Route Lengths, Pricing, and Booking
Pricing follows a per-person structure with fixed inclusions. Self-guided packages start at $180 for a 3-day itinerary and $420 for a 7-day itinerary. Guided multi-day routes run from $890 for 3 days to $2,850 for 10 days, with accommodation, local transport, and route leadership included. Custom charters are quoted individually based on group size and duration; a typical 5-day charter for 20 participants is priced at $1,150 per person.
Route specifics are published for every departure in three standardized categories: distance, terrain grade, and inclusion list. Distances are stated in statute miles for walking segments and nautical miles for vessel segments. Terrain is graded 1, 2, or 3 based on surface type, elevation change, and total walking distance.
Routes, Rates & Booking Terms in Full Detail
Every Great Lakes journey below is operated on a fixed departure calendar with published pricing, stated inclusions, and written refund terms. Nothing is quoted "on request" unless clearly marked — you can compare each route line by line before you reserve.
Route 1 — Lake Michigan Shoreline Discovery (6 Days / 5 Nights)
Itinerary & Route Stages
- Day 1 — Chicago, IL: 8:00 AM check-in at 225 N. Michigan Ave; 90-minute lakefront architecture cruise; overnight downtown.
- Day 2 — Milwaukee, WI: Historic Third Ward walking tour, lakefront breakwater stop, Milwaukee Art Museum exterior and Kahler Quadracci Pavilion.
- Day 3 — Door County, WI: Peninsula State Park Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, Cave Point County Park shoreline, evening fish boil in Fish Creek.
- Day 4 — Manitowoc → Ludington: 4-hour S.S. Badger car-ferry crossing of Lake Michigan; free onboard naturalist program.
- Day 5 — Sleeping Bear Dunes: Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, dune climb, Empire Bluff Trail (2.2 miles round trip).
- Day 6 — Traverse City: Old Mission Peninsula winery corridor, 12:00 PM departure back to Chicago, arrival 7:30 PM.
What's Included
- 5 nights hotel accommodation, 3.5–4 star properties (Chicago, Milwaukee, Fish Creek, Ludington, Traverse City)
- 5 breakfasts and 3 dinners (Days 1, 3, 5)
- Motorcoach transport with onboard restroom and Wi-Fi for all 6 days
- S.S. Badger ferry crossing, one reserved seat per passenger
- Lake Michigan architecture cruise ticket (Day 1)
- Sleeping Bear Dunes park entry and Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive vehicle fee
- Peninsula State Park and Cave Point parking permits
- Certified route leader plus local step-on guides in Milwaukee and Door County
- Luggage handling at all 5 hotels (one bag per person)
Not Included (Extra Cost)
- Airfare or transport to/from Chicago before Day 1 and after Day 6
- Lunches and 2 dinners — budget $18–$35 per meal
- Gratuities: $12–$15 per passenger per day for route leader and driver
- Optional kayak rental at Cave Point: $65 per person, 2-hour session
- Wine tasting fees on Old Mission Peninsula: $15–$30 per winery
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended, quoted separately)
- Hotel incidentals, room service, and parking at the Chicago origin hotel
Schedule & Availability
Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
Departure days: Mondays and Fridays
Season: May 15 – October 5
Check-in: 7:30 AM, departure 8:00 AM sharp (Chicago)
Booking closes: 72 hours before departure, subject to availability
Reservations by phone: Monday–Sunday, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Central
Pricing Details
| Base price (per person, double occupancy): | $2,485 |
| Single occupancy supplement: | +$690 |
| Children 5–12 (with adult): | -25% |
| Groups of 8 or more: | -10% |
| Early booking (90+ days ahead): | -$200 |
| Deposit at booking: | $300 / person |
| Balance due: | 45 days before departure |
Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and ACH bank transfer. Installment plans are available at checkout for bookings made 90 or more days in advance.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
- 60+ days before departure: full refund less $150 administrative fee
- 30–59 days: 75% refund of total paid
- 15–29 days: 50% refund of total paid
- 7–14 days: 25% refund of total paid
- Under 7 days or no-show: no refund
- Date change to another 2025 departure: $75 per person, if requested 30+ days out
Requirements & Restrictions
- Minimum age: 5 years; guests under 18 must travel with a parent or legal guardian
- Group size: 18 to 44 passengers per departure
- Activity level: moderate — up to 3 miles of walking per day on sand, gravel, and uneven boardwalk
- Guests must be able to board the motorcoach and ferry with minimal assistance
- Service animals welcome with 30 days' notice; pets cannot be accommodated
- Government-issued photo ID required at hotel check-in; no passport needed for this route
Route 2 — Lake Superior North Shore & Pictured Rocks (7 Days / 6 Nights)
Itinerary & Route Stages
- Day 1 — Duluth, MN: Canal Park, Aerial Lift Bridge, Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center; welcome dinner.
