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At-A-Glance

Trip Dates:

July 20, 2013 through July 27, 2013

Contact ParkScapes at 800.628.7275 or travel@npca.org

July 20-27, 2013

Join us for a free webinar on May 9th at 1pm EST!

"Our 1,555 mile walk around Lake Superior was so filled with variety and stories that we are anxious to return, share our stories with you, and share thanks to the lake for the most amazing summer of our lives." Mike Link, ParkScapes Guide

Start with a scenic drive along the rugged, north shore of Lake Superior as we head to the Northwoods wilderness.

We will spend a day exploring the 18th-century fur-trading traditions at Grand Portage National Monument. Then it’s on to one of the world’s largest freshwater lakes and the roadless wilderness island of Isle Royale National Park. Our time in this largely undeveloped island archipelago are filled with visits to historic fishing camps and other excursions by land and lake. The Isle Royale Institute—a joint partnership of the National Park Service, Michigan Tech University, and the University of Minnesota Duluth—has been conducting research on the interactions between Isle Royale’s moose and wolf populations for over 50 years. On this journey, we will take an in-depth look at their work. Then it’s off to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, our final destination of the trip, for a visit to Keweenaw National Historical Park and other local parks.

Each day of this sojourn is filled with top-notch naturalists, free time activities, and loads of fun.

View Trip Photo Slideshow

For details about this trip, download the brochure (pdf)

Tour Highlights

Grand Portage National Monument

Created to preserve the history of the 18th century fur trade and an important site along the trading route, the monument also helps preserve the knowledge and understanding of Ojibwa heritage.

Isle Royale National Park

This roadless paradise is accessible only by boat or float plane, and has maintained a biological and ecological uniqueness that has earned it status of International Biosphere Reserve.

Tour Details

Arrive/Depart

Duluth, MN/Houghton, MI

Length of Tour

8 days/7 nights

Pace

Easy to moderately active, offering a choice of activities each day to suit different activity levels and interests. Be prepared for a variety of hikes and walks on uneven trails.

Price Includes

All accommodations, meals as noted (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner), ground transportation, entrance fees, professional guide services, park and other entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses.

Price Does Not Include

Roundtrip airfare to and from destination, gratuities for naturalist guides, alcoholic beverages, or personal expenses.

Payments/Cancellations

Space is confirmed by calling the NPCA at 800.628.7275. A $500 per person deposit is due at registration. Final payment will be invoiced separately and is due 90 days prior to departure. Cancellation notice must be submitted in writing and is effective upon date of receipt. Cancellations up to 90 days prior receive a refund, less the $250 per person handling fee. Cancellations 90-61 days prior to departure, 25% of the tour cost is forfeited; 60-31 days prior to departure, 50% of the tour cost is forfeited; 30 days or fewer prior to departure result in the loss of 100% of your total cost.

Travel Insurance

To protect yourself from the loss of deposit and cancellation fees, you are encouraged to purchase travel insurance. If you need assistance, NPCA recommends contacting Travel Insurance Services.

Daily Itinerary

July 20: Individual Arrival in Duluth, Minnesota

Arrive at the Duluth airport to meet your group around noon. Then it’s off for a drive along the famed North Shore of Lake Superior to Grand Marais. After time to relax, we meet for a welcome dinner and an orientation to the week’s activities with an overview of the Northwoods and Isle Royale’s wilderness. Aspen Lodge (D)

July 21: Grand Portage National Monumnet

We head farther north along the North Shore to the small town of Grand Portage. Grand Portage is the final town before the Canadian Border and home of a national monument. Grand Portage National Monument marks the spot where, in the 1700s, fur trading flourished between the French, English, and Ojibwa people. The wonderful new visitor’s center looks out over Lake Superior, and we’ll have a private tour from the Park Service. Aspen Lodge (B,L,D)

July 22: Voyage to Rock Harbor, Isle Royale National Park

Embark on M.V. Voyager II for today’s adventure. We leave the shores of Minnesota and head across Lake Superior to Isle Royale. Enjoy the scenic wonder of this wilderness island as we make three short stops before reaching our destination of Rock Harbor. Settle in at scenic Rock Harbor Lodge; overlooking the lake, this is the only commercial lodging in the park. Relax and enjoy dinner and an evening program at the Rock Harbor Lodge. Rock Harbor Lodge (B,L,D)

July 23-24: Isle Royale National Park

Our schedule for the Isle Royale days will vary depending on weather and individual interests of participants; however, here is an idea of what to expect:

These two full days are spent entirely on Isle Royale, home of one of the most famous biology studies in the world—the over 50-year population study of moose and wolf. Due to its isolation and continuous study, the island has offered biologists an unusual opportunity to study the complex interactions between species in a very special ecosystem. Included are easy canoe and kayak tours, moderate interpretive hikes, and hands-on learning.

We meet a scientist with the wolves and moose research team who provides us with the latest results of their fascinating research. During our time on Isle Royale we examine animal signs and with a little luck, see a moose or two! Isle Royale, along with its amazing natural history, also has a fascinating human history. Each day on Isle Royale is filled with top-notch interpretation, free time activities, and lots of fun. For the daring there is always the opportunity for a refreshing dip into sparkling clear—and cold—Lake Superior! Rock Harbor Lodge (B,L,D)

July 25: Voyage to Copper Harbor, Michigan

Bid farewell to Isle Royale as you board the Isle Royale Queen IV, for our Lake Superior crossing to Copper Harbor, Michigan. The three-hour boat ride includes interpretative session with our guides. Our early evening docking allows time to get acquainted with Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Keweenaw Mountain Lodge (B,L,D)

July 26: Keweenaw National Historical Park, Michigan

Spend the day at Keweenaw National Historical Park and other state parks in the “U.P.” Conclude our final evening with a farewell dinner. Keweenaw Mountain Lodge (B,L,D)

July 27: Departures Home from Houghton, Michigan

Transfer to the Houghton Airport (in Hancock, Michigan) for afternoon flights. (B)

Note: Isle Royale National Park offers few modern conveniences beyond a small lodge and restaurant; rooms offer private bathrooms and spectacular views of Lake Superior. Be prepared for a variety of weather conditions and extended time outdoors.

Pricing Details

NPCA Member Price From

$3,795 - $4,195* per person double occupancy; $415 single supplement.

Deposit

$500 per person

* Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed. Please note all Off the Beaten Path departures feature tiered pricing with a range of $400 for each trip. This benefits the traveler who is able to plan ahead, allowing them to save money, and also allows us to lock-in guaranteed departures as soon as possible.

Map

Travel Partner

Off the Beaten Path

Lodging Info

Aspen Lodge

Rock Harbor Lodge

Keweenaw Mountain Lodge

Booking Info

To contact NPCA's ParkScapes program for questions or reservations please call 800-628-7275 or email travel@npca.org. You may also book directly online.

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