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Houghton, MI – Throughout the month of August, Isle Royale National Park will celebrate the National Park Service’s (NPS) 100 birthday. Events will take place in Rock Harbor, Windigo, and Houghton. On August 25, 1916 President Woodrow Wilson signed congressional legislation establishing the NPS to administer the cultural and scenic wonders that define all national park areas. Support the NPS and Isle Royale by attending one of the events around the park. For more information about all events, call 906-482-0984.
Houghton Events
- August 11, 12:30 pm, Houghton Visitor Center, Keweenaw Waterway Cruise: On Thursday, join Isle Royale for an afternoon cruise aboard the Ranger III travelling south through the Keweenaw Waterway. Please arrive at the Ranger III dock at the Houghton Visitor Center by 12:30 pm. The cruise returns at 3:30 pm. As well as enjoying the scenery, Rangers will lead onboard activity stations that explore the history of the NPS and contemplate its future for the next 100 years. Cake, punch, and centennial activity passports will be provided. Reservations are recommended, $20 for adults, $5 for youth.
- August 23, 6:30 pm, Portage Lake District Library, Forever Wild: Determination. Passion. Understanding. Join a ranger for an hour long exploration of the evolving human values and perspectives that resulted in the protection of Isle Royale as a national park.
Rock Harbor Events
Beginning Sunday, August 21 and continuing through Friday, August 26, rangers will present a series of special programs each day.
- 11:30 am to 2:30 pm: Join a ranger to explore a series of interactive tables focused on the past 100 years of the NPS, current issues facing Isle Royale, and hopes, reflections, and support for the next 100 years.
- 1:00 pm: Forever Wild centennial program: Determination. Passion. Understanding. Join a ranger to explore the evolving human values and perspectives that resulted in the protection of Isle Royale as a national park.
- 7:30 pm: Meet the Rangers evening program: The rangers of Rock Harbor will share their experiences about life at Isle Royale, then invite participants to share their own memories and hopes for the parks.Thursday and Friday evenings will culminate the week-long activities with cake and refreshments.
Windigo Events
On August 26 and 27, rangers will present a series of special programs each day.
- 10:30 am to 1:00 pm CDT (11:30 am to 2:00 pm EDT): Join a ranger at activity stations that encourage visitors to engage with the history of the NPS. Activities include examining symbols of the NPS, threats to the parks, and a reflection tree. A centennial passport will be available to help visitors explore each station. Self-guided activities will also be available.
- 1:20 pm CDT (2:20 EDT): Forever Wild centennial program: Determination. Passion. Understanding. Join a ranger to explore the evolving human values and perspectives that resulted in the protection of Isle Royale as a national park.
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for the 412 parks in the National Park System and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice, Twitter www.twitter.com/natlparkservice, and YouTube www.youtube.com/nationalparkservice.