- Day 2 — Two Harbors & Gooseberry Falls: Split Rock Lighthouse guided interior tour, Gooseberry Falls State Park.
- Day 3 — Grand Marais: Gunflint Trail overlook, Grand Portage National Monument, Artists' Point sunset walk.
- Day 4 — Munising: 2.5-hour Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore cruise past Miners Castle and Chapel Rock.
- Day 5 — Sault Ste. Marie: Soo Locks boat tour through the Poe Lock, Museum Ship Valley Camp.
- Day 6 — Mackinac Island: Shepler's ferry crossing, horse-drawn carriage tour, Arch Rock, free afternoon on Main Street.
- Day 7 — Mackinaw City: Colonial Michilimackinac, 10:00 AM departure, transfers to Pellston or Detroit Metro.
What's Included
- 6 nights lodging: Duluth, Two Harbors, Grand Marais, Munising, Sault Ste. Marie, Mackinac Island
- 6 breakfasts and 4 dinners, including the Day 1 welcome dinner in Duluth
- Pictured Rocks narrated cruise with reserved outdoor deck seating
- Soo Locks boat tour admission
- Round-trip Shepler's ferry to Mackinac Island and horse-drawn carriage tour
- Split Rock Lighthouse and Colonial Michilimackinac admission fees
- Michigan and Minnesota state park entry permits for all listed stops
- Ferry baggage transfer to and from Mackinac Island (no motor vehicles on the island)
- Full-time route leader and driver gratuities for included services
Not Included (Extra Cost)
- Flights into Duluth (DLH) or out of Pellston (PLN) / Detroit (DTW)
- Lunches and 2 dinners — budget $20–$40 per meal
- Gratuities for route leader and driver: $15 per passenger per day
- Optional sea kayak tour at Munising: $85 per person, 3 hours
- Bicycle rental on Mackinac Island: $18–$45 for 2–4 hours
- Fort Mackinac admission ($16 adult / $10 child) if visited independently
- Travel insurance and any medical expenses
Schedule & Availability
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
Departure day: Sundays only
Season: June 8 – September 28
Day 1 start: 3:00 PM hotel check-in, 6:30 PM welcome dinner
Booking closes: 14 days before departure
Blackout dates: July 3–6 (holiday weekend)
Pricing Details
| Base price (per person, double occupancy): | $3,150 |
| Single occupancy supplement: | +$840 |
| Children 8–12 (with adult): | -20% |
| Groups of 10 or more: | -12% |
| June departures (early season): | -$180 |
| Deposit at booking: | $400 / person |
| Balance due: | 60 days before departure |
Deposits are refundable per the schedule at right. All major credit cards and ACH transfers accepted; wire transfer available for group bookings over $10,000.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
- 75+ days before departure: full refund less $200 administrative fee
- 45–74 days: 80% refund of total paid
- 22–44 days: 50% refund of total paid
- 8–21 days: 20% refund of total paid
- 7 days or fewer: no refund; transfer of name permitted once for a $100 fee
- If a ferry or cruise is cancelled by the operator for weather, that component is refunded at cost
Requirements & Restrictions
- Minimum age: 8 years; guests under 18 need a parent or guardian on the same departure
- Group size: 16 to 36 passengers
- Activity level: moderate to active — up to 4 miles of walking daily, staircase terrain at Split Rock and Arch Rock
- Waterproof jacket and closed-toe shoes required; Lake Superior water temperatures range 45–60°F
- Mackinac Island is vehicle-free; guests must handle personal bags on the 2-block walk from the dock
- Not recommended for guests with severe motion sensitivity due to the Pictured Rocks cruise and ferry crossings
Route 3 — Lake Erie & Lake Ontario Historic Waterfronts (5 Days / 4 Nights)
Itinerary & Route Stages
- Day 1 — Cleveland, OH: Flats East Bank, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Museum of Art; overnight downtown.
