hands-on-great-lakes-discovery-sail-two-rivers

Step aboard the 77′ schooner Inland Seas for a three-hour Great Lakes Discovery Sail that departs from Coast Guard Park in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. On Lake Michigan’s western shore this program combines hands-on seamanship with field science: passengers raise anchor, hoist sails, take the helm and rotate through learning stations that sample the lake’s living systems. The meeting place is Coast Guard Park, East Street, Two Rivers, WI 54241; arrive 20–30 minutes early for check-in and free parking. Crewmembers run small-group stations in plankton tows, lake-bottom sampling, fish identification and basic water-quality tests supported by the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary. The schooner’s timber deck and canvas sails recall traditional Great Lakes sailing even as microscopes and data sheets turn curiosity into concrete results. Key features are the 77′ schooner itself, broad Lake Michigan—a deep glacial freshwater basin—and the low rocky shoreline that helps concentrate wind for sailing. Visitors should watch for diving gulls, rafts of waterfowl and the flashes of lake trout, yellow perch and migratory salmon behind surface wakes. The plankton samples often reveal dense, living micro-communities under magnification that underscore how productive these nearshore waters can be. What makes this trip distinct is the blend of active participation and science education: you are not a passive observer but part of the crew and the research process. Families and school groups especially benefit; students complete hands-on tests and return home with labeled samples and an understanding of modern Great Lakes stewardship. The program’s link to the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary also situates living ecosystems alongside regional maritime history and protection efforts. Practical notes: dress for cooler winds off the lake—layered outerwear and non-slip shoes are recommended; avoid flip-flops. A small water bottle is fine but avoid glass and outside food. If you’re delayed, call the ship phone at 231.620.9719. Sails run seasonally—contact the operator for dates and group bookings. Why go? This sail packs textbook lessons into three hours on the water: you’ll learn basic sailing maneuvers, execute scientific sampling techniques and leave with a sharper sense of Lake Michigan’s living landscape. For anyone curious about freshwater ecology, maritime history or the feel of old-school sailing, the Inland Seas Discovery Sail in Two Rivers delivers an engaging, evidence-driven day on one of North America’s great lakes. Booking is simple and family-friendly; spaces fill fast on sunny weekends so reserve early through the operator’s booking page. At sail’s end guests receive labeled samples and short interpretive notes so students and adults can compare observations. The program favors practical, tactile learning—data you can examine later at home or in class—ideal for teachers, curious adults and young naturalists who want a hands-on entry to Lake Michigan science today.