Service Terms and Operating Details

Pricing structure, booking requirements, and cancellation terms across all routes and planning services.

All route and planning services are contracted through the business entity operating at oligoclase.info. Booking can be made through the contact channels listed in the footer. Reservation deposits are 30 percent of the trip total, and the balance is due 30 days before departure.

Lake Michigan Shoreline Discovery Route — Chicago to Sleeping Bear Dunes

Route & Daily Breakdown

  • Day 1 — Chicago, IL: Navy Pier waterfront orientation, Chicago River architecture walk, hotel check-in 3:00 PM
  • Day 2 — Milwaukee, WI: Lakeshore State Park, Historic Third Ward, Milwaukee Art Museum lakeside wing, 92 mi drive
  • Day 3 — Sheboygan & Kohler, WI: Blue Harbor lakefront, Kohler-Andrae State Park dunes boardwalk, 58 mi drive
  • Day 4 — Door County, WI: Sturgeon Bay ship canal, Fish Creek, Peninsula State Park Skyline Road, 118 mi drive
  • Day 5 — Traverse City & Sleeping Bear Dunes, MI: Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Empire Bluff Trail, 7:00 PM drop-off

Total driving distance: approximately 480 miles across 5 days. Maximum single-day drive: 118 miles.

What's Included

  • 4 nights hotel accommodation, double occupancy (3-star or higher)
  • Climate-controlled 24-seat minibus with onboard restroom and Wi-Fi
  • Certified regional guide for all 5 days
  • 4 breakfasts at hotel, 2 sit-down dinners (Days 2 and 4)
  • Kohler-Andrae State Park day-use vehicle pass
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore entrance fee
  • Milwaukee Art Museum timed admission ticket
  • Ferry crossing across the Lake Michigan channel at Manitowoc–Ludington (seasonal) or Straits route substitute
  • Printed route map, daily itinerary card, and digital GPS pin pack
  • Bottled water onboard each travel day

What's NOT Included

  • Airfare or train travel to Chicago and out of Traverse City
  • Lunches and 2 dinners (Days 1 and 3)
  • Hotel parking at origin city ($28–$45 per night)
  • Optional kayak rental in Door County: $65 per person, 2 hours
  • Optional Lighthouse & Shipwreck cruise in Traverse City: $42 per adult
  • Guide gratuity — suggested $10–$15 per person per day
  • Travel insurance (recommended)
  • Alcoholic beverages and personal items

Pricing Details

Base price, per person, double occupancy:$1,485
Single supplement (private room):+$420
Children 0–5:Free (no seat, no bed)
Children 6–12:−50%
Youth 13–17:−25%
Seniors 65+:−10%
Group of 6 or more:−8% each
Early booking, 90+ days before departure:−$120
Shoulder season (May 15 – June 15, Sept 15 – Oct 10):−$150

Deposit: $350 per person at booking. Balance due 30 days before departure. Accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, ACH bank transfer. Cards add no surcharge; ACH transfers receive a $25 credit.

Schedule & Availability

Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Departures: Wednesdays and Saturdays
Season: May 15 – October 10
Start time: Day 1 at 1:00 PM, Chicago hotel lobby
End time: Day 5 at approximately 7:00 PM, Traverse City
Booking window: reservations open 12 months ahead, close 7 days before departure or when sold out
Group size: 6 minimum to operate, 24 maximum

Requirements & Restrictions

  • Minimum age 6; travelers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
  • Walking fitness: up to 2 miles per day on paved and gravel trails, some sand sections
  • No prior experience or equipment required
  • Luggage limit: 1 checked bag up to 50 lb plus 1 carry-on
  • Government-issued photo ID required for all travelers age 16 and older
  • Service animals permitted with 14 days written notice; pets are not
  • Accessible vehicle available with 21 days notice at no additional cost