- Day 2 — Put-in-Bay, OH: Miller Ferry to South Bass Island, Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial, island shuttle loop.
- Day 3 — Buffalo & Niagara Falls, NY: Canal Side and Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House; Niagara Falls State Park, Maid of the Mist.
- Day 4 — Rochester & the Erie Canal: High Falls district, Erie Canal boat ride at Fairport, Genesee River waterfront walk.
- Day 5 — Sackets Harbor & Clayton, NY: Thousand Islands Antique Boat Museum, Boldt Castle cruise, 8:00 PM return to Syracuse or Rochester.
What's Included
- 4 nights hotel accommodation in Cleveland, Put-in-Bay, Buffalo, and Rochester
- 4 breakfasts and 2 dinners
- Miller Ferry round-trip to South Bass Island plus island shuttle day pass
- Maid of the Mist boat ride at Niagara Falls (poncho provided)
- Erie Canal Fairport boat excursion with lock passage
- Thousand Islands Boldt Castle cruise ticket and landing fee
- Antique Boat Museum admission
- Motorcoach transport for all 5 days with onboard Wi-Fi
- Local historian guide in Buffalo and Rochester
Not Included (Extra Cost)
- Flights into Cleveland (CLE) and out of Syracuse (SYR) or Rochester (ROC)
- Lunches and 2 dinners — budget $15–$30 per meal
- Gratuities: $10–$12 per passenger per day
- Niagara Falls Cave of the Winds ($21 adult / $17 child) — optional
- Golf cart rental on South Bass Island: $65–$95 per day
- Travel insurance and personal expenses
Schedule & Availability
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Departure day: Thursdays
Season: May 1 – October 12
Day 1 check-in: 9:00 AM (Cleveland) / departure 9:30 AM
Booking closes: 7 days before departure
Note: Niagara Falls State Park operates year-round; Maid of the Mist runs late April through early November
Pricing Details
| Base price (per person, double occupancy): | $1,980 |
| Single occupancy supplement: | +$475 |
| Children 5–12: | -30% |
| Groups of 6 or more: | -8% |
| Shoulder season (May 1–31, Oct 1–12): | -$150 |
| Deposit at booking: | $250 / person |
| Balance due: | 30 days before departure |
Discounts stack only where noted; early-booking and group savings cannot be combined on this route.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
- 45+ days before departure: full refund, no administrative fee
- 22–44 days: 70% refund of total paid
- 8–21 days: 40% refund of total paid
- 3–7 days: 15% refund of total paid
- Under 72 hours: no refund
- Date changes: $50 per person when requested 21+ days before departure
Requirements & Restrictions
- Minimum age: 5 years; children under 13 receive a booster-seat-equipped row where available
- Group size: 20 to 48 passengers
- Activity level: easy to moderate — 1–2 miles of walking daily on paved surfaces
- Niagara Falls walkways are wet and slick; non-slip footwear required
- Government-issued photo ID required for all guests 16 and older
Route 4 — Great Lakes Islands & Nature Expedition (4 Days / 3 Nights)
Itinerary & Route Stages
- Day 1 — Bayfield, WI: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore visitor center, 3-hour Island Princess cruise to the sea caves.
- Day 2 — Madeline Island: Ferry crossing to La Pointe, Big Bay State Park boardwalk, Madeline Island Museum.
- Day 3 — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, MI: Lake of the Clouds overlook, Union Bay nature trail.
- Day 4 — Copper Harbor: Brockway Mountain Drive, Estivant Pines old-growth sanctuary, 3:00 PM return to Houghton, MI.
