’re talking about, as Michigan is a large state with a few different ways to get to Isle Royale.
That being said, Isle Royale is approximately 56 miles from the closest tip on mainland Michigan.
If you’re taking a ferry, the closest port to get to Isle Royale from Michigan is Copper Harbour, which is roughly 53 miles from Isle Royale. If you leave from Houghton, however, then the distance is 63 miles to Isle Royale from Houghton’s ferry port.
Overall, if you choose to take a boat to Isle Royale from Michigan, you can expect that you’ll be sailing across approximately 55 and 63 miles of Lake Superior.
How to Get to Isle Royale from Michigan
1. Take a ferry
There are two different ferries that bring passengers from mainland Michigan to Isle Royale. The one you choose might depend on which is closest to you in Michigan, the sailing time, and other personal preferences.
The ferry ports in Michigan that can bring you to Isle Royale are located in Houghton and Copper Harbor. Both ferries bring passengers to the Rock Harbor, which is on the northeast strip of Isle Royale, or Windigo, which is in the southeast part of the island.
The ferries leave early in the morning, so I recommend staying overnight close to the ferry port the night before you sail so that you can easily be ready in the morning.
Here is what you need to know about your two different ferry options:
Ferry from Copper Harbor, Michigan
The ferry from Copper Harbor is called the Queen IV, and since it’s the closest port to Isle Royale, it’s the quickest way to get there.
It takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes for the ferry to reach Isle Royale from Copper Harbor. It costs $160 roundtrip for adults 16+, and $115 for kids 15 and under. The ferry leaves at 8:00 a.m. on the days it departs.
To take the Copper Harbor ferry to Isle Royale, you will need to make a reservation by calling the ferry’s phone number: (906) 289-4437.
On the day of departure, you should arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled sailing time, and park your car in the designated spot. It costs $10 per day to park your car at the Copper Harbor Ferry parking area.
Where to stay in Copper Harbor:
- King Copper Motel – right next to the ferry terminal!
- Bella Vista Motel – well situated downtown Copper Harbour, close to restaurants
Ferry from Houghton, Michigan
From Houghton, the ferry ride to Isle Royale is almost double the journey than it is from Copper Harbor.
From Houghton, the Ranger III ferry takes a whopping 6 hours to make the journey across the lake to Isle Royale.
One big difference is that from Houghton, you have two different drop off options on Isle Royale: Rock Harbour, or Windigo
The cost for adults on the Ranger III is the same as leaving from Copper Harbor – $160 round trip. Children, however, between 1-15 years old are much cheaper on the Houghton ferry than on the Copper Harbor ferry – only $80 roundtrip.
Unlike the ferry from Cooper Harbor, parking your car in Houghton is free of charge. You simply need to show up 30 minutes before your departure.
Another bonus: You can park on-site in Houghton for free the whole time you’re in Isle Royale!
To reserve a spot on the Ranger III ferry from Houghton to Isle Royale, click here. Reservations will be accepted starting January 2nd for the 2025 season.
You can also check availability for upcoming 2025 cruises on the National Park Service website, which is updated once per day.
Where to stay nearby:
- The Vault Hotel – a luxury option with modern decor, and a complimentary breakfast
- Hampton Inn – right next to Hancock Visitor Center + free breakfast
2. Take a Seaplane from Hancock, Michigan
Taking a seaplane from Michigan to Isle Royale allows you to get to the island in a much quicker time, and the unique opportunity to see the island from a bird’s eye view. It’s worth trying at least once, in my opinion!
The seaplanes that fly to Isle Royale are operated by the same company, called Isle Royale Seaplanes. They have one flight location in Michigan, and the other one is in Minnesota.
From Michigan, the planes leave from Hancock Portage Canal, which is only 6 minutes away from Houghton where the ferries leave from.
The seaplanes from Michigan to Isle Royale operate between mid-May and mid-September, and there are two different small airplanes: The Cessna 206 seats 4-6 people (depending on weight) and can get you to Isle Royale in only 35-45 minutes.
The other seaplane is the Havilland Beaver floatplane, it seats 6-7 people and takes 45 minutes to reach Isle Royale.
Both seaplanes can drop you off at either Windigo or Rock Harbor, depending on your preference!
Keep in mind that safety is the #1 priority for seaplane pilots, so the seaplanes are weather-dependent which means a small chance that your flight might need to be delayed for a few hours, or up to a day or two if the weather conditions or not cooperating.
When you show up for your scheduled flight, you can park your car in the Sea Plane parking area in Michigan for $6/day, to be paid upon arrival.
To book your seaplane from Michigan to Isle Royale, request a reservation on their website here.