Cancellation & Refund Policy

  • 45+ days before departure: full refund minus $75 administrative fee
  • 30–44 days before departure: 75% refund of total paid
  • 15–29 days before departure: 50% refund of total paid
  • 8–14 days before departure: 25% refund of total paid
  • 0–7 days before departure or no-show: no refund
  • Date change, one permitted, 30+ days before departure: $50 fee per booking
  • Operator cancellation for under-enrollment: 100% refund within 10 business days

Terms & Conditions

  • Itinerary sequence may change due to weather, road closures, or ferry schedules; attractions of equal value are substituted
  • Operator liability for delay, loss, or injury is limited to the total amount paid for the tour
  • Travel insurance covering medical, trip interruption, and baggage is strongly recommended
  • Smoking, vaping, and cannabis use are prohibited on the vehicle and during guided activities
  • Guests appearing impaired may be removed from the tour without refund
  • Photo and video taken by staff may be used for promotional purposes; opt-out available in writing

Lake Superior North Shore & Pictured Rocks Expedition — Duluth to Sault Ste. Marie

Route & Daily Breakdown

  • Day 1 — Duluth, MN: Canal Park, Aerial Lift Bridge, Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center, 11:00 AM start
  • Day 2 — Two Harbors & Gooseberry Falls, MN: Split Rock Lighthouse, 5 waterfalls along Highway 61, 78 mi drive
  • Day 3 — Grand Marais, MN: Artist's Point, Gunflint Trail scenic drive, Grand Portage day trip option, 62 mi drive
  • Day 4 — Munising, MI: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore 3-hour narrated boat cruise, Miners Castle, 210 mi drive
  • Day 5 — Sault Ste. Marie, MI: Soo Locks observation deck, Tahquamenon Falls State Park, 4:30 PM drop-off

Total driving distance: approximately 520 miles across 5 days. Longest day: 210 miles with three scheduled rest stops.

What's Included

  • 4 nights lodging — 2 nights riverside lodge, 2 nights lakeside hotel
  • 4 breakfasts and 3 provided dinners
  • Pictured Rocks narrated boat cruise ticket, 3 hours
  • Split Rock Lighthouse admission and guided grounds tour
  • Tahquamenon Falls State Park day-use pass and park shuttle between falls
  • Minnesota and Michigan state park vehicle permits
  • Soo Locks Visitor Center guided walk
  • Full-time guide plus local step-on guides in Grand Marais and Munising
  • Rain ponchos, trekking poles, and insect repellent on loan
  • 24/7 emergency phone line during the tour

What's NOT Included

  • Transportation to Duluth and from Sault Ste. Marie
  • 2 lunches and 1 dinner on your own
  • Optional Isle Royale seaplane day trip: $395 per person
  • Optional kayak tour of the Pictured Rocks cliffs: $95 per person, 3 hours
  • Optional Grand Portage National Monument add-on: $35 per person
  • Gratuities for guide and boat crew
  • National park passport stamps and merchandise

Pricing Details

Base price, per person, double occupancy:$1,620
Single supplement:+$475
Children 6–12:−45%
Youth 13–17:−20%
Seniors 65+:−10%
Group of 8 or more:−10% each
Early booking, 120+ days before departure:−$150
Repeat guest credit:−$75

Deposit: $400 per person. Balance due 30 days before departure. Payment plans available in 3 equal installments at no interest with 90+ days lead time.

Schedule & Availability

Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Departures: Saturdays
Season: June 7 – September 27
Start: Day 1 at 11:00 AM, Duluth Canal Park meeting point
End: Day 5 at 4:30 PM, Sault Ste. Marie, MI
Boat cruise operates weather permitting; rain dates are rescheduled within the same tour
Group size: 8 minimum, 20 maximum

