Summer Discovery Cruises
are presented by
Michigan Sea Grant and
Michigan State University Extension
in partnership with Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority
Metro Beach Metropark, Lake St. Clair Cruise Themes
The Nature of Lake St. Clair
Take an educational tour of Lake St. Clair to discover the rich variety of aquatic life that makes Lake St. Clair so special. Plants, animals, and habitats - including the world’s largest fresh water delta - will be explored.
See how the latest technology in shipwreck
identification is used to discover wrecks as we investigate the remains of a
sunken mystery ship in Lake St. Clair. Along the way we'll explore historic
shipwrecks and the lighthouses built to help prevent them. Bring along your
diving bell as we delve into the realm of underwater archaeology.
This cruise for teachers – teachers only please – will focus on the Great Lakes from a science education perspective. Learn how to relate biology, chemistry, geology and physics to the Great Lakes that define Michigan. This “research cruise” is designed to help you share the Great Lakes with your K-12 students. Also find out about opportunities for additional professional development which come with participant stipends and/or scholarships.
Explore further into the Flats in this extended 4-hour tour to discover the variety of plants, animals and habitats that make the world’s largest fresh water delta so unique and valuable. This cruise has an additional cost of $5 per participant.
Join a representative from the Save Our South Channel Lights organization to learn the history of the two lighthouses built on Lake St. Clair in 1855 to guide vessels through the treacherous St. Clair Flats. Learn about navigating the Great Lakes then and now and discover what is being done to preserve these historic landmarks.
This is not a fishing cruise, but it definitely is a "fishy" cruise! Learn first hand about the fish that are found in Lake St. Clair, many of which are available for hands-on examination. We will be joined by a Michigan DNR Fisheries Biologist and rendezvous with their research vessel while out on the lake to observe fish tagging, measuring and other research operations.
We cruise Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair Flats in search of the geologic past of the St. Clair River Delta and tell the human stories that shaped the history of this unique area.
The health of the water of Lake St. Clair and Great Lakes is directly linked to our own quality of life. On this cruise we will get down and dirty as we explore key biological, physical and chemical indicators of water quality in the northern reaches of Lake St. Clair. Get to know the plankton in your neighborhood! Note: Group Bookings Only