Splendid Superior

The Apostle Islands to Isle Royale

Overview

This immersive adventure through the Great Lakes Northwoods is full of remote wilderness explorations, serene lakeside pondering, lighthouse views, and tales of shipwrecks and rich maritime history. Lake Superior is the beautiful backdrop as you cruise among the rugged Apostle Islands, discover the history of the Keweenaw Peninsula, and take a ferry to the solitude of Isle Royale – one of the nation’s least visited national parks.

Isle Royale National Park is a pristine landscape of forests, rocky ridges, and hidden inland lakes. This untouched Great Lakes ecosystem is perhaps most famous for a decades-long, predator-prey study tracking the relationship between the island’s moose and wolf populations. The protected archipelago is only accessible by boat or seaplane and there are no paved roads – each winter all of the human inhabitants leave, returning control of the island to its wolves and moose, red squirrels and bats, river otters and loons.

Your first introduction to Lake Superior is in the historic, lakeside city of Duluth. Then, the Northwoods journey will take you to the northern reaches of Wisconsin, along Lake Superior on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and out to the isolated, quiet magic of Isle Royale. Each day of this fabulous sojourn is filled with wild discovery and unique experiences. Top-notch naturalists, free time for optional activities, and a nice variety of lodging make this a compelling, one-of-a-kind trip.

Price From

$8,595 USD
Trip Type

Small Group Adventure
Departure Dates

Jun 28 - Jul 6, 2027
Aug 28 - Sep 5, 2027
Sep 7 - 15, 2027
Mouse over or tap the departure dates to see trip prices.
Duration

9 days / 8 nights
Trip begins/ends
Duluth, Minnesota / Houghton, Michigan

*Price per person based on double occupancy. Trip price includes all lodging, meals, ground transportation, guide services and activities as described in this itinerary.

Call Toll-Free 800-445-2995

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Trip Details

Trip Highlights

What’s Included? Everything you need, plus everything you want.

Linger by the Lake: From inland lakes on Isle Royale to the shores of the Apostle Islands to Lake Superior and its ferries, historic lighthouses, and sandy beaches – water plays a starring role on this journey.
Isle Royale Immersion: You’ll spend three glorious nights on Isle Royale. This ruggedly beautiful archipelago is a land and water playground, and the protected islands are home to 19 mammal species including the resident moose and wolves.
Northwoods History: The region reveals a deeply storied past as your explorations take you from the maritime history of Duluth – the world’s farthest inland seaport – to the Keweenaw Peninsula, where Indigenous coppersmiths first worked native copper over 9,000 years ago.

The Essentials

Splendid Superior

Trip Type: Small Group Adventure

Territory: North America

Region: Midwest US

Trip Price: From $8,595

Single Supplement: $2,200

On-Trip Airfare: $0

Duration: 9 days/8 nights

Trip Begins/Ends: Duluth, Minnesota / Houghton, Michigan

Minimum Travelers: 2 travelers

Maximum Travelers: 16 travelers

Select Terms & Conditions

Pricing detailed for this Small Group Adventure is based upon double occupancy. Additional charges for single travelers and any on-trip airfare required for the trip apply. A booking deposit is required to reserve your space. Small Group Adventure pricing includes all lodging, meals (unless otherwise noted), activities, baggage handling, transportation, and guide service. Not included are travel costs to/from gateway cities, guide gratuities, and personal incidentals including, but not limited to, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, alcoholic beverages, and laundry service. Travel with Off the Beaten Path requires agreement to our standard Terms & Conditions.

Energy Index

No Sweat - 1-2 miles of walking or hiking per day, plus easy activities

Nice & Active – 3-6 miles of hiking or walking per day, plus physically active exploration

High Five! – 5-10 miles of hiking per day, plus possible peak bagging or other action-oriented fun

Splendid Superior

The Energy Index for this trip is “Nice & Active”, with “No Sweat” elements, at elevations ranging from sea level to 1,500 feet. Activities include hiking 3 to 5 miles on select days (on uneven terrain, trails and beaches with elevation gain/loss not typically more than 450 feet), boat tours, and ferry transfers.

