Guided lighthouse cruises, photography workshops, butterfly tagging, and custom charters from Ellison Bay, Wisconsin.
A curated selection of lighthouse cruises, island hikes, photography workshops, and private charters.
land-adventures · Ellison Bay
Capture stunning images of Michigan’s Door County coastline and maritime history at Plum Island. Join a small-group photography workshop that combines natural beauty with cultural storytelling.
Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands is a volunteer-driven nonprofit based in Ellison Bay, Wisconsin, dedicated to promoting, preserving, and providing access to the natural and maritime heritage of Plum and Pilot Islands. The organization organizes guided cruises, workshops, and private charters that visit historic lighthouses, life-saving stations, shipwreck sites, and the unique ecosystems of the Niagara Escarpment. Trips include photography workshops with a 14-person limit, lighthouse cruises with stops on Plum Island, private out-island and Rock Island State Park tours, a Fayette State Park ghost town cruise, a Monarch butterfly tagging cruise, and custom private charters aboard The Shoreline.
Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands partners with subject-matter experts and regional organizations for educational programs, including a Niagara Escarpment Field Day with Don Mikulic from the Niagara Escarpment Resource Network. Events focus on hands-on learning, natural history, and maritime preservation while offering scenic hiking, picnicking, and interpretive commentary. The group’s public programs support ongoing preservation and interpretation of Range Lights, the historic Life Saving Station, and other island resources.
Visitors book directly for scheduled lighthouse cruises, workshops, and passport days, or arrange private and custom charters for groups. Safety briefings, interpretive guidance, and small-group formats are emphasized to protect fragile island habitats and historic structures. Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands maintains a transparent program schedule from Ellison Bay and works with local partners to ensure reliable access to Plum and Pilot Islands for education and conservation. Online reservations and detailed trip itineraries are available spring through fall annually.
“Every outing is organized with local river knowledge, basic safety instruction, and equipment checks before departure.”
Guided cruises and workshops available
Gateway to Plum & Pilot Islands
Photography workshop limited to 14 people
Sunset to full-day options
Open the individual experience guide to confirm current availability, pricing, policies, conditions, and inclusions before booking.
The operator provides clear meeting points, departure times, and destination coordinates for all outings.
Personal flotation devices, emergency protocols, equipment checks, and paddling orientations are provided before departure.
Recommended layering, water shoes, sunscreen, and dry bags are detailed in each experience guide.
Guides share rich knowledge of regional flora, fauna, scenic landmarks, and river navigation.
A glimpse into the experiences, natural landscapes, and adventures waiting on your next trip.
Images supplied on the current Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands listing.
Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands offers a variety of guided outdoor excursions, scenic routes, rentals, and custom itineraries tailored for families, couples, and adventure enthusiasts.
Yes. Most trips feature comprehensive safety orientations, equipment fittings, and calm routes suited for first-time adventurers. Check the details on individual experience guides for specific age and skill requirements.
Standard safety equipment (such as certified life vests and essential gear) is supplied for each booking. Detailed checklists regarding weather-appropriate attire and personal items are provided prior to departure.
Choose a guided lighthouse cruise, photography workshop, butterfly tagging trip, or custom private charter and secure a spot from Ellison Bay.
water-activities · Ellison Bay
Set sail for a day of history and scenic beauty on Lake Michigan as you visit the ghost town of Fayette. Discover well-preserved ruins with stunning lake views on this private boat tour—an unforgettable adventure for history enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.
land-adventures · Ellison Bay
Uncover the geological wonders of Niagara Escarpment with expert-led hikes on Plum Island. Learn about the area's unique features and enjoy a scenic, educational outing.
water-activities · Ellison Bay
Set sail on a 5-6 hour scenic lighthouse cruise exploring remote islands, limestone cliffs, and shipwreck sites between Door County and Michigan's Garden Peninsula. Discover maritime history and stunning natural formations on this unforgettable boat adventure.
water-activities · Ellison Bay
Join a private boat tour from Washington Island to discover the scenic beauty and rich history of Rock Island State Park, featuring stunning cliffs, historic lighthouses, and shipwreck relics.
boat-charters · Ellison Bay
Discover Door County’s rugged shoreline aboard the Death's Door Lighthouse Cruise, featuring a rare stop on Plum Island’s historic beaches. Witness a centuries-old shipwreck and lighthouse legends on this unforgettable Great Lakes trip.
water-activities · Ellison Bay
Join Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands for a unique 4-hour cruise across Death’s Door, where you’ll become a Citizen Scientist tagging Monarch butterflies and contributing to vital migration research.
boat-charters · Ellison Bay
Set sail on a private boat charter with Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands to witness Door County's dramatic cliffs, shipwrecks, and secluded beaches. Customize your route or opt for the classic Deaths Door Lighthouse Cruise aboard a spacious, catered vessel.
boat-charters · Ellison Bay
Sail the northern waters of Green Bay on a private 2.5-hour sunset cruise with Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands. Discover dramatic island landscapes and vibrant sunsets aboard The Shoreline.
others · Ellison Bay
Step aboard for Lighthouse Passport Days with Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands. Visit two storied lighthouses on Lake Michigan’s rugged islands and collect exclusive passport stamps while immersing in maritime history and wild island landscapes.
Click into any experience card above to view current dates, live availability, transparent pricing, cancellation policies, and booking details.