THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
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.
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.
Book with Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands · Ellison Bay, Wisconsin
Located on the northern shores of Lake Michigan, Fayette State Park offers a fascinating glimpse into Michigan's industrial past. The 7-8 hour private cruise takes adventurers on a scenic journey across the lake to the well-preserved ghost town of Fayette, a site that once thrived during the iron smelting era of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, visitors can walk among the remaining limestone buildings, marvel at the historic mills, and imagine the bustling community that once stood here. The cruise offers breathtaking views of limestone cliffs and rugged shoreline, making it perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike. The tour includes ample time for picnics and wandering through the open-air ruins, giving a sense of the area's rich cultural heritage. This experience stands out because it combines outdoor water activity with a deep dive into Michigan’s industrial history, all within a vibrant natural setting. Fayette's rocky shoreline, intertwined with historic relics and scenic vistas, provides a compelling backdrop that is hard to match. Whether you're a photography enthusiast or a curious traveler, this private tour highlights the beauty and stories of this old iron smelting town, revealing why Fayette remains a remarkable and unique spot within Michigan’s outdoor recreation scene.
easy.
7-8 hours.
Some walking and comfort with boat travel recommended
No prior skills are necessary; the tour is suitable for most fitness levels and ages.
Yes, bringing a picnic or snacks is encouraged, with options to enjoy them onboard or at Fayette.
Yes, children of all ages can enjoy the cruise and site visits, with supervision.
Tours are weather-dependent; your guide will advise on rescheduling or rain plans.
Most areas are accessible with some walking; please inform us of any mobility concerns.
All safety equipment for the boat is provided, but bring your personal safety gear if preferred.
Fayette was established in 1867 and became a hub for iron smelting before its decline in the 20th century.
The site is managed to preserve its historic integrity while maintaining the natural shoreline for future visitors.
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.
Book with Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands