FEATURED PORTS

 

There are more than 40 individual programs below which are available on DVD or VHS for your home viewing pleasure. Our cameras have visited such attractions as the US Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw (retired), historic lighthouses from four of the Great Lakes, maritime museums in Wisconsin and Michigan, deep sea diving in Lake Huron, and the US Brig Niagara. Much more awaits you in these beautifully shot episodes that appeared nationally on more than 45 PBS stations weekly.

 

The programs below are an excellent resource for planning a vacation. They will give you a chance to view the beautiful scenery and attractions that these port towns offer, as well as exploring the rich maritime heritage of the Great Lakes. As a bonus, each episode name on this webpage includes a direct link to that port's visitors' and convention web site for more detailed local information.

 

Click here for details on how to order.

Programs now available on VHS and DVD
(in alphabetical order)

 

Ashtabula, Ohio (Lake Erie) Episode #501 -- Learn the code words used in the Underground Railroad system, walk through some beautiful and truly unique covered bridges, watch the fine art of swirl, sniff, and taste at the vineyards, meet the sole survivor of a Great Lakes shipwreck, plus learn about great fishing spots.

Beaver Island, Michigan (Lake Michigan) Episode #503 -- This island is 26 miles off shore in Lake Michigan. Friendly locals will offer us a wealth of knowledge on the very unique history of this one-time kingdom. See a rustic and mysterious setting on a nearby island, take a tour of a currently occupied lighthouse and a good old-fashioned horseback ride in the wilderness.

Caseville, MI (Lake Huron) Episode #306 -- The residents of this port think they have found paradise as we tour some beautiful historic buildings, cook some perch gourmet style, delight in some good ol' family fun at the beach, and celebrate at the almighty Cheeseburger Festival!

Charlevoix, Michigan (Lake Michigan) Episode #212 -- On the beautiful coast of Lake Michigan with wonderful shops, unique historic homes, its very own US Coast Guard Cutter, and a link to legendary Beaver Island.

Cheboygan, MI (Lake Huron) Episode #103 -- In this episode, our cameras will go aboard the US Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw and will interview the ship's commander. We will also take a boat tour of Cheboygan's inland waterways and visit the historic Opera House.

Detroit, Michigan (Detroit River) Episode #308 -- Celebrate Detroit's 300th birthday, walk through the pilot house of a Great Lakes freighter, feel the roar of 200 mph hydroplane races, see the enormous sails of a parade of tall ships, an electric eel at one of the world's oldest aquariums, and the grandeur of fireworks from two celebrating countries.

Door County, WI (Lake Michigan) Episode #401 -- Travel with us to the ports of Sturgeon Bay, Baileys Harbor, and Fish Creek as we tour the beautiful areas of Door County. We'll attend a fish boil, explore the trails in Peninsula State Park, and visit Gills Rock, a quaint, old-time fishing village.

Erie, Pennsylvania (Lake Erie) Episode #310 -- Sail with us on the US Brig Niagara, visit a state park that boasts one of the premiere bird sanctuaries anywhere, tour a huge maritime museum whose structure once housed a power plant, and see giant decorated fish on almost every street corner.

Frankfort, Michigan (Lake Michigan) Episode #311 -- Watch the making of a canoe and ride down the river in it, find a little inspiration in the wonderful blend of poetry and nature, tour an historic lighthouse that you will be sure to recognize, and take a scenic harbor tour into this wonderful port.

Goderich, Ontario (Lake Huron) Episode #313 -- Known across Ontario as "The Prettiest Town in Canada," this port offers plenty of activities for boaters and their families. Take a visit to the county's historic jail, go on a self-guided tour of the beautiful historic homes and find out which day of the week you can hear area bag-pipers "piping down the sun."

Grand Bend, ON (Lake Huron) Episode #407 -- Watch a musical at the Huron Country Playhouse, tour the beautiful Pinery Provincial Park and hike the Rotary Trail, visit the River Road Art Gallery located in an old fish house, and check out the great golf at the Oakwood Resort in this charming Canadian port.

Harbor Springs, MI (Lake Michigan) Episode #111 -- Along with a harbor tour of both Harbor Springs and Bay Harbor, this episode will show you around each port's shopping district and take you on a tour of Harbor Spring's beautiful historic homes.

Holland, Michigan (Lake Michigan) Episode #309 -- Tour an original Dutch windmill complete with bullet holes from World War II, witness a log turn into a wooden shoe, or see some Klompen dancing and some good old street sweeping, plus the best biking trails, beaches, harbor, and an inside look at the lighthouse "Big Red."

Kelley's Island, Ohio (Lake Erie) Episode #510 -- See what thousands of years of glaciers moving across the earth does at Glacial Grooves, visit Inscription Rock to view markings of ancient tribes, and see all of what nature has to offer at Kelley's Island.

Kewaunee, Wisconsin (Lake Michigan) Episode #302 -- Visit with a ghost named Aggie who's still "keeping house" after 100 years, take a tour of a tug boat that has been all over the world, and visit a workshop to see exactly how a grandfather clock is made.

Kincardine, Ontario (Lake Huron) Episode #213 -- Sparkling water, sandy beaches, and a rich marine heritage make this a special port. Tour beautifully restored 18th century homes, visit a working fish hatchery and "pipe down the sun" with a Scottish bag piper.

Leamington, Ontario (Lake Erie) Episode #508 -- Travel across the border as we visit the Tomato Capital of Canada, take a trip through a tropical garden, wander Point Pelee's National Park, visit underwater shipwrecks, and indulge in fine wines.

Leland, MI (Lake Michigan) Episode #107 -- Leland's art community, the Leelenaw Historical Museum and "Fishtown" are all a part of this episode, as well as a tour of the harbor and a segment on the ferry ride over to South Manitou Island.

