Educational sails, night sky cruises, ROV engineering, and dorm lodging — immersive maritime experiences in Traverse City and Suttons Bay.
From Schoolship science trips to public night sails and ROV programs — meaningful, curriculum-aligned Great Lakes experiences for all ages.
others · Traverse City
Join the ROV Registration program in Traverse City to build and operate your own underwater vehicle. Discover engineering and marine science through a hands-on, collaborative adventure that inspires discovery and environmental care.
Inland Seas Education Association provides immersive Great Lakes education through hands-on sailing trips, STEM programs, and group lodging. Operating historic tall ships including the 105' schooner Alliance and the 77' schooner Inland Seas, the organization delivers public sails, schoolship science expeditions, night sky cruises, and watershed exploration programs that connect participants with lake ecology.
Programs offered include Schoolship registration aboard both Alliance and Inland Seas, four-hour student research cruises where learners collect and analyze aquatic samples, and fisheries netting sails that support Michigan DNR research. The ROV Engineer and Explore program guides students to design, build, and operate remotely operated vehicles, blending engineering practice with marine stewardship. Public experiences include Night Sail events in Traverse City and Suttons Bay and Schooner Showcase sails that place guests among majestic tall ships on Grand Traverse Bay. For residential groups, dormitory lodging at the Capt. Thomas M. Kelly Biological Station accommodates up to 12 guests in a quiet Suttons Bay setting.
The organization emphasizes curriculum-aligned lessons, certified instructors, and partnerships with regional researchers to ensure educational rigor and safety. By combining authentic sailing with hands-on science, Inland Seas Education Association fosters environmental stewardship, inspires future scientists and mariners, and offers repeatable programs tailored to school groups, families, and adult learners.
Participants can expect professional crew, clearly defined learning objectives, and opportunities to contribute real data to regional research efforts.
“Every outing is organized with local river knowledge, basic safety instruction, and equipment checks before departure.”
Public sails, schoolship, ROV, and more
Great Lakes and Grand Traverse Bay
K–12 and charter group programs
Capt. Thomas M. Kelly Station
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 Inland Seas Education Association listing.
Inland Seas Education Association 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.
Reserve schoolship seats, sign up for public night sails, or register students for ROV and watershed programs — limited spots available for seasonal cruises.
waters-activities · Traverse City
Set sail on the tall ship Alliance in Traverse City, Michigan, and learn firsthand about the Great Lakes' aquatic ecosystem. This interactive schoolship adventure combines sailing with environmental science for an unforgettable outdoor experience.
water-activities · Suttons Bay
Sail aboard a historic schooner and become a Great Lakes scientist for the day with Inland Seas Education Association's Schoolship program in Suttons Bay. Learn, explore, and protect the environment in this hands-on outdoor adventure.
water-activities · Suttons Bay
Spend a peaceful two hours sailing Suttons Bay’s Great Lakes waters under a pristine night sky guided by an expert astronomer. Discover constellations and lake tranquility beyond city limits.
water-activities · Traverse City
Dive into hands-on STEM water activities on the Great Lakes with Watershed Exploration in Suttons Bay, MI. Learn about environmental science through immersive watershed programs designed for all ages.
land-adventures · Suttons Bay
Discover Dormitory Lodging at Capt. Thomas M. Kelly Biological Station, an ideal base for schools and groups in Suttons Bay. Comfortable, communal stays meet nature-rich learning opportunities.
water-activities · Suttons Bay
Join the Schooner Inland Seas in Suttons Bay for an interactive two-hour fishing trip where you’ll learn about Lake Michigan’s fish and help researchers collect vital ecological data.
Click into any experience card above to view current dates, live availability, transparent pricing, cancellation policies, and booking details.