Wisconsin
A Superior Exploration: Lake Superior’s History & Ecology
Program No. 24850RJ
“Superior” learning awaits on this adventure through northern Wisconsin’s natural wonders — explore the ecology and human history of this fascinating Great Lake!
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Protecting the Environment
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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date.
Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
12 meals (
5B, 4L, 3D
)
3 expert-led lectures
6 expert-led field trips
2 hands-on experiences
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Dinner, SS Meteor
Location:
Superior, Wisconsin
Meals:
D
Stay:
Barkers Island Inn
Activity Note
Walking .5 miles to SS Meteor on flat terrain
Afternoon:
Arrive at Hotel. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader, and let them know you have arrived.
Dinner:
At the hotel
Evening:
The Group Leader welcome and evening field trip will be held at the SS Meteor. We will review up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities logistics safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will learn from a series of local experts who will give lectures and lead field trips. Program-related travel and transfers will be via private motorcoach [or bus] unless noted otherwise. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. We will explore the SS Meteor, view pieces from the University of Wisconsin Superior’s Maritime collection and enjoy a presentation on history of the area.
Day
2
Indigenous Community Learning and Engagement
Location:
Superior, Wisconsin
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Barkers Island Inn
Activity Note
1.5 hours of walking and periods of standing during explorations, getting on and off motorcoach, 1 hr total drive time
Breakfast:
At the hotel
Morning:
After breakfast, we will travel by motorcoach to Wisconsin Point and Wisconsin Point Indian Burial Grounds. We will be met there by a local tribal historian and environmental scientist who will give us a presentation on the history and culture of this area. As early as the 1740’s, Wisconsin point was home to the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and the site of the Wisconsin Point Indian Burial Grounds, which were recently returned to the Fond du Lac Band. Wisconsin Point is a three-mile-long natural sand spit in Superior, Wisconsin, that divides Allouez Bay from Lake Superior. Together, Wisconsin Point and Minnesota Point form one of the longest freshwater bay-mouth bars in the world. Forests of white and red pines fill the interior of Wisconsin Point, with sand dunes, wetlands, and beaches lining Lake Superior. The xeric forest on Wisconsin Point is an important stopover habitat for a diverse range of migratory birds, including many rare species.
Lunch:
Nutritious Picnic Lunch
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will visit the research project site of Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC), where we will see a presentation given by a tribal environmental scientist. GLIFWC represents eleven Ojibwe tribes in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan, providing natural resource management, conservation enforcement, legal and policy analysis and public information services regarding the Treaties of 1836, 1837, 1842 and 1854.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions!
Evening:
After dinner, we will explore the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve, view pieces from the University of Wisconsin Superior’s Maritime collection and enjoy a presentation on history of the area.
Day
3
History and Ecology Learning and Engagement
Location:
Superior, Wisconsin
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Barkers Island Inn
Activity Note
One hour of walking and periods of standing during facility visits, getting on and off motorcoach, getting in and out of canoe
Breakfast:
At the hotel
Morning:
After breakfast, we will have a lecture about the Brule River State Forest . We will learn about the tools and be given training on water sampling at the Brule River. Then, we will board motorcoach to travel to Brule River State Forest.
Lunch:
Picnic Lunch at Brule River State Forest
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will learn about the fishes of the Brule River while exploring the lamprey barrier on a three-four hour guided canoe ride.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy local fare.
Evening:
At your leisure
Day
4
Circle of Parks
Location:
Superior, Wisconsin
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Barkers Island Inn
Activity Note
Getting on and off motorcoach, 2 hour total drive time, periods of standing and hiking
Breakfast:
At the hotel
Morning:
After breakfast, we will board the motorcoach to explore the geological origin for Lake Superior – Glacial and Tectonic Geology. We will spend the morning exploring three beautiful local parks, Amnicon Falls State Park, Pattison State Park, Jay Cooke State Park, to learn about the rich geological and ecological history of the region.
Lunch:
Picnic at Jay Cook State Park.
Afternoon:
After lunch we will take a hike to a ranger talk down at the St. Louis River and then walk across on the "swinging bridge". You'll want your camera to capture this spectacular gorge with all of it's tilted rocks and slate!
Dinner:
At a local restaurant
Evening:
After dinner, enjoy a lecture on program content
Day
5
Lake Superior Research Institute Floating Classroom
Location:
Superior, Wisconsin
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Barkers Island Inn
Activity Note
Getting on and off boat
Breakfast:
At the hotel
Morning:
After breakfast, we will travel via motorcoach to the Sadie Ann, floating classroom. On the ship, we will travel to the first sampling location in the Duluth-Superior Harbor, where we will collect and analyze samples.
Lunch:
Served on board the Sadie Ann
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will travel to our second sampling location on Lake Superior, to collect and analyze samples. While traveling back to the dock, we will discuss regional environmental concerns.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant
Evening:
At your leisure
Day
6
Program wrap up
Location:
Superior, Wisconsin
Meals:
B
Breakfast:
At the hotel
Morning:
Program wrap up: reflections and resources. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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