What's Included
- 3 nights boutique lodging in Bayfield and Houghton (maximum 14 guests per property block)
- 3 breakfasts and 2 dinners
- Apostle Islands sea cave cruise with National Park Service naturalist aboard
- Madeline Island ferry round trip and park entry
- 16-passenger van transport with naturalist guide throughout
- Binoculars and laminated field guides for each guest (returned at trip end)
- Porcupine Mountains and Estivant Pines access permits
- Light hiking poles available on request at no charge
Not Included (Extra Cost)
- Transport to Bayfield, WI (closest airport: Duluth, 90 minutes)
- All lunches and 1 dinner — Bayfield and Houghton dining: $15–$35 per meal
- Gratuities: $15 per passenger per day
- Kayak or paddleboard rental: $55 half-day / $90 full-day
- Ferry fare for personal vehicles on the Madeline Island crossing ($28 round trip, vehicle not needed for this itinerary)
- Travel insurance and personal gear
Schedule & Availability
Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Departure days: Tuesdays and Saturdays
Season: June 1 – September 20
Day 1 start: 1:00 PM in Bayfield / Day 4 end: 3:00 PM in Houghton
Booking closes: 10 days before departure; 14-guests maximum per departure
Cruises may be rescheduled to a following morning if Lake Superior winds exceed 25 mph
Pricing Details
| Base price (per person, double occupancy): | $1,640 |
| Single occupancy supplement: | +$390 |
| Children 10–14 (with adult): | -15% |
| Private departure (buy out all 14 seats): | $19,800 flat |
| Group of 6–13 travelers: | -7% |
| Deposit at booking: | $300 / person |
| Balance due: | 21 days before departure |
Because capacity is capped at 14 guests, this route frequently sells out 30–45 days in advance during July and August.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
- 30+ days before departure: full refund less $125 administrative fee
- 15–29 days: 65% refund of total paid
- 8–14 days: 35% refund of total paid
- 7 days or fewer: no refund
- Operator-cancelled departures (fewer than 6 guests): 100% refund or free move to another date
Requirements & Restrictions
- Minimum age: 10 years; this route is not suitable for children under 10
- Maximum group size: 14 guests per departure
- Activity level: active — 3 to 5 miles of hiking per day on rocky, rooted, and uneven trails
- Sturdy hiking shoes required; no open-toe sandals on trail sections
- Guests must disclose mobility limitations at booking so trail alternatives can be arranged
- Cell coverage is limited in Bayfield County and the Porcupine Mountains
Route 5 — Private Group & Corporate Charters (Custom Dates)
How It Works
- Choose any 1- to 8-day segment from Routes 1–4, or request a fully custom Great Lakes itinerary
- Departure dates set by your group, including weekdays and shoulder-season dates not on the public calendar
- Written quote issued within 3 business days of your request
- Charter contract and final rooming list due 30 days before departure
- Optional add-ons: private dining room, guest speaker, branded welcome packets, step-on guide in additional cities
What's Included
- Dedicated 56-seat motorcoach with driver for the full charter period
- Full-time route leader for groups of 20 or more
- Hotel room block contracted in your group's name with individual billing option
- All attraction admissions listed in the agreed final itinerary
- One complimentary seat for every 20 paying passengers
- Pre-trip planning call and written day-by-day itinerary document
Not Included (Extra Cost)
- Airfare, airport transfers outside confirmed pickup points, and baggage over 50 lb per bag
- Meals not written into the final charter contract
- Driver and route leader gratuities
- Meeting room rental, AV equipment, and speaker honoraria
- Overtime charges for coach use beyond 10 hours per day ($95 per hour)
- Event cancellation insurance
Schedule & Lead Time
Charter season: April 15 – October 31
Minimum lead time: 21 days for 1–2 day charters; 60 days for 3–8 day charters
Quote turnaround: 3 business days
Coach availability hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily
Holiday surcharge dates: May 24–27, July 3–6, August 30 – September 2
Pricing Details
| Minimum group size for charter pricing: | 10 passengers |
| Minimum charge (10 passengers, 1-day): | $4,850 flat |
| Additional passenger, 1-day charter: | $310 each |
| Multi-day charter (per person, per day): | from $395 |
| Holiday surcharge: | +12% |
| Deposit to confirm dates: | 25% of quoted total |
| Balance due: | 30 days before departure |
Deposits are applied to the final invoice. Purchase orders accepted from schools, municipalities, and registered non-profits with net-30 terms.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
- 60+ days before departure: full refund less $250 administrative fee
- 30–59 days: deposit is non-refundable; any amount paid above deposit refunded at 100%
- 15–29 days: 50% of total contract value refunded
- Under 15 days: no refund; date move permitted once for a $500 rescheduling fee, subject to coach and hotel availability
Requirements & Restrictions
- Minimum 10 passengers to activate charter pricing
