Mark Wilcox/Daily Mining Gazette Against a backdrop of autumn splendor, the Ranger III is seen on the Portage Canal last October. Isle Royale National Park will once again offer Portage Canal cruises abourd the Ranger III this summer.

HOUGHTON – Join Isle Royale National Park aboard Ranger III for a summer 2026 Keweenaw Waterway Cruise. Once again the National Park Service is offering scenic cruises on the Portage Lake Canal aboard the historic Ranger III. There will be one afternoon cruise later this month and another in July. Cruises will leave the Isle Royale National Park Headquarters pier at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 25 and again on Thursday, July 16.

Cruises depart from Isle Royale National Park’s Houghton Visitor Center. Passengers must arrive by 11:45 a.m. for check-in and boarding. Each cruise lasts between 2.5 to 3 hours and will travel along the Keweenaw Waterway to the South Entry of Keweenaw Bay, before returning to Houghton. Passengers should bring a light jacket. There is no food service, so passengers may bring their own food and nonalcoholic beverages aboard. During portions of the cruise, a park ranger will present a historical tour of the waterway.

Due to cruise popularity, advance reservations are recommended. Reservations can be made Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (906) 482-0984 or stop by the Houghton Visitor Center. Cruise prices are $36.00 for adults, $18.00 for youth (age 1-15), and infants under one year receive a free ticket.

Enjoy an afternoon of area scenery with your family and friends aboard Ranger III while cruising the historic Keweenaw Waterway. For more information or to make cruise reservations, call (906) 482-0984 or stop by the Houghton Visitor Center.