Make It Private

Make this trip all yours!

Most all of our Small Group Adventures can be made private to just your traveling troupe. Just give us a call at (800) 445-2995 and tell us that you would like to “make it private”!

Generally, there are two ways to make a small group adventure private. First, you could capture one of our published departure dates for just your group. In order to achieve this, we have to have sufficient space available to create a separate private trip. Second, we could take the details of this itinerary and fashion it for just your group on dates of your choosing. For this, too, we just need to review your interest, group size, and preferred timing in order to create the trip.

In all cases, the process begins with a phone call so give us a ring at (800) 445-2995 and after just a few minutes gathering information, we can set to the task of making your trip a reality!

Trip Highlights
The Essentials
Energy Index
Make It Private

What’s Included? Everything you need, plus everything you want.

Linger by the Lake: From inland lakes on Isle Royale to the shores of the Apostle Islands to Lake Superior and its ferries, historic lighthouses, and sandy beaches – water plays a starring role on this journey.
Isle Royale Immersion: You’ll spend three glorious nights on Isle Royale. This ruggedly beautiful archipelago is a land and water playground, and the protected islands are home to 19 mammal species including the resident moose and wolves.
Northwoods History: The region reveals a deeply storied past as your explorations take you from the maritime history of Duluth – the world’s farthest inland seaport – to the Keweenaw Peninsula, where Indigenous coppersmiths first worked native copper over 9,000 years ago.

Splendid Superior

Trip Type: Small Group Adventure

Territory: North America

Region: Midwest US

Trip Price: From $8,595

Single Supplement: $2,200

On-Trip Airfare: $0

Duration: 9 days/8 nights

Trip Begins/Ends: Duluth, Minnesota / Houghton, Michigan

Minimum Travelers: 2 travelers

Maximum Travelers: 16 travelers

Select Terms & Conditions

Pricing detailed for this Small Group Adventure is based upon double occupancy. Additional charges for single travelers and any on-trip airfare required for the trip apply. A booking deposit is required to reserve your space. Small Group Adventure pricing includes all lodging, meals (unless otherwise noted), activities, baggage handling, transportation, and guide service. Not included are travel costs to/from gateway cities, guide gratuities, and personal incidentals including, but not limited to, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, alcoholic beverages, and laundry service. Travel with Off the Beaten Path requires agreement to our standard Terms & Conditions.

Energy Index

No Sweat - 1-2 miles of walking or hiking per day, plus easy activities

Nice & Active – 3-6 miles of hiking or walking per day, plus physically active exploration

High Five! – 5-10 miles of hiking per day, plus possible peak bagging or other action-oriented fun

Splendid Superior

The Energy Index for this trip is “Nice & Active”, with “No Sweat” elements, at elevations ranging from sea level to 1,500 feet. Activities include hiking 3 to 5 miles on select days (on uneven terrain, trails and beaches with elevation gain/loss not typically more than 450 feet), boat tours, and ferry transfers.

Make this trip all yours!

Most all of our Small Group Adventures can be made private to just your traveling troupe. Just give us a call at (800) 445-2995 and tell us that you would like to “make it private”!

Generally, there are two ways to make a small group adventure private. First, you could capture one of our published departure dates for just your group. In order to achieve this, we have to have sufficient space available to create a separate private trip. Second, we could take the details of this itinerary and fashion it for just your group on dates of your choosing. For this, too, we just need to review your interest, group size, and preferred timing in order to create the trip.

In all cases, the process begins with a phone call so give us a ring at (800) 445-2995 and after just a few minutes gathering information, we can set to the task of making your trip a reality!

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Duluth, MN

After arriving at the Duluth International Airport and settling into your hotel, the group will gather for an informative welcome dinner with your guides.

