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Ontario/Michigan/Illinois

Voyage to The Great Lakes: A Small Ship Adventure

Program No. 21866RJ

Explore the pristine beauty of the Great Lakes aboard a small ship, delving deep into the region’s heritage, history and natural wonders.

Wishlist

Start

Small Ship Adventures Afloat Study Cruise

Program

At a Glance

Duration

11 days

Program Begins

Chicago, IL

Program Concludes

Toronto, ON

Meals

29 ( 10B, 9L, 10D )

Activity Level

Over 15,000 years ago, retreating glaciers shaped the Great Lakes, which today hold one-fifth of the world’s fresh surface water. Embark on this unforgettable voyage from Chicago, exploring the beauty of Lakes Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario. Stroll the charming streets of Mackinac Island and marvel at the engineering of the Soo Locks. Explore iconic landmarks like the Henry Ford Museum and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and experience the power of Niagara Falls aboard a state-of-the-art catamaran. This small ship learning adventure is full of discovery, history, and natural wonders.

Best of all, you'll...

Take in Chicago's amazing skyline during an architectural boat ride along the Chicago River with a local expert.
Step back in time and enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the picturesque streets of Mackinac Island, a charming Victorian-era haven.
Experience the incredible power of Niagara Falls up close with an excursion aboard a catamaran.

View Full Itinerary

Featured Expert

All Experts

Chip Reeves

Chip Reeves is a Michigander who is excited to share his local expertise in one of the most beautiful parts of the U.S. He is a marketing director with three decades of experience in innovation and international strategy. He is a lifelong student of language and culture that grew from his high school exchange student experience in Japan. He is a guest lecturer and professional facilitator for business and cross-cultural topics. He lives with his wife, Mamiko, and has two sons, Ken and Joh.

Please Note:

This expert may not be available for every date of the program

Please Note:

These experts may not be available for every date of the program

Keith Edgerton

Keith Edgerton teaches early American and Montana history, and environmental history at Montana State University in Billings. Holder of a Ph.D. in American Studies from Washington State University, Keith’s passion focuses on explorers Lewis and Clark. However, he is writing a book on a 19th-century Montana copper baron, William A. Clark, who is not of Lewis and Clark fame. This William Clark became a U.S. Senator in a scandalous 1901 election and died one of the world’s wealthiest persons.

Greg Johnson

Greg Johnson is a native Michigander and a lifelong resident of the Great Lakes region. He is a graduate of Michigan State University and spent 30 years working with people in the retail industry. Always an avid traveler, he changed careers and now pursues his passion for a living. Greg and his wife Kim both enjoy life as group leaders for adult and student travel. His hobbies include sports travel, yard work, family, and pets.

Chip Reeves

Linda Essenburg

Linda Essenburg has combined her teaching degree with her love for learning about people and around the globe. She grew up in Montana and for nearly two decades has had the privilege of sharing the National Parks, especially enjoying the west. Her home is in western Michigan and it gives her great joy to share her home state with participants.

Activity Level

On Your Feet

Walking and standing for up to an hour at a time during field trips. Embarking and disembarking from the boat up and down steep gangways.

Suggested Reading List

View Full List (22 Books)

You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?

We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!

Call 800-454-5768

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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.
Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.