- Final passenger count and rooming list required 30 days before departure; reductions within 14 days are charged in full
- One adult chaperone is required for every 10 travelers under the age of 18
- Alcohol is not permitted on the motorcoach; private dining alcohol is arranged with the venue directly
- Signage, banners, and onboard presentations require written approval 14 days in advance
Route Comparison — Duration, Rate, Departures & Activity Level
| Route | Duration | Base Rate (Double Occupancy) | Departures | Group Size | Activity Level | Minimum Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 — Lake Michigan Shoreline Discovery | 6 days / 5 nights | $2,485 | Mon & Fri, May 15 – Oct 5 | 18–44 | Moderate | 5 |
| 2 — Lake Superior North Shore & Pictured Rocks | 7 days / 6 nights | $3,150 | Sundays, June 8 – Sept 28 | 16–36 | Moderate–Active | 8 |
| 3 — Lake Erie & Lake Ontario Historic Waterfronts | 5 days / 4 nights | $1,980 | Thursdays, May 1 – Oct 12 | 20–48 | Easy–Moderate | 5 |
| 4 — Islands & Nature Expedition | 4 days / 3 nights | $1,640 | Tue & Sat, June 1 – Sept 20 | 6–14 | Active | 10 |
| 5 — Private Group & Corporate Charter | 1–8 days (custom) | from $4,850 flat | Your dates, Apr 15 – Oct 31 | 10–56 | You choose | Varies by route |
All rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and are subject to applicable state and local sales taxes. Rates shown are per person based on double occupancy unless stated otherwise.
Booking Terms, Payment Rules & Liability Notes
Payment & Billing
- Accepted methods: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, ACH transfer, and checks from registered organizations
- Deposits are charged at the time of booking and are applied to the total balance
- Final payments not received by the due date release the reservation without notice after a 3-day grace period
- A 3% processing fee applies to credit card balances over $15,000; ACH transfers carry no fee
- Returned checks incur a $35 fee
Changes & Weather
- Name substitutions are permitted at any time before departure at no charge, except on Route 2 ($100 fee within 7 days)
- Itinerary order may change due to weather, road closures, ferry schedules, or park restrictions
- If a vessel cruise is cancelled by its operator, that component is refunded at cost or replaced with a comparable activity
- No refunds are issued for itinerary elements voluntarily skipped by a guest
Liability, Insurance & Conduct
- We act as an agent for hotels, ferries, cruise operators, and attractions; liability for their services is limited to the amounts they pay out
- Travel insurance covering medical, evacuation, and cancellation is strongly recommended and is not included in any rate
- Luggage allowance: one suitcase up to 50 lb plus one carry-on per guest; valuables should be kept with you at all times
- Smoking and vaping are prohibited on all motorcoaches, ferries, and in hotel rooms
- Guests who disrupt a departure may be removed at their own expense with no refund
- Photography taken on tour may be used in promotional materials; written opt-out available at check-in
Accessibility & Special Requests
- Mobility, dietary, and medical requests must be submitted at least 21 days before departure
- Routes 1, 3, and 5 can accommodate folding wheelchairs with advance notice; Routes 2 and 4 are not wheelchair accessible
- Vegetarian, gluten-free, and low-sodium meals are available at all included dinners with 14 days' notice
- Service animals are welcome on all routes; documentation may be requested
Exploration Route Services
Five route categories covering 10,500 miles of United States Great Lakes shoreline
niccolite.net plans and coordinates route-based journeys across the Great Lakes region of North America. The service area covers all five lakes — Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario — together with their connecting waterways, island chains, and adjacent historic towns. Standard routes link larger waterfront cities such as Duluth, Milwaukee, Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, and Buffalo with smaller ports including Traverse City, Mackinac Island, and Bayfield.
Our Services
Waterfront city routes operate in eight port cities: Milwaukee, Chicago, Duluth, Traverse City, Cleveland, Toledo, Detroit, and Buffalo. Each route combines a 2.5-mile walking segment through a historic warehouse or harbor district with a 90-minute vessel segment along the working waterfront. Standard duration is 3.5 to 4 hours.
Scenic Shoreline Routes
Scenic shoreline routes follow the bluffs, dunes, and rocky coasts of Lakes Michigan, Superior, and Huron. The published schedule includes eleven shoreline segments, among them the 12-mile stretch between Empire and the Platte River in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the 8-mile Pictured Rocks section east of Munising.
Nature Area Excursions
Nature area excursions focus on federal and state protected land. Locations include Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Indiana Dunes National Park, Horicon Marsh, and the Seney National Wildlife Refuge. Each excursion is led by a guide holding a naturalist certification from the National Association for Interpretation.