Requirements & Restrictions

  • Minimum age 6; guests under 18 accompanied at all times
  • Moderate fitness: 2 to 4 miles of walking per day, uneven rock and root terrain
  • Closed-toe shoes mandatory on all trail segments
  • Warm layers and rain shell required; lake temperatures average 55–65°F in summer
  • Not recommended for guests with severe mobility limitations; accessible alternative route offered on request
  • Travelers prone to motion sickness should plan accordingly for the 3-hour cruise

Cancellation & Refund Policy

  • 60+ days before departure: full refund minus $100 administrative fee
  • 30–59 days: 70% refund of total paid
  • 15–29 days: 40% refund of total paid
  • 7–14 days: 20% refund of total paid
  • Less than 7 days: no refund
  • Cruise canceled by operator due to unsafe lake conditions: $85 per person refunded, land itinerary unchanged

Terms & Conditions

  • Guests must follow all National Park Service and state park regulations, including trail closures and wildlife distance rules
  • Operator is not liable for closures, weather, or road construction beyond its control
  • Boat cruise seating is assigned by the operator and cannot be guaranteed for specific positions
  • Vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly meals available with 14 days written notice
  • Alcohol is permitted at provided dinners; intoxicated behavior on trail or vessel results in removal without refund
  • Proof of travel insurance requested for guests age 75 and older

Lake Erie & Lake Ontario Heritage Corridor — Cleveland to the Thousand Islands

Route & Daily Breakdown

  • Day 1 — Cleveland, OH: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame exterior plaza, Edgewater Park lakefront, 12:00 PM start
  • Day 2 — Sandusky & Put-in-Bay, OH: Miller Ferry crossing, Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial, South Bass Island by golf cart, 74 mi drive
  • Day 3 — Erie, PA & Buffalo, NY: Presque Isle State Park peninsula loop, Buffalo waterfront and Canalside, 195 mi drive
  • Day 4 — Rochester & Oswego, NY: Erie Canal lock demonstration at Lock 32, Lake Ontario shoreline drive, 145 mi drive
  • Day 5 — Clayton & Alexandria Bay, NY: Thousand Islands bridge district, Boldt Castle boat access, Sackets Harbor Battlefield, 5:00 PM end

Total driving distance: approximately 470 miles across 5 days. This route is entirely within the United States and requires no passport.

What's Included

  • 4 nights hotel accommodation, double occupancy
  • 4 breakfasts and 3 provided dinners featuring regional Great Lakes cuisine
  • Round-trip Miller Ferry tickets to South Bass Island
  • Golf cart rental on South Bass Island, 2 hours, up to 4 guests per cart
  • Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial admission
  • Boldt Castle admission and 2-hour island shuttle boat
  • Presque Isle State Park and Sackets Harbor Battlefield guided walks
  • Erie Canal Lock 32 interpretive program with a canal historian
  • Admission to the Great Lakes Science Center and the Erie Maritime Museum
  • All state and municipal park entry fees along the route

What's NOT Included

  • Airfare into Cleveland and out of Watertown or Syracuse, NY
  • 2 lunches and 1 dinner on your own
  • Optional Niagara Falls day extension: $145 per person, includes transportation and Maid of the Mist ticket
  • Optional Lake Erie walleye fishing charter: $180 per person, 5 hours
  • Optional Seaway Trail winery tasting flight: $45 per person
  • Golf cart fuel deposit refunded on return of undamaged cart
  • Gratuities and personal expenses

Pricing Details

Base price, per person, double occupancy:$1,340
Single supplement:+$390
Children 0–5:Free
Children 6–12:−50%
Youth 13–17:−25%
Seniors 65+ and active military:−10%
Group of 6 or more:−8% each
Group of 12 or more:−14% each, one organizer travels free
Early booking, 90+ days before departure:−$110

Deposit: $300 per person. Balance due 21 days before departure. All prices quoted in US dollars and exclude applicable state and local taxes where not prepaid.

