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.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
7-8 hours
Fitness Level
Some walking and comfort with boat travel recommended
Wildlife
History
Fayette was established in 1867 and became a hub for iron smelting before its decline in the 20th century.
Conservation
The site is managed to preserve its historic integrity while maintaining the natural shoreline for future visitors.
Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands
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.
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.
Tours Offered
11 trips
Guided cruises and workshops available
Location
Ellison Bay, WI
Gateway to Plum & Pilot Islands
Photo Workshop
14 seats
Photography workshop limited to 14 people
Cruise Lengths
2.5–8 hours
Sunset to full-day options
Choose a guided lighthouse cruise, photography workshop, butterfly tagging trip, or custom private charter and secure a spot from Ellison Bay.
Dress for water and weather
Bring weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes for walking around the ruins.
Pack a picnic
Enjoy a picnic lunch onboard or at Fayette with plenty of scenic spots.
Bring a camera
Capture the scenic views and historic sites during your cruise.
Respect the site
Help preserve the ruins by staying on designated paths and not disturbing artifacts.
Layered clothing
Layered clothing helps adapt to changing weather on the water and onshore.
spring|summer|fall|winter
Sun protection
Sunblock, hat, and sunglasses are key for lake sun exposure.
spring|summer|fall
Water shoes or sturdy sandals
Waterproof footwear provides safety and comfort when walking on rocky sites.
spring|summer|fall
Camera or smartphone
Capture the scenic and historic highlights of your trip.