Historic Town Routes
Guided multi-day routes run with a route leader present for the full duration. Group size is capped at 14 participants. Standard durations are 3, 5, 7, or 10 days. Each day includes 4 to 6 hours of scheduled activity — walking, driving between ports, or ferry and vessel segments — with remaining hours left unstructured. Accommodation is arranged in advance in blocks of no more than 6 consecutive nights at the same location. Luggage transport is included on land segments.
Regional Attraction Routes
Historic route segments focus on towns with documented waterfront history from the 1700s and 1800s. Typical stops include Marquette, Michigan; Sault Ste. Marie; Green Bay, Wisconsin; and Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio. Each segment includes a 90-minute guided walk covering port trade, regional industry, and architecture. Written materials are provided 5 days before arrival. These segments are optional additions to any route and add 1 to 2 days to the schedule.
Single-Day Routes
Route formats are organized into four categories: guided multi-day routes, self-guided itinerary packages, custom group charters, and seasonal shoreline excursions.
Single-day routes are the most frequently booked category and accounted for 71% of all tickets sold in the previous season. Each route leaves in the morning and returns before 7:00 p.m. Total time on the water ranges from 3 to 7 hours depending on the route.
Milwaukee Waterfront Route
Departure is from the Municipal Pier at 9:00 a.m. with return at 1:30 p.m. The vessel segment covers 11 miles of the Milwaukee harbor, the inner breakwater, and the Lake Michigan shoreline north to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee research pier. The walking segment covers 1.8 miles through the Historic Third Ward and the former Pabst brewery district.
Sleeping Bear Dunes Shoreline Route
The route departs from the Leland dock at 8:30 a.m. and follows the Leelanau coastline north to Empire Bluff, then returns through the Manitou Passage. Total distance is 34 nautical miles. The stop at South Manitou Island lasts 2 hours and includes a 2-mile walk to the island lighthouse completed in 1871.
Door County Peninsula Loop
Seasonal variations shift with weather and lake conditions. Summer routes (June through August) prioritize open-water sailing and island access. Shoulder-season routes (May and September–October) focus on historic towns and inland nature areas. Winter routes (November–March) are limited to the southern lakes — Erie and Michigan — where ferry and road access remain reliable.
Lake Erie Islands Route
Departure is from the Sandusky Bay dock at 10:00 a.m. The route passes the Marblehead Peninsula, the Kelleys Island glacial grooves, and the harbor at Put-in-Bay. Two hours of shore time are scheduled at Put-in-Bay and 45 minutes at Kelleys Island.
Apostle Islands Mainland Route
A 4-hour mainland route departing from the Bayfield city dock at 1:00 p.m. The vessel passes the mainland unit sea caves near Cornucopia and the mouth of the Sand River. A 1.5-hour stop at Little Sand Bay includes the Hokenson Brothers Fishery buildings and the National Park Service visitor contact station.
Multi-Day Journeys
Scheduled departures with overnight stops in three to five lakeside towns
Multi-day journeys combine vessel travel, coach transfer, and walking routes across two or more lakes. Departures are scheduled from mid-May through early October. Frequency is once per week for the Lake Michigan Circuit and twice per month for the Lake Superior and Lake Erie journeys.
Lake Michigan Circuit (5 Days)
Five-day route covering 312 miles along the western and eastern shores of Lake Michigan. Overnight stops are Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Traverse City, Michigan; Charlevoix, Michigan; and Ludington, Michigan. Vessel travel totals 9 hours, coach travel totals 11 hours, and walking segments total 6 miles across the five days.
Self-Guided Itinerary Packages
Self-guided packages provide a complete route plan delivered digitally, without a guide traveling with the group. Each package contains a day-by-day schedule, accommodation contacts, driving or sailing directions, and a list of pre-selected stops. Packages are built for independent travel and are typically used by parties of 2 to 6 people.
Custom Group Charters
Custom charters are organized for groups of 8 to 40 participants, including corporate outings, family reunions, and educational groups. The planning process begins with a 45-minute consultation to define route, dates, and budget. A draft itinerary is returned within 7 business days, followed by up to two revision rounds.
