NPS - National Park Service
08/04/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/04/2026 10:26
Join Family Day Aboard Ranger III, Thursday, August 20
Date:
August 4, 2026
Contact: Christopher M. Amidon , (906) 482-0984
About the National Park Service. Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America's most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov .
August 4, 2026
Contact: Christopher M. Amidon , (906) 482-0984
HOUGHTON, MICH. - Isle Royale National Park and Kaleidoscope invite families with children age 15 or younger to enjoy a free cruise on the Keweenaw waterway on Aug. 20, during Ranger III Family Day. Two cruises, each lasting 45 to 60 minutes, will travel into Portage Lake and back.
Space is limited. To make reservations, fill out the online reservation request form . For each cruise, reservations will be accepted until Aug. 17, at 4 pm or when Ranger III capacity is reached. Reservations typically fill up within 1-2 days of opening. The online form will indicate when capacity limits have been reached for the two cruises.
11 am: Family Day Ranger III Cruise onto Portage Lake, Reservations Required
On Aug. 20, check in at the Houghton Visitor Center by 10:15 am for Ranger III departure preparation and boarding.
Upon submitting a reservation form , you will receive an initial response documenting your request from Kaleidoscope. Once reservation processing begins for Ranger III , the individual submitting the request will receive additional communication from Isle Royale National Park with one of the following responses:
On Aug. 20, check in at the Houghton Visitor Center by 10:15 am for Ranger III departure preparation and boarding.
2 pm: Family Day Ranger III Cruise onto Portage Lake, Reservations Required
On Aug. 20, check in at the Houghton Visitor Center by 1:15 pm for Ranger III departure preparation and boarding.
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Ranger III email confirming an assigned voyage with participating passengers.
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Ranger III email indicating your party has been waitlisted.
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A follow up phone call to discuss any reservation complications.
"The crew of Ranger III looks forward to the opportunity to spend time with local families and show our appreciation for all the support we receive from our community," said Ranger III Captain Aaron Persenaire.
Kaleidoscope, a nonprofit organization, offers educational opportunities for school-aged children in Hancock and the surrounding Keweenaw area. By providing positive support and engaging learning experiences through classes and community events, Kaleidoscope endeavors to elevate at-home and community-based learning for all families.
About the National Park Service. Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America's most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov .
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