Schedule & Availability

Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Departures: Mondays and Fridays
Season: May 1 – October 20
Start: Day 1 at 12:00 PM, downtown Cleveland hotel
End: Day 5 at 5:00 PM, Alexandria Bay, NY
Blackout dates: July 1–5 and Labor Day weekend
Booking cutoff: 10 days before departure
Group size: 6 minimum, 24 maximum

Requirements & Restrictions

  • All ages welcome; guests under 18 accompanied by an adult
  • Easy activity level: 1 to 2 miles of walking per day on flat terrain
  • Valid government photo ID required at hotel check-in and ferry boarding
  • Golf cart drivers must be 18+ with a valid driver's license
  • Fuel surcharge applies if per-gallon price exceeds $4.50 at departure: $15 per person
  • Not suitable for guests requiring continuous wheelchair access without advance notice

Cancellation & Refund Policy

  • 30+ days before departure: full refund minus $50 administrative fee
  • 15–29 days: 65% refund of total paid
  • 8–14 days: 35% refund of total paid
  • 3–7 days: 15% refund of total paid
  • Less than 72 hours: no refund
  • Ferry cancellation by the operator: ferry portion refunded at $38 per person

Terms & Conditions

  • Ferries and island shuttles operate on fixed schedules; delays do not entitle guests to compensation
  • Guests are responsible for damage to rented golf carts and any resulting charges
  • Historic sites may close without notice for preservation work; comparable sites are substituted
  • Seat assignments on the coach are rotated daily to ensure fair window access
  • Operator liability is limited to the total tour price paid
  • Dietary requests accepted up to 10 days before departure

Great Lakes Islands & Lighthouses Weekend — Mackinac, Beaver Island & Little Traverse Bay

Route & Daily Breakdown

  • Day 1 — Mackinaw City & Mackinac Island, MI: Shepler's ferry crossing, Arch Rock, Fort Mackinac, Grand Hotel porch walk, 10:00 AM start
  • Day 2 — Charlevoix & Beaver Island, MI: Beaver Island Ferry, Protar's Tomb, Beaver Head Lighthouse, 88 mi drive
  • Day 3 — Petoskey & Harbor Springs, MI: Little Traverse Bay shoreline, Petoskey stone hunting beach walk, Tunnel of Trees by minibus, 3:30 PM end

Total driving distance: approximately 165 miles. Car-free island day on Mackinac — all travel by foot, bicycle, or horse-drawn carriage.

What's Included

  • 2 nights hotel accommodation in Mackinaw City and Petoskey
  • 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner
  • Round-trip Shepler's ferry to Mackinac Island
  • Round-trip Beaver Island Ferry passage
  • Fort Mackinac admission with costumed interpretive program
  • Bicycle rental on Mackinac Island, 3 hours, helmet included
  • Guided lighthouse photography walk at Beaver Head with a local historian
  • Tunnel of Trees and Little Traverse Bay narrated minibus drive
  • Ferry luggage handling to and from the island dock
  • Daily bottled water and trail snacks

What's NOT Included

  • Transportation to Mackinaw City and from Petoskey
  • 2 lunches and 1 dinner on your own
  • Mackinac Island carriage tour upgrade: $38 per adult, $19 per child
  • Grand Hotel daytime pass: $12 per person
  • Bicycle upgrade to electric assist: $45 per day
  • Fudge shop and souvenir purchases
  • Gratuities for guides and ferry staff

Pricing Details

Base price, per person, double occupancy:$890
Single supplement:+$260
Children 5–12:−50%
Children 0–4:Free
Youth 13–17:−25%
Seniors 65+:−10%
Group of 6 or more:−8% each
Midweek departures (Tuesday–Thursday):−$80

Deposit: $200 per person. Balance due 14 days before departure. Weekend departures sell out an average of 3 weeks in advance during July and August.

