Inland Seas Education Association

Inland Seas Education Association Inland Seas Education Association. Inspiring Great Lakes curiosity, stewardship, and passion.

Schoolship Program is a half-day science learning experience aboard ISEA's 77' schooner, Inland Seas or the chartered 112' schooner Manitou. The on-board curriculum is designed to compliment the Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations in physical, biological and earth sciences; history and geography. Prior to sailing, teachers receive the Schoolship Teacher's Guide, which contains information an

d activities to prepare students for the day abroad the Schoolship. Additional information for teachers is available on our website, http://schoolship.org/programs/school-field-trips. In addition to our Schoolship program for classes, we have a summer sailing schedule that brings individuals, families, and groups on-board for the same hands-on science education experience. We also offer other unique experiences like overnight trips, astronomy sails, and microplastic sails. Learn more about our summer programs at http://schoolship.org/programs/public-and-family-programs.

We're taking a quick breather! 🌊The ISEA team is officially hitting pause to recharge after an incredible summer and gea...
08/30/2026

We're taking a quick breather! 🌊

The ISEA team is officially hitting pause to recharge after an incredible summer and gear up for a busy fall! Our office will be CLOSED from August 31st through September 4th.

We’ll be back on deck bright, early, and fully energized on Tuesday, September 8th right after Labor Day!

Thank you for an amazing summer season, and we can’t wait to see you all back on the water soon! ⚓✨

Here's a sneak peek at what our new building will look like in the future...Construction is officially underway on the s...
08/29/2026

Here's a sneak peek at what our new building will look like in the future...

Construction is officially underway on the site of the old Millside Building, and we are beyond excited for what the future holds! ✨

Thanks to our incredible community, the core construction of the new $6.4 million Inland Seas Education Center is fully funded. But the vision for this cohesive, 3-acre waterfront campus is about so much more than just a building.

As we look ahead to our target 2027 ribbon-cutting, here is what this new hub for Great Lakes stewardship will bring to Suttons Bay:
🔹 A massive new indoor space for year-round, hands-on STEM learning
🔹 A dedicated boat shop for vessel maintenance
🔹 Our Visionary Stretch Goals: A new waterfront dock specifically for underwater ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) exploration, and the open-air Sturgeon Cove Learning Pavilion!

We are currently in the final phase of our campaign, actively raising funds for long-term maintenance and community enhancements, like public walkways, benches, and outdoor art installations.

Want to help us reach the finish line and shape the next generation of Great Lakes stewards? Learn more about the future of our campus and how you can support our stretch goals here: schoolship.org/education-campaign 🌊💙

It’s almost time to gather for an afternoon of end-of-season catch-up! Join us on Wednesday, September 9th, from 3:00 PM...
08/28/2026

It’s almost time to gather for an afternoon of end-of-season catch-up! Join us on Wednesday, September 9th, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM on the lawn at Farm Club as we celebrate another amazing summer on the water. 🌾⛵️

Come hang out, hear our staff’s favorite highlights from the season (Be sure to ask Lauren about the leech in the Soo!), and get an insider look at the progress on our new education center.

No RSVP needed, so bring a friend and drop by for a great afternoon of laughter, conversation, and love for the Great Lakes. We can’t wait to see you on the lawn! 🍻🌊

08/28/2026

We loved our time in Alpena!

🌿 Looking for a peaceful summer escape in Northern Michigan? Take a stroll through Leo Creek Preserve in Suttons Bay! ☀️...
08/27/2026

🌿 Looking for a peaceful summer escape in Northern Michigan? Take a stroll through Leo Creek Preserve in Suttons Bay! ☀️🌸

Tucked just half a mile south of downtown Suttons Bay and accessible right off the Leelanau Trail, this 9-acre sanctuary is the perfect place to slow down and reconnect with nature.

You can spend your afternoon wandering through 1.5 miles of quiet trails, crossing creekside boardwalks, and taking in the shade of lush Michigan hardwoods. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like otters, deer, and native songbirds along the 1,000 feet of natural waterfront. Beyond the forest, you’ll find vibrant botanical gardens lovingly maintained by local volunteers, as well as opportunities to snap photos and help log plant species using the iNaturalist app.