3. Take a Private Boat
If you don’t want to take a ferry or seaplane, then there’s another option to get to Isle Royale all on your own.
If you have or know someone who has a private boat, then you’re allowed to sail it across the lake to Isle Royale. Dock spaces on Isle Royale are first-come first-served, and they can’t be reserved in advance or held for others.
People staying overnight with reserved camping spaces on the island are given priority for dock spaces, and if a dock space is in use then there may be an ‘occupied’ sign.
For this reason, it might be best to take a private boat only if you’ve reserved a campsite so that you don’t risk sailing over there only to find that there aren’t enough docking spaces.
If you’re staying overnight at Isle Royale, then you will need a boating permit in order to dock or anchor your boat. Permits for private boats heading to Isle Royale can be bought online here.
The Best Way to Get to Isle Royale from Michigan
The best way to get to Isle Royale from Michigan depends on your budget and your personal preferences.
In my opinion, the ferry ride from Copper Harbor is the best way to get to Isle Royale. Ferries are less susceptible to weather cancellations than seaplanes. Ferries can still be weather dependent of course, but there is less risk of having to change your travel plans to due weather with a ferry than a seaplane.
The ferry from Copper Harbor to Isle Royale is the fastest ferry, getting you to Isle Royale in less than 4 hours.
In addition, Copper Harbor is one of the best small towns in Michigan, surrounded by gorgeous scenery, so the drive there from wherever you’re coming from allows for enjoyable views.
As long as you’re planning to spend more than 1 night on the island, then the (almost) 4-hour journey on the boat is worth the trip. Bring a book, or your favorite magazine, and enjoy the views of Lake Superior as you sail across.
How Long Does It Take to Get to Isle Royale from Michigan?
The time it takes to get to Isle Royale depends on which mode of transportation you take to get there. There are two different ferry ports on mainland Michigan and one seaplane option.
A ferry from Houghton, Michigan takes 6 hours one way, while a one-way ferry from Copper Harbor takes about 3.5 hours.
The fastest way to get to Isle Royal from Michigan is to take a seaplane, which only takes 35-45 minutes.
How Much Does it Cost to Get to Isle Royale from Michigan?
The cost to get to Isle Royale from Michigan depends on whether you take a ferry or a seaplane. Ferries are quite a bit cheaper.
In addition to paying for your transportation to Isle Royale, don’t forget about your National Park pass – it is $7 per day per adult visiting the island.
1. A Ferry Ride
The ferry rides from Michigan (both from Houghton and Copper Harbor) cost $160 per round trip for adults.
From Houghton, the ferry ride is much cheaper for children – only $80 round trip, whereas from Cooper Harbor, it costs $115 for children round trip.
Another expense to keep in mind is parking. Parking in Houghton is free, while in Copper Harbor, it costs $10 per day for standard vehicles. Oversized vehicles incur an extra fee.
2. A Seaplane
A one-way seaplane ride from Portage Canal, Michigan to Isle Royale costs $250, roundtrip costs $360. You can land either at Windigo, or Rock Harbor.
In addition, if you take the seaplane from Michigan, you will need to pay $6 per day to park at Portage Canal.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to pay for your Isle Royale National Park pass. Payments can be made on the national website here.
Windigo or Rock Harbor – Which is Better?
Depending on your mode of transportation to Isle Royale, you can choose between either Windigo (southeast Isle Royale) or Rock Harbor (northeast Isle Royale.)
Rock Harbor is the standard drop-off area, and all ferries and the seaplanes drop passengers off there.
However, both the seaplane and the ferry from Houghton offer the option of being dropped off at either Windigo instead of Rock Harbor.
Which drop-off point should you choose – Rock Harbor or Houghton? What are the differences between each option?
Here’s what you need to know about each of the two drop-off locations:
Rock Harbor
Rock Harbour is the main access point on the island and has the only hotel, the Rock Harbor Lodge which is in service from June to September. Rock Harbour Lodge which is on which includes lakeside rooms, and cabins, as well as Greenstone Grill restaurant and a gift shop. It’s also one of the few places on Isle Royale that has wifi.
Near Rock Harbor, there are scenic views, many hiking trails, and some wildlife.
Windigo
Windigo is less developed, quieter, and more secluded than the Rock Harbour access point.
There are campsites near Windigo you can stay at. There is a Windigo visitor center, as well as facilities like showers, laundry, and restrooms.
Regardless of which access point you choose, both Windigo and Rock Harbor have stunning natural beauty, hiking trails, and campsites.
The terrain is a bit more dramatic at Rock Harbor (it’s been made the main access point for a reason), whereas at Windigo there are fewer other people. You might be more likely to see wildlife, such as a moose.