Day 2: Bayfield, WI and Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

This morning’s drive takes us into Wisconsin and out to the Apostle Islands! After arriving in Bayfield, you’ll get out on Lake Superior for a scenic cruise along the beautiful Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, learning about the islands’ maritime history.

Day 3: Bayfield, WI to Copper Harbor, MI

After morning explorations of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, it’s time to cross the state line into “the UP,” Michigan’s scenic Upper Peninsula. In Copper Harbor, the group will settle into tonight's charming motel on the shores of Lake Superior and enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4: Copper Harbor, MI to Isle Royale National Park

Rise and shine! First thing this morning, you’ll board the three-hour ferry to the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park. The rugged and remote park preserves one large island and more than 450 smaller islands in Lake Superior. The afternoon will be spent with your guide, getting a taste of what makes Isle Royale so special. Tonight, take in the incredible night sky and the sounds of waves lapping on the rugged shoreline.

Days 5-6: Isle Royale National Park

The next two full days on Isle Royale will be filled with fantastic guided interpretation, island hikes, exploring inland lakes, lighthouse visits, possible boat tours, and fun free-time activities. During your time on the island, you’ll learn about Isle Royale’s famous 60-year study of moose and wolves. Due to its isolation, the island offers biologists an unusual opportunity to study the complex predator-prey interactions in a contained ecosystem.

Day 7: Isle Royale National Park to the Upper Peninsula

You'll spend the morning enjoying the solitude of Isle Royale before boarding the ferry for the journey back to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. After dinner in Copper Harbor, you will drive to Hancock to settle in for the journey’s final two nights.

Day 8: The Upper Peninsula and Keweenaw National Historic Park

The Upper Peninsula beckons us for more! The day will be full of beautiful views of Lake Superior, state parks, Keweenaw National Historic Park, scenic drives, and landmarks. Tonight, the group gathers for a festive farewell dinner.

Day 9: Departures Home from Houghton, MI

Enjoy your last views of the UP, before transfers to Houghton County Memorial Airport for flights home.

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Lodging

Fitgers Inn

Nestled in the historic Fitger's Brewery complex on the shores of Lake Superior, this premier boutique hotel offers stunning lake views and elegant accommodations. Rooms and suites feature king or queen beds, mini-fridges, coffee makers, flat-screen TVs, and many with fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, balconies, or high ceilings.

St James Social

Located in the historic 1884 St. James building in the heart of downtown Bayfield, this intimate boutique hotel blends old-world charm with modern elegance. The eight stylish rooms feature comfortable king or queen beds, record players with curated vinyl, mini-bars, and thoughtful touches inspired by local artistry.Guest amenities include a rooftop lounge with panoramic Lake Superior views, an 18-person sauna, daily breakfast and coffee/tea bar, plus an on-site restaurant and vibrant social lounge.

King Copper Waterfront Motel

Centrally located on the shores of Lake Superior next to the Isle Royale Queen IV ferry, this is Copper Harbor's premier waterfront lodging, offering stunning panoramic lake views. Comfortable rooms feature king or queen beds and private bathrooms. The property also includes private beach access and a garden area for guests.

Rock Harbor Lodge

Rock Harbor Lodge sits on the remote Isle Royale on Lake Superior, accessed by boat or seaplane. Guest accommodations are in 60 rooms and cottages, each with private bath. The Lighthouse Restaurant and Greenhouse Grill source as much from local and regional food providers as possible. There is also a snack bar, gift shop, marina, including boat rental options. A wonderful property perched in the perfect position for listening to the sounds of waves lapping against the shore or strolling in the evening hours to take-in the starry skies.

Ramada by Wyndham Hancock Waterfront

Overlooking Portage Lake and the iconic Portage Lift Bridge, this welcoming waterfront hotel provides comfortable rooms with modern amenities, all from a great location. With a simple layout, rooms are conventional but very nicely maintained. The hotel offers a continental breakfast and has additional guest amenities such as a heated indoor pool, hot tub, and sauna.