Join the Urban Ecology Center for an Eco-travel adventure focused on exploring the sunset side of one of our greatest freshwater resources – Lake Michigan!

Sunset at Sable Lighthouse in Ludington State Park. Photo: Dan Chrenka

View the sunrise from the deck of the Lake Express ferry as we travel to Muskegon, Michigan to tour the diverse ecosystems, industries, and communities of the state's northwest Lower Peninsula before returning to Wisconsin aboard the National Historic Landmark ferry, the S.S. Badger.

Sights on our jounrey will include:

• The industrial port city of Muskegon
• Ludington State Park's renowned coastal ecosystems
• Huron-Manistee National Forest and the endangered Karner Blue Butterfly habitat
• The motor vehicle-free Main Streets and Gilded Age living of Mackinac Island
• The steep sandy slopes of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Discover the surreal, wind-swept topography of Sleeping Bear Dunes. Photo: Bailiwick Studios

When: Saturday, August 19th through Friday, August 25th, 2017

Cost:  $1,800 per person ($2,325 for single occupancy room)

Includes:

• 7 day trip exploring the sunset side of Lake Michigan
• 3 ferries on Lake Michigan (technically one is also on Lake Huron)
• 6 nights of hotel accommodations (double occupancy)
• 7 days of breakfasts, lunches, and dinners (or Per Diem allowance)
• Entrance fees to State Park, National Forest, National Lakeshore, and museums
• Urban Ecology Center transportation throughout
• Charming Urban Ecology Center guides who will worry about planning all the details—from guided excursions to getting you to historic Main Streets with time to explore on your own
• Support for the Urban Ecology Center’s mission

Does not include: Alcohol and optional activities, such as during free time to explore Ludington State Park and Mackinac Island (e.g., carriage rides, bike rentals, high tea, additional tours).

A $500 mostly refundable deposit reserves a spot on the trip.

To learn more or to sign up, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Visit the habitat of the endangered Karner Blue Butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis) in Huron-Manistee National Forest.

Explore the preserved Victorian architecture of Mackinac Island. Photo: Brandon Bartoszek

Tour Michigan's oldest winery, the Grand Chateau Traverse during our visit to Traverse City.