Wisconsin
Gems of the Northwoods: Hike & Canoe Michigan & Wisconsin
Program No. 24634RJ
Hike and canoe through northern Wisconsin and Michigan as you go off the beaten path to learn about the natural wonders and wildlife of the Northwoods.
Participant Reviews
Based on 27 Reviews
SHOWING
I love the outdoors, and this trip was truly exceptional. If you enjoy hiking and canoeing, I highly recommend it. We stayed at the Trees for Tomorrow lodge, which is rustic yet very comfortable. The common room quickly became a favorite gathering spot—perfect for coffee and conversation before breakfast, and just as inviting in the evenings for a glass of wine by the large, beautiful fireplace.
The food throughout the program was outstanding. Each day offered a choice of shorter or longer hikes, which made the experience accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Although I had no prior canoeing experience, the instructors taught me everything I needed to know, and being out on the water was peaceful and memorable. We even had the pleasure of paddling past a pair of loons.
I also learned a great deal during the hikes—about local plants, mushrooms, geology, and wildlife. It was both educational and rejuvenating, a wonderful blend of outdoor adventure and learning.
— Review left December 6, 2025
I loved this trip, it was like going to summer camp! This was my first Road SchoIar trip and I went as a single, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. It exceeded my expectations! Everyone in the group was super kind and nice and we had a lot of fun. The leaders were great and were genuinely enthusiastic and knowledgeable about
the geography, plant species, animals etc…
We went on beautiful hikes and had fun canoeing trips. After an adventurous day outdoors we’d head back to our lodging and dinner would be waiting!
Hard to beat!
Lynn Bolz
— Review left December 1, 2025
So fun to hike and canoe in the beautiful north woods.
— Review left October 14, 2025
I absolutely loved every minute of this trip! The natural beauty of every spot we visited was extraordinary. The trip leaders were fun and informative.
— Review left September 20, 2025
Minnesotans, Michiganders, and Wisconsinites all love their North country. In January ask one what he or she is doing this weekend, you might hear “Going North.” This program provides a wonderful introduction to that environment.
— Review left September 7, 2025
If you want to learn more about the Northwoods of Wisconsin and Michigan, this is the program for you! With a little help with review of paddling strokes, it wasn't long before this 77 year old was loving every moment in the canoe with my partner. The hikes through varied terrain were wonderful - with all skill levels accommodated. One of the best of the 28 RS programs I have enrolled in.
— Review left August 30, 2025
The Northwoods are beautiful, filled with lakes, rivers and forests, plus the animals that call this region home. The hikes in the woods were wonderful and full of new discoveries, information and stunning beauty. Group leader Todd kept us all together and had many interesting facts about a great many mushroom varieties, with more names than I can remember. Beth is passionate about the animals and the old growth forests and imparted that love of the area to all. The meals were more than adequate for our needs and lovingly prepared by friendly TFT kitchen cooks. The dorm also provided accommodations that met needs.
Physically, the hikes were not difficult as they are at low elevation and not too rocky or unstable. Take your time and enjoy the natural beauty. For me the canoe paddling proved to be very painful due to previous damage to my neck and cervical spine and thus I could only participate in that for one day. If you don’t have such limitations you will probably do well. Despite this disappointment, I was able to add some other explorations of nearby trails, lakes and the town so my time was well used. Add to all of this the tour of the cranberry farm was quite interesting and lunch on the shore of Lake Superior and wading in the water the crowning touch.
— Review left August 25, 2025
Hi all, enjoyed meeting and interacting with all of you. Hope you made it home~ Safe travels in all your adventures going forward and maybe we'll meet again. Cyndee
— Review left August 20, 2025
This trip is a great way to see the Northwoods in WI & the UP! The Trees for Tomorrow staff are amazing, taking us canoeing on lakes and rivers as well as on several hikes through lush forests. Accommodations were like overnight dorm camping for adults, which was ideal for the environment! And, the kitchen staff made sure we were all well fed.
— Review left August 20, 2025
Great trip to hike, paddle and learn. Outstanding instructors. Recommended!
— Review left August 18, 2025
very enjoyable
— Review left August 11, 2025
I enjoyed the "Gems of the Northwoods"program. The hiking and paddling were fun adventures and so well organized and supported. We had wonderful weather which helped. Accommodations and meals were good. It is an active program. Beautiful part of our country to learn about and appreciate.
— Review left August 3, 2025
This is a great educational "camp" for seniors. I am excited to schedule more trips as I ventured out on my own for the first time and am confident to enjoy more trips as a single traveler.
— Review left July 8, 2025
There were so many things I loved about this trip! The Northwoods were beautiful, the summer camp for adults vibe and the staff at Trees for Tomorrow, the other people in the group, the hiking and canoeing, and the location in Eagle River. I highly recommended this trip.