Schedule & Availability

Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
Departures: Thursday through Saturday, plus selected Tuesdays
Season: May 20 – October 5
Start: Day 1 at 10:00 AM, Mackinaw City ferry dock
End: Day 3 at 3:30 PM, Petoskey, MI
Ferry crossings are weather dependent; alternate sailings arranged the same day when possible
Group size: 4 minimum, 16 maximum

Requirements & Restrictions

  • Minimum age 4; guests under 18 accompanied by an adult
  • Moderate activity: up to 6 miles of bicycling and 2 miles of walking on Day 1
  • Bicycle riders under 18 must wear helmets at all times
  • No motor vehicles permitted on Mackinac Island; luggage limited to 1 bag per guest on island day
  • Guests with limited mobility may substitute a horse-drawn carriage for the bicycle segment at no extra charge
  • Pets are not permitted on tour, including on ferries booked through the operator

Cancellation & Refund Policy

  • 21+ days before departure: full refund minus $40 administrative fee
  • 10–20 days: 60% refund of total paid
  • 4–9 days: 30% refund of total paid
  • 0–3 days: no refund
  • Same-day ferry cancellation by the carrier: 100% refund of the ferry and island admission portion
  • No-show at departure point: no refund, no credit

Terms & Conditions

  • Ferry passage is subject to carrier terms, including weight and luggage limits
  • Guests are liable for damage to rented bicycles and equipment
  • Island weather changes quickly; layered clothing and rain gear are the guest's responsibility
  • Wildlife viewing is never guaranteed; no refunds are issued for absent wildlife
  • Operator liability is capped at the total amount paid for the weekend
  • Photography for commercial use on tour requires written permission

Private Group, Corporate & Educational Charter — Custom Great Lakes Route

Program Structure & Options

  • Minimum charter: 1 day, up to 24 guests, single vehicle
  • Multi-day charters: 2 to 10 days, route designed around your city and theme
  • Available themes: lighthouse heritage, maritime industry, freshwater ecology, geology and glacial history, Great Lakes literature and art, port-city architecture
  • Educational programs align with middle school and high school science and social studies standards, with pre-trip classroom materials provided
  • Corporate options include half-day team experiences, lakefront venue bookings, and catered group dinners
  • Step-on local specialists available in 14 Great Lakes port cities

What's Included

  • Dedicated 24-seat or 40-seat motorcoach with driver-guide
  • Custom route planning session, 60 minutes, with a written itinerary draft within 5 business days
  • Unlimited itinerary revisions for 30 days before departure
  • Onboard PA system, cooler, and USB charging at every seat
  • Group check-in at all hotels and attractions, handled by the guide
  • Educational materials, worksheets, and a site-specific activity booklet for student groups
  • Single consolidated invoice with purchase-order support for institutional clients
  • Certificate of insurance provided on request within 3 business days

What's NOT Included

  • Overnight lodging unless added to the quote
  • Meals unless selected from the catering menu
  • Charter bus hours beyond 10 hours per day: $95 per additional hour
  • Overnight driver accommodations when the itinerary requires an overnight stay away from base: $180 per night
  • Ferry and attraction admission for guests, billed at cost plus 5% coordination fee
  • Gratuities and optional evening entertainment

Charter Pricing

24-seat minibus, full day (10 hours):$1,850
40-seat motorcoach, full day (10 hours):$2,450
Half day (5 hours):−40% of day rate
Multi-day discount, 3+ consecutive days:−12%
Multi-day discount, 5+ consecutive days:−18%
Educational institution discount (K–12 or university):−15%
Step-on guide, per city, 3 hours:+$310
Round-trip airport transfer add-on:+$240
Custom menu catered lunch, per person:+$22

Deposit: 30% at contract signing. Balance due 14 days before the first service date. Net-30 invoicing available to schools, municipalities, and registered corporations.

