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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.
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.
Book with Inland Seas Education Association
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Inland Seas Education Association · Traverse City, Michigan
Explore the wonders of the Great Lakes with the Inland Seas Education Association's Schoolship Registration - Alliance program in Traverse City, Michigan. This unique four-hour experience invites students and curious adventurers aboard a historic tall ship to become active scientists, collecting and analyzing water samples directly from Lake Michigan’s pristine waters. The hands-on journey is designed to foster environmental awareness and inspire stewardship by revealing the intricate ecosystem supporting Northern Michigan. Throughout the trip, participants engage with educators who guide them through the science behind the lake’s aquatic life, water quality, and conservation efforts. The tall ship Alliance offers a thrilling sailing adventure, blending education with the excitement of navigating the open water. Whether you’re a student group or a family looking for an immersive outdoor learning opportunity, this trip nurtures curiosity and connection to one of the country’s most important freshwater resources. Located in Traverse City, a charming city known for its outdoor activities and vibrant waterfront, this adventure offers more than just a boat ride — it’s a chance to engage deeply with the natural environment and its protection.
easy.
4 hours.
Participants should be able to stand and move safely around the ship’s deck; light physical activity is involved.
The program is designed primarily for students, but private groups and families interested in an educational sailing experience can also join.
No prior sailing experience is needed; educators provide guidance and ensure everyone participates safely.
Dress in layers, wear non-slip shoes, bring sunscreen, and carry a water bottle to stay comfortable.
Yes, participants actively collect and analyze aquatic samples during the trip to learn about the lake’s ecosystem.
Due to the nature of the tall ship, some mobility challenges may be present; please contact Inland Seas Education Association for specific accommodations.
Bookings are recommended from late spring through early fall for the best weather and sailing conditions.
Traverse City has a rich maritime heritage tied to the Great Lakes shipping and fishing industries, which the tall ship Alliance honors by continuing traditional sailing education.
Inland Seas Education Association promotes sustainability through hands-on science education aimed at preserving Great Lakes water quality and ecosystems.
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.
Book with Inland Seas Education Association