Lake Superior Experience

DAY 1: Ashland, WI

Welcome Aboard! Your journey begins as you arrive in Ashland, Wisconsin, a peaceful harbor town resting along the southern edge of Lake Superior. You check in for two nights at the Best Western Hotel Chequamegon, a comfortable lakeside retreat filled with Victorian character and sparkling water views. As the sun begins to drop toward the horizon, the group gathers for a welcoming dinner at the Driftwood Inn, where Northwoods comfort food, friendly conversation, and lakeside scenery create the perfect introduction to the days ahead. The evening is yours to relax, perhaps with a lakeside stroll or a quiet moment on the hotel veranda.

DAY 2: Ashland, WI

After breakfast, you head to Bayfield, the charming lakeside town known for its small harbor and colorful main street. The day’s adventure begins with a narrated Apostle Islands Cruise, carrying you across shimmering waters while the captain shares stories of shipwrecks, island lighthouses, and the sculpted sea caves that have made this shoreline famous. Returning to Bayfield, you’re welcomed into the grand Rittenhouse Inn for a beautifully prepared lunch inside one of Wisconsin’s most iconic Victorian mansions. The warm woodwork, soft lighting, and gracious service make the meal feel like a step back in time. After lunch comes a delightful treat: a visit to one of Bayfield’s scenic orchards or cideries, where rolling hills overlook the lake and neat rows of apple trees stretch toward the horizon. Whether your stop offers fresh orchard fruit, a sweet cider tasting, or simply the calm beauty of the farm, it’s a gentle and refreshing way to experience one of the region’s most beloved traditions. With the afternoon complete, you return to Ashland for an unhurried evening at Hotel Chequamegon, enjoying the peace of the shoreline at dusk.

DAY 3: Duluth, MN

The morning begins with breakfast before departing Ashland for the short drive into Superior. Your visit to the World of Accordions Museum proves surprisingly delightful, an engaging guided tour through hundreds of instruments, each with its own story and craftsmanship. Continuing north, the scenery grows rugged and dramatic as you enter Minnesota’s iconic North Shore. You arrive at Split Rock Lighthouse, perched high on a cliff overlooking the vast blue lake. Here you enjoy a picnic lunch from Louise’s Place Café, surrounded by fresh breeze and breathtaking views. The journey continues to Gooseberry Falls State Park, where an easy, scenic walk leads you to cascading waterfalls that tumble gracefully over layers of volcanic rock. It’s a place where the sound of rushing water and the scent of pine linger in your memory. By late afternoon, you reach Duluth and check in for your two-night stay. The evening is yours to relax in this vibrant harbor city.

DAY 4: Duluth, MN

After breakfast, your morning begins at the Glensheen Mansion, Duluth’s historic lakeside estate. Wandering through its preserved rooms - still furnished just as they were a century ago - you discover stories of the Congdon family and the elegance of the early 1900s. The lakeside gardens and gentle pathways offer a peaceful stroll before you continue on with the day. Your next stop is the North Shore Scenic Railroad & Museum, where exhibits of vintage locomotives and historic rail cars reveal Duluth’s deep connection to rail travel. When possible, a gentle excursion ride adds a nostalgic touch to the experience. The afternoon is free for exploring Canal Park, a lively waterfront district where shops, cafés, and walking paths surround the famous Aerial Lift Bridge. Ships glide through the canal, and the lake spreads out endlessly beyond. As evening arrives, the group boards the Vista Fleet Dinner Cruise, where dinner is paired with panoramic views of Duluth’s harbor and the open lake. The slow glide across the water, combined with sunset colors and gentle breezes, creates a perfect and memorable finale to your day.

DAY 5: Homeward

A Gentle Farewell to the North Shore
Your final morning brings breakfast and a relaxed start to the day. There’s time to take in one last view of the harbor, enjoy the crisp lake air, or browse a nearby shop. As you depart Duluth and begin your journey home, you carry with you memories of orchards and lighthouses, waterfalls and mansions, cruises and camaraderie—all woven together by the timeless beauty of Lake Superior.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D =Dinner