Lake Superior North Shore Journey (4 Days)
Four-day route between Duluth, Minnesota, and Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, following the 154-mile North Shore Scenic Drive corridor. Scheduled stops include Split Rock Lighthouse, Gooseberry Falls State Park, Grand Marais, and the Pictured Rocks cliffs. Vessel segments cover 46 miles of the Lake Superior shoreline.
Lake Erie West Basin Journey (3 Days)
Three-day route between Toledo, Ohio, and Buffalo, New York. The itinerary covers the Maumee River mouth, the Lake Erie Islands, Presque Isle State Park in Pennsylvania, and the Buffalo waterfront. Total vessel distance is 96 miles and total coach distance is 289 miles.
Specialty and Group Services
Route planning follows a fixed four-step process, with defined turnaround times and review stages.
Specialty services cover requests that fall outside the published route schedule. These include private charters, curriculum-linked field studies, adaptive departures for travelers with mobility limitations, and photography-focused trips. Requests are handled individually, and average response time is two business days.
Shoreline and Nature Excursions
Custom route planning builds an itinerary around a specified departure point, date, and interest category. The process has four steps: an intake conversation of 30 to 45 minutes, a written draft itinerary delivered within 5 business days, one round of revisions, and a final logistics packet issued 10 days before departure.
Historic Town Walking Programs
Charter routes are offered on all three vessels for groups of 12 to 46 people. A full-day charter of the 46-passenger motor vessel covers up to 8 hours and 60 miles of shoreline for a base rate of $4,200, which includes a captain, one mate, and one route guide. Additional guides are billed at $340 per guide per day.
Educational and Field Study Routes
Field study routes are designed for middle school, high school, and university groups of 15 to 46 students. Content is aligned with Next Generation Science Standards for grades 6 through 12 in the areas of earth systems, watershed dynamics, and human impact on freshwater systems.
Accessibility and Mobility Services
The 46-passenger motor vessel is equipped with a boarding ramp rated to 600 pounds and a 34-inch clear-width gangway. Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are located on the main deck. Boarding assistance is provided by two crew members on all departures from the Milwaukee and Sandusky docks.
Photography and Naturalist Routes
Step one: an initial consultation (30 minutes) establishes dates, group size, and route preferences. Step two: a draft itinerary is assembled using prior route data, seasonal weather records, and current ferry and park schedules — typically 3 to 5 business days. Step three: the itinerary is reviewed against accessibility needs, vehicle or vessel capacity, and overnight availability. Step four: the final plan is delivered as a printed or digital route book.
Coverage Area and Operating Standards
Routes are planned within a coverage area spanning 8 US states and 1 Canadian province bordering the lakes: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Ontario. Overnight stops are verified each year before the season opens. Trip insurance is not included in any package and is arranged separately by participants. Contact details for the planning team are listed in the footer of this site.
The season runs from May 1 to October 15. In the previous year, 9,410 travelers were carried across 660 scheduled departures, and 96% of departures left the dock within 10 minutes of the published time. Trips canceled by the operator for weather were rescheduled or refunded in all cases.
Operating Season and Schedule
Vessel operations run from May 1 through October 15. Single-day routes depart between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. and return between 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Multi-day departures leave on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday mornings and return on the final day by 5:00 p.m.
Fares, Deposits, and Cancellation Terms
Single-day fares range from $65 to $175 per person. Multi-day journeys range from $1,150 to $2,450 per person on a double-occupancy basis. A deposit of 25% confirms a reservation, and the remaining balance is due 21 days before departure for single-day routes and 45 days before departure for multi-day journeys.
Vessels and Guide Team
The fleet consists of three vessels. Harbor Light is a 46-passenger motor vessel built in 2014 and inspected annually by the United States Coast Guard. Dune Runner is a 24-passenger pontoon used for inland waterway and shallow-draft routes. North Wind is a 12-passenger skiff used for small-group and photography departures.
Weather, Safety, and Refund Conditions
Departure decisions are made by the captain no later than 90 minutes before the scheduled time. Trips are canceled when sustained winds exceed 25 knots, when wave height at the nearest NOAA buoy exceeds 4 feet, or when visibility falls below 1 mile. Canceled trips are rescheduled at no charge or refunded in full.
Meeting Points and Trip Logistics
Meeting points are listed on each route page and printed on the ticket. Boarding opens 20 minutes before departure and closes 5 minutes before departure. Dock addresses are included in the confirmation email sent 48 hours before travel, along with parking options within walking distance.