Schedule & Availability

Operating days: every day, including holidays
Standard hours: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, subject to federal driver hour regulations
Season: year-round; ice-season routes substitute indoor museums, breweries, and heritage centers
Lead time: 14 days minimum for day charters, 45 days for multi-day charters
Peak dates (June–September weekends) book 8 to 12 weeks in advance
Booking confirmation issued within 2 business days

Requirements & Restrictions

  • Minimum 1 day of service, no minimum guest count for private charters
  • Charter group must provide one designated contact who travels with the group
  • Student group ratios required: 1 adult chaperone per 10 students in grades K–8, 1 per 15 in grades 9–12
  • Federal regulations require a 30-minute break for every 8 hours of driving; itinerary must accommodate this
  • Alcohol is not permitted on board for K–12 student charters
  • Vehicle access to certain park roads and island ferries may require separate permits arranged at cost

Cancellation & Refund Policy

  • 30+ days before first service date: full refund minus $150 planning fee
  • 15–29 days: 70% refund of total paid
  • 8–14 days: 40% refund of total paid
  • 3–7 days: 20% refund of total paid
  • Less than 72 hours or no-show: no refund
  • Reduction in final headcount accepted up to 10 days before service at no charge

Terms & Conditions

  • Client is responsible for the conduct of all group members and any property damage caused
  • Operator carries commercial general liability and passenger accident insurance; limits disclosed on request
  • Route changes requested on the day of service are accommodated subject to hours, staffing, and permits
  • Force majeure events including severe weather, road closures, and government orders release both parties from performance without penalty
  • Governing law: State of Michigan; disputes resolved by binding arbitration in Grand Rapids, MI
  • Signed service agreement required before the first service date

Universal Booking Terms Across All Routes

ItemStandard Condition
Minimum age to travel unaccompanied18 years
Travel insuranceRecommended for all guests; required for guests 75+
Deposit required to hold a seat$200–$400 depending on route length
Final payment deadline14–30 days before departure, by route
Fuel surcharge triggerDiesel above $4.75 per gallon at 30 days out, up to $20 per person
AccessibilityAccessible vehicle at no extra cost with 21 days notice; please advise in advance
Dietary requestsAccepted up to 10–14 days before departure
Luggage allowance1 bag up to 50 lb plus 1 carry-on per guest
Lost item handlingItems held 30 days; return shipping billed to guest
Weather policyTours run rain or shine; only verified unsafe travel conditions trigger rescheduling
Rescheduling fee$50 per booking, one permitted, subject to availability

Optional Add-Ons Available on Every Route

Add-OnDurationPrice
Pre-night hotel, arrival city1 night$165–$230 per room
Post-night hotel, departure city1 night$165–$230 per room
Airport or rail station transferOne way$65 per person
Kayak or paddleboard session2–3 hours$65–$95 per person
Guided lighthouse photography workshop3 hours$85 per person
Regional wine, cider, or craft beer tasting2 hours$45–$60 per person
Charter fishing trip on Lake Michigan, Erie, or Superior4–6 hours$150–$220 per person
Single occupancy room upgradePer night$95–$135
Professional trip photographerHalf day$450 per group
Extended lakefront campfire and cookout3 hours$48 per person

Route Categories

Five route types organized by terrain, city access, and travel duration across the eight U.S. Great Lakes states.

The route catalog at oligoclase.info organizes Great Lakes travel into five categories: waterfront cities, scenic shorelines, nature areas, historic towns, and regional attractions. Each category is defined by road quality, vehicle requirements, average daily mileage, and seasonal operating windows. The catalog has been assembled since 2016 and currently covers 47 mapped routes across Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York.

Waterfront City Routes

Waterfront city routes connect the major ports of the Great Lakes basin. The core city network includes Chicago, Milwaukee, Green Bay, Duluth, Detroit, Cleveland, Toledo, Buffalo, Rochester, and Erie. Total waterfront mileage across the network is approximately 620 miles of contiguous urban shoreline.

Scenic Shoreline Routes

Scenic shoreline routes follow the open-lake edges of the five Great Lakes and their connecting waterways. The longest single route in the catalog is the Lake Michigan Circle Tour, 1,100 miles, which passes through four states and roughly 60 municipalities.

