Isle Royale National Park
Houghton, MI Hours and Location

Learn and Explore

Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of our national parks. With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with more than 275 million visitors every year. But our work doesn’t stop there.

We are proud that tribes, local governments, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and individual citizens ask for our help in revitalizing their communities, preserving local history, celebrating local heritage, and creating close to home opportunities for kids and families to get outside, be active, and have fun.

Taking care of the national parks and helping Americans take care of their communities is a job we love, and we need—and welcome—your help and support.

Our Mission

The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I obtain a park entrance pass?

Only 118 of your 417 park sites charge entrance fees. You can obtain park entrance passes by visiting a park site that charges an entrance fee. Entrance fee sites have passes available; we recommend calling a park prior to your visit. (See the park search to locate a specific park.) There are a number of entrance passes available, including park-specific passes as well as passes that offer entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites in addition to the national parks (Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade, Access, and Volunteer passes). Learn more about the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.

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About this location:

National Park

Operating Hours & Seasons

Park Open

April 16 – October 31 (every year). Isle Royale National Park headquarters and Visitor Center in Houghton, MI are open year-round, Monday – Friday (closed during fall and winter holidays).

Standard Hours

• Sunday:Open 24 hours
• Monday:Open 24 hours
• Tuesday:Open 24 hours
• Wednesday:Open 24 hours
• Thursday:Open 24 hours
• Friday:Open 24 hours
• Saturday:Open 24 hours

Park Closed

November 1 – April 15 (every year). Isle Royale National Park headquarters and Visitor Center in Houghton, MI are open year-round, Monday – Friday (closed during fall and winter holidays).

Standard Hours

• Sunday: Closed
• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday: Closed
• Wednesday: Closed
• Thursday: Closed
• Friday: Closed
• Saturday: Closed

Fees & Passes

Entrance Fees:

• $7.00 – Isle Royale Entrance Fee
  The daily entrance fee is $7 per person. It is charged to enter or remain within the park per calendar day (it includes the day you arrive and the day you depart the park). Pay this fee after your transportation reservations have been confirmed. All Federal Recreation Passes (Annual, Senior, Access, Military) are honored. Entrance fees will be waived for the pass holder and up to 3 adults traveling with the pass holder. Children ages 15 and under are exempt from paying entrance fees.

Entrance Passes:

• $60.00 – Isle Royale Season Pass
  Valid from April 16 – October 31 of the year indicated. Can be obtained in-person from the Houghton, Rock Harbor, or Windigo Visitor Centers. Covers the Entrance Fee ($7 per person per day) for the person whose signature appears on the pass and up to 3 adults (aged 16 and up) traveling with the pass holder. Non-refundable and non-transferable. Order online at www.pay.gov, search Isle Royale Season Pass and click on “Continue to Form.” Or purchase by phone from the Houghton Visitor Center (906) 482-0984.

About

Your Invitation to a Superior Wilderness Experience

Explore a rugged, isolated island, far from the sights and sounds of civilization. Surrounded by Lake Superior, Isle Royale offers unparalleled solitude and adventures for backpackers, hikers, boaters, kayakers, canoeists and scuba divers. Here, amid stunning scenic beauty, you’ll find opportunities for reflection and discovery, and make memories that last a lifetime.

Directions

Isle Royale National Park headquarters is located in Houghton, MI. Visit the Houghton page on the Isle Royale National Park website for additional information and a map on how to access the visitor center.

Visitor Centers

Rock Harbor Visitor Center

The Rock Harbor Visitor Center is located in Rock Harbor on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park. It is only accessible by boat or seaplane. Windigo Visitor Center

The Windigo Visitor Center is located in Windigo on the southwest end of Isle Royale National Park. It is only accessible by boat or seaplane. Houghton Visitor Center

The Houghton Visitor Center is located in Houghton, Michigan. It is the mainland headquarters for Isle Royale National Park.

Weather

Isle Royale National Park is a remote island wilderness in the middle of Lake Superior. Weather influences traveling to and from the island, as well as your trip once you arrive. For the most up-to-date weather information, call (906) 482-0984 or email isro_parkinfo@nps.gov prior to your trip.

Permits and Reservations Information