Design Isle Royale National Park’s next passenger vessel

HOUGHTON — Isle Royale National Park is planning to replace its passenger vessel, the Ranger III, and has partnered with The Grand Portage Band of Chippewa for a design contest. Graduate and undergraduate college students are being asked to submit designs of a new vessel, to be named the Ranger IV.

The Ranger III has serviced the National Park Service for 60 years, making trips back and forth between Isle Royale and Houghton, but the park service is in the beginning stages of phasing the vessel out.

“The Ranger III currently holds up to 149 passengers. We’ve put a lot of miles on it. It’s still in good shape. Our crew has kept it together very well, but at some point in time we will need to think about replacing it,” said Environmental Protection Specialist Jeff Henquinet.

All design entries should include a vessel that is 165 feet long and accommodate both passengers and cargo. The winning entry will receive a $1500 prize and a featured article of recognition in a maritime magazine. The deadline for entries is January 15th, 2018.

For more information on the contest, click HERE.