Nature Area Routes

Nature area routes access federally and state-protected lands across the Great Lakes basin. Primary destinations include Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (Michigan, 71,199 acres), Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Michigan, 73,236 acres), Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (Wisconsin, 69,372 acres), and Indiana Dunes National Park (15,349 acres).

Historic Town Routes

Historic town routes link settlements with documented 18th and 19th-century origins. The catalog currently lists 31 towns across the basin, including Mackinac Island (Michigan, incorporated 1817, automobile-free since 1898), Galena (Illinois, lead-mining heritage dating to the 1820s), and Frankenmuth (Michigan, founded 1845).

Regional Attraction Routes

Regional attraction routes group destinations by theme rather than geography. Current thematic groupings include lighthouse routes (74 active lighthouses maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard across the five lakes), shipwreck heritage routes (over 6,000 documented wrecks in the basin, of which approximately 200 are dive-accessible), and agricultural heritage routes covering the 27-county fruit belt along Lake Michigan's eastern shore.

Extended Journeys

Multi-day routes of 5 to 14 days, with defined overnight stops and pre-verified lodging.

Extended journeys are multi-day routes assembled from the five categories above. Each journey is defined by total distance, overnight stops, and daily driving time. The catalog contains 21 extended journeys, with travel lengths of 5, 7, 10, or 14 days. The shortest covered route is 480 miles; the longest is 2,340 miles.

Lake Michigan Shoreline Journey, 7 Days

A 7-day clockwise route around Lake Michigan, originating and terminating in Chicago, Illinois. Total distance is 1,048 miles. Daily average is 150 miles, or 3.2 hours of driving.

Lake Superior Circle Journey, 10 Days

A 10-day drive around Lake Superior, with approximately 75 percent of the mileage within the United States (Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota) and 25 percent in Ontario, Canada. Total distance is 1,300 miles. Daily average is 130 miles, or 2.8 hours of driving.

Lake Erie and Ontario Corridor, 7 Days

A 7-day route through the states bordering Lake Erie and Lake Ontario: Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York, with a Michigan start via Detroit. Total distance is 890 miles. Daily average is 127 miles, or 2.5 hours of driving.

Pictured Rocks and North Woods, 5 Days

A 5-day route through Michigan's Upper Peninsula, covering Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, the Keweenaw Peninsula, and the Hiawatha National Forest. Total distance is 520 miles. Daily average is 104 miles, or 2.3 hours of driving, including 2 off-pavement segments totaling 28 miles.

Planning Support Services

Optional services supporting route selection, booking, and travel logistics.

Planning support services are offered separately from the journey packages above. They exist for travelers who assemble their own routes but want access to the oligoclase.info route database, booking channels, or field consultation. Services are charged individually, and bundle pricing is available for combinations of three or more services.

01

Seasonal Route Consultation

A scheduled 60-minute consultation by phone or video, covering route selection, timing, and seasonal conditions. The service is intended for travelers planning independent trips.

02

Route File Customization

Modification of a standard catalog route file for individual requirements. The service applies to route length changes (adding or removing segments), vehicle class changes (switching from sedan to RV), and accessibility adjustments such as step-free access at stops, wheelchair-accessible trailheads, and dialysis-center proximity within 30 miles of overnight stops.

03

Lodging and Ferry Coordination

Booking of lodging and ferry crossings on behalf of travelers who have selected their own route. Lodging notes list inns and lakeside hotels across the basin. Hours, rates, and room condition are set by the properties; confirm them before booking. Posted rates.

04

Small Group Journeys

Pre-scheduled journeys for groups of 6 to 12 travelers, led by a trained route guide. Group journeys follow a fixed daily schedule and are not customizable.

05

Group and Organization Programs

Planning services for organizations such as alumni associations, corporate offsites, and photography workshops bringing groups of 15 or more travelers to Great Lakes routes.