Whether you're biking down the trail, looking for a scenic birdwatching spot, or just needing a quiet place to recharge, Leo Creek offers a little piece of Northern Michigan magic for everyone. Pack a water bottle, respect the trails by leaving no trace, and enjoy the serenity this summer!

Ready to take the helm of a magnificent tall ship and make a real difference for the Great Lakes? ⛵🌊✨Inland Seas Educati...
08/26/2026

Ready to take the helm of a magnificent tall ship and make a real difference for the Great Lakes? ⛵🌊✨

Inland Seas Education Association (ISEA) is seeking an enthusiastic, hard-working Captain to command our traditional schooners, Inland Seas and Alliance!

Based in beautiful Suttons Bay, Michigan, this full-time, year-round position perfectly blends traditional seamanship with hands-on environmental education. You'll direct shipboard operations during the sailing season (mid-April to mid-October) and oversee vessel maintenance, seasonal hiring, and volunteer training during the winter months.

What we're looking for:
⚓️ USCG 100 Ton Great Lakes Master’s License (or higher) with Sail Endorsement
⚓️ 5+ years of experience as captain of a large passenger sailing vessel (10+ years total on sail)
⚓️ TWIC Card, CPR/First Aid, and FCC Marine Radio Operator Permit
⚓️ A strong leader with a passion for safety, mentorship, and inspiring the next generation of Great Lakes stewards!

Learn more about the position at schoolship.org/jobs. To apply, send your resume and letter of interest to Senior Captain Ben Hale at [email protected]. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled!

Help us protect the Great Lakes through education and adventure; apply today or share this post with a mariner ready for their next journey! 👇💙

Only two days left to grab your spot aboard the schooner Inland Seas!This Thursday, August 27th, we are heading out on a...
08/25/2026

Only two days left to grab your spot aboard the schooner Inland Seas!

This Thursday, August 27th, we are heading out on a four-hour excursion toward Gull Island (Bellow Island). Guests can enjoy scenic views across the water, discover details about the local avian habitat, and watch the nesting herring gull colony from the deck. Everyone is welcome to pitch in by raising the sails or taking a turn steering the ship.

Special guest speakers Dr. Keith Grasman from the Wings Over Water Research Institute and Nate Crane from the Grand Traverse Audubon Club will be on board to chat with passengers and share their expertise. Leelanau Conservancy has stewarded Bellow Island since 1995, protecting it for generations of herring gulls!

Seats are limited; secure your place today!

Get tickets: https://fareharbor.com/schoolship/items/734901/?flow=22458

What a memorable way to start the weekend! Thanks to the 35 club members who joined the inaugural Boat & Bike event. A s...
08/25/2026

What a memorable way to start the weekend! Thanks to the 35 club members who joined the inaugural Boat & Bike event. A special shout out to the Inland Seas crew and Nick at Suttons Bay Bikes!

Hands-on science isn't just what we do; it’s who we are. 🔥 Did you know ISEA operates one of the longest-running citizen...
08/24/2026

Hands-on science isn't just what we do; it’s who we are. 🔥

Did you know ISEA operates one of the longest-running citizen science programs across the entire Great Lakes?

Since 1989, our students and community members have been out on the water capturing vital data on everything from weather patterns and fish counts to microplastic pollution. For nearly four decades, this research has fueled major agencies and universities, keeping us right on the front lines of Great Lakes protection.

Want to keep this momentum going? Help us empower the next generation of Great Lakes stewards! 💙

👉 Donate today to support hands-on learning: schoolship.org/donate

A massive thank you to the Northwestern Michigan College Marine Technology program for joining us aboard S/V Alliance fo...
08/24/2026

A massive thank you to the Northwestern Michigan College Marine Technology program for joining us aboard S/V Alliance for an incredible adventure!

Having your team on board brought a whole new depth (literally) to our time on the water. Watching the students and instructors deploy their Remotely Operated Vehicles, navigate the underwater terrain, and share their expertise was an absolute highlight for our crew. It’s not every day we get to merge classic sailing with cutting-edge marine technology!

Partnerships like this remind us how special our Great Lakes community is. Thank you for your hard work, curiosity, and great energy overnight. We can't wait to welcome the Northwestern Michigan College team back on board for the next expedition! ⚓️🤖🌊

Address

100 Dame Street
Suttons Bay, MI
49682

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+12312713077

Website

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