— Review left June 30, 2025
This was my second trip hiking and canoeing at this Road Scholar location, a trip I wouldn't mind repeating again and again. Just a beautiful way to see the Northwoods! The staff is amazing and I always learn something new. Accommodations are as described, like overnight dorm camping for adults! The food is good and varied, always a choice for diet preferences. This road scholar trip is indeed a gem!
— Review left November 16, 2024
The Wisconsin and Upper Peninsula are very lovely, and hiking and canoeing is a great way to experience them.
— Review left October 6, 2024
A fantastic active adventure in the Northwoods for anyone who loves the outdoors.
— Review left September 25, 2024
Summer camp for adults! The trip was so much fun, active, informative, and a chance to visit a beautiful area. Our group leaders (Todd, Bethany. Kim) took us canoeing on lakes and gently moving rivers. With their help and guidance, you can do this even if you've never canoed before. The hikes either had great views or through lush forests, narrated by Todd's extensive knowledge.
Accommodations at TFT were simple but added to the experience by being nestled in the woods and surrounded by nature. The kitchen staff made sure we were all well fed and went above and beyond to accommodate my dietary requests. Overall, a very enjoyable trip and I would love for Road Scholar to add more programs at Trees For Tomorrow.
— Review left September 15, 2024
This was our third time on this trip (2006, 2012, and 2024) and we thoroughly enjoyed it. The accommodations are basic but clean, and if basic doesn’t bother you, you’ll love this trip. The food was plentiful, varied, and tasty, and they accommodated special dietary restrictions. Lots of canoeing and hiking, usually with two options for hiking depending on difficulty and length.
— Review left September 14, 2024
I totally enjoyed Gems of the Northwoods: Hiking & Canoeing trip. Our Program Coordinator (Todd) had expert knowledge of the local plant and animal life as well as the environment. He shared that knowledge while canoeing & hiking and during planned learning sessions. The itinerary was well structured and enjoyable. The group was well informed of expectations and timeframes and Todd and the support staff did an excellent job at optimizing the time available. The lodging/accommodations were consistent with expectations.
I had never traveled to this part of the country before. I’m glad I did. This trip was a magical unwind from daily life and an overdose of natural beauty. As a solo traveler, I always had companionship. Lots of camaraderie, lots of friendly people.
— Review left August 27, 2024
This program is a nice blend of relatively easy hiking and canoeing. The food and accommodations are basic but completely adequate. It was a great way to experience the beautiful North Woods and meet interesting people!
— Review left August 22, 2024
I saw and experienced a part of the country I had never been to, and was awed by its beauty.
— Review left August 19, 2024
After the palaces of Europe and the luxury Road Scholar avails us THIS is the re-set trip! Let silence wrap you up, inhale the pine, and dig deep in the waters and climb high up the slopes into the wilderness.
— Review left August 18, 2024
The Gems of the Northwoods: Hike & Canoe Michigan & Wisconsin was an awe inspiring trip. I have gained a great appreciation for the
Northwoods and the people who live there.
— Review left August 13, 2024
Having just turned 80, I had some fear about taking this program on, although I'm healthy, active, and work out regularly. Because of the staff's encouragement, I completed 3 days of canoeing as a novice, saw more beauty on lakes than ever imagined, and 2.5 days of hiking in untouched forests, plus learning about plants, flowers, and wildlife in the beautiful Wisconsin/Michigan upper areas. Well worth doing!
— Review left August 11, 2024
Outstanding is the magic word for this Road Scholar trip!
I have traveled extensively throughout the world for my scuba diving, sometimes alone and other times with my wife, and friends. Few trips (all of which were NOT Road Scholar) match the enjoyment of the Gems of the Northwoods. My only suggestion is to revamp the map and orientating evening program. Too complicated, difficult and the evening bugs were annoying.
I am looking forward to my next Road Scholar trip to Idaho where we raft the Salmon River.
Thanks, Road Scholar
Brian
— Review left August 11, 2024
If you've taken canoe trips or gone camping in North Woods, (even if it's been awhile), this trip will remind you of how glorious it is to be immersed in nature. If you would like to give yourself a break from technophilia, this trip is well worth it. Or, if you have little to no experience with canoeing, you can also thoroughly enjoy this program. You'll benefit from good instruction, differentiated levels of activities and reasonable expectations.Other pluses include picking up some trailside botany identification, canoe skills, working with a partner, orienteering, and local and regional history. The itinerary is appropriate and well thought-out, alternating days of stunning scenery, hiking and paddling. The leader and the other staff are knowledgeable and encouraging. The base campus is an educational setting mainly to educate kids year round about natural resources, so if the accommodations and food are generic, it fits with the purpose. This program represents the legitimacy of sustainable practices, but that habitat conservation needs constant vigilance.
— Review left July 22, 2024