If you’re booking a ferry from Houghton or a seaplane, be sure to decide in advance between Windigo or Rock Harbor.
Getting to Isle Royale from Michigan Tips
✅TIP 1– Can’t decide between a seaplane or a ferry ride? You can always do both! You can book a one-way flight or ferry ride and take the alternate form of transportation on the way back, and get the best of both worlds – the spectacular view from the seaplane, as well as the cost-effective ferry across the lake
✅TIP 2– Reservations for the 2025 season for ferries to Isle Royale open in early January 2025. Book your spot as soon as possible (especially if planning to travel in July or August) as this is a popular destination that you don’t want to miss out on!
✅Tip 3 – If you are prone to seasickness, take an anti-motion sickness medication at least half an hour before your flight or ferry ride. Both trips (especially the ferry ride) can be a bit choppy and challenging for some
✅Tip 4 – While the Copper Harbor ferry is a much shorter ride, it’s also a bit choppier because it’s a smaller boat. If you get extremely seasick and prefer a smooth boat ride, then sailing from Houghton for a longer distance might be your best bet.
✅Tip 5 – Getting to Isle Royale can be very weather dependent, with both ferries and seaplanes – but especially the planes. Have a plan B in case the plans don’t work out, with some possible wiggle room with your travel plans
✅Tip 6 – Houghton is a good stay overnight before your ferry ride, as it’s a larger city with more restaurants and accommodations. Copper Harbor is a smaller village, but with scenic surrounding lands that you will drive through to get there. There are a couple of places to stay and places to stay.
✅Tip 7 – If you’re planning to stay in Houghton or Cooper Harbor for a night or two before you sail to Isle Royale – book your hotel early. The areas can fill up at peak times (June and August) when many people are trying to visit Isle Royale.
✅Tip 8 – The cellphone service on Isle Royale is not very reliable, so it’s best to do your research and bookings (accommodations, trip back to Michigan, hiking trails) in advance.
✅Tip 9 – July and August are the best (but also the most popular) times to visit Isle Royale. The bugs are worse in June, especially the mosquitos. Be sure to pack mosquito repellent as well as a net if you’re going to Isle Royale earlier in the season.
✅Tip 10 – There are limited spaces on the ferries for kayaks, boats, and canoes. If you plan to bring any of these to Isle Royale, then you should reserve the spot for them when you make your ticket reservation.
How to Get to Isle Royale from Michigan: FAQ
Here are the most commonly asked questions about getting to Isle Royale from Michigan to help you be the most prepared for your trip
The length of the time boat ride from Michigan to Isle Royale will take 3.5 to 6 hours depending on where you sail from. The ferry from Houghton takes 6 hours to reach Isle Royale, and the ferry from Cooper Harbor takes 3 hours and 45 minutes.
The cheapest way to get to Isle Royale is to take a ferry. Ferry tickets from Houghton and Copper Harbor both cost the same, but you need to pay an extra $10 per day to park at Copper Harbor, whereas parking at Houghton is free of charge.
The cost to go to Isle Royale Michigan depends on how you choose to get there. On average, you should expect to spend upwards of $200 per adult to get out there by ferry, plus the $7 per day park pass and any parking-related expenses. This doesn’t include food and accommodations on the island.
The closest airports to Isle Royale are Duluth International Airport and Range Regional Airport, both in Michigan. However, neither of these airports operate planes that travel to Isle Royale. If you want to fly to Isle Royale, then you need to take a seaplane that operates out of Houghton, Michigan. It leaves from the Hancock Portage Canal, which isn’t an airport but is specifically used for seaplanes.
Final Thoughts: How to Get to Isle Royale from Michigan
By now, you know your options for how to get to Isle Royale from Michigan. You have a few options, which involve either a boat or a seaplane. As you can see, it’s a lot less simple getting to Isle Royale than to other National Parks – but rest assured, the trip is absolutely worth it.
On Isle Royale, you’ll be mesmerized by the tall trees, rocky coastline, and incredible views of Lake Superior. You’ll be able to get out into nature and see a place that, because of its remoteness, is missed by many. Being a protected natural habitat means that Isle Royale is also a haven for wildlife. Don’t forget to bring your camera, because you can expect to see birds, boxes, moose and even caribou.
Isle Royale, known for its rugged coastline along Lake Superior, and its dedication to preserve its unique natural beauty is a treat for those who make the trek each summer. Many are repeat visitors because it’s unlike many other national parks and nature reserves.
We hope that this helps you answer your question, about how to get to Isle Royale from Michigan!
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