Lexington, Michigan (Lake Huron) Episode #506 -- Feel the local friendly charm, go underwater and see pictures of Lake Huron's best known shipwrecks, enjoy the comfort of bed and breakfasts, visit restored historical buildings, and go fishing on Lake Huron.

Ludington, MI (Lake Michigan) Episode #509 -- A tour of Historic White Pine Village and an interview with the captain of the Lake Michigan car ferry will be featured, as well as a look at the well-known photography of Todd Reed.

Mackinac Island, MI (Lake Huron) Episode #410 -- Travel back in history to the times of horse drawn carriages, experience the legendary Grand Hotel, witness the making of homemade fudge, and participate in the history of Fort Mackinac.

Mackinaw City, MI (Lake Huron) Episode #507 -- Rediscover this great port located at the tip of Michigan's lower peninsula, the stepping off point to Mackinac Island, visit a 1770 frontier fort, a working saw mill, and climb to the top of two lighthouses.

Manistee, MI (Lake Michigan) Episode #408 -- Take a tour of the town's historic district on a trolley, climb aboard the City of Milwaukee Steamship, go fishing for some coho, and visit the historic North Pier Lighthouse in the Victorian Port City of Manistee.

Manitowoc, WI (Lake Michigan) Episode #404 -- Visit a World War II submarine, experience a fishing village from the 1800s, see the construction of a luxury yacht, and check out some of the most delicious bread in Wisconsin.

Marquette, Michigan (Lake Superior) Episode #502 -- On the shores of Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, see a second order Fresnal Lens at the Maritime Museum, go biking and hiking in Presque Isle Park, and visit a lighthouse restoration eight miles off shore!

Michigan's Beachtowns (Lake Michigan) Episode #601 -- Join us as we visit 9 communities on Lake Michigan's East Coast and make stops at such attractions as the Little Sable Point Lighthouse, Windmill Island and the Michigan Maritime Museum. Ride with us on a dune jeep, visit one of Michigan's best known wineries, and marvel at the beauty of a musical fountain! Much more awaits you on this exciting one hour special! Featuring the ports of New Buffalo, St. Joseph, South Haven, Saugatuck, Holland, Grand Haven, Muskegon, Silver Lake, and Ludington, MI.

Michigan City, IN (Lake Michigan) Episode #109 -- A Lighthouse Museum tour, the Washington Park Zoo, the Antique Market, and a boat tour of the harbor will all be featured in this episode.

Munising, Michigan (Lake Superior) Episode #304 -- Visit shipwrecks from a few feet without even getting wet, view some of the world's most incredible rock formations from land, boat, or kayak, enjoy pristine beauty on an undisturbed island, and taste a pasty, the secret treat of the Yoopers. Pictured Rocks Boat Cruises

Muskegon, Michigan (Lake Michigan) Episode #208 -- Check out a Broadway caliber performance at a newly renovated theater, climb sand dunes and hike the trails at Muskegon State Park, explore the USS Silversides, and tour Hackley Hume Historic Sites.

Pentwater, Michigan (Lake Michigan) Episode #204 -- Join us as we go for a dune schooner ride, fly a kite, do a little shopping, enjoy a delicious picnic in the park, and visit beautiful white sandy beaches in the hidden gem of Pentwater.

Port Clinton, Ohio (Lake Erie) Episode #504 -- Enjoy an African safari where animals come right up to your car, gain insight into the passion of a local nautical artist, learn about a Tall Ship, visit a famous historic lighthouse, peek into the inside of a fish market, and of course, visit the harbor!

Port Elgin, ON (Lake Huron) Episode #409 -- Learn about restoration efforts for the Chantry Island Lighthouse which also sits amidst a bird sanctuary, canoe up the Saugeen River, ride a miniature steam train, and join in the fun for the annual Pumpkinfest at this unique Canadian port along the shore of Lake Huron.

Port Huron, MI (Lake Huron) Episode #108 -- Along what's known in the Great Lakes area as the "nautical mile," you'll find Port Huron. Famous for it's Port Huron to Mackinac Race, Port Huron also hosts a wide variety of activities for boaters and their families, including the Huron Lightship Museum and the Ft. Gratiot Lighthouse.

Port Washington, Wisconsin (Lake Michigan) Episode #505 -- Known as "the city of seven hills," this picturesque port is a combination of New England fishing village and Midwestern hospitality, the ideal stop for boaters. We will take a self guided walking tour, see a unique art deco lighthouse, visit with a shipwreck expert, and experience a lighthouse restoration project.

Presque Isle, MI (Lake Huron) Episode #305 -- This port offers visitors the natural beauty, clean water, magnificent flowers and wildlife one expects from Michigan's great up north. We'll take you to Presque Isle's annual antique wooden boat show and also talk to a woman whose late husband's ghost is said to haunt the harbor's old lighthouse.

Put-in-Bay, OH (Lake Erie) Episode #101 -- Surrounded by the waters of Lake Erie's western basin, Put-in-Bay offers something for everyone. Perry's Victory International Peace Memorial will be featured, as well as area wineries, a tour of "crystal cave" and Put-in-Bay's most famous local celebrity, Pat Daily.

Sandusky, OH (Lake Erie) Episode #405 -- Join the fun and ride a coaster with us as we visit the world's greatest amusement park, Cedar Point! Take a ride on a restored carousel at the Merry-Go-Round Museum, learn about the art of sailing with the Sandusky Sailing Club, and take a tour of the Maritime Museum.

Saugatuck, MI (Lake Michigan) Episode #403 -- Known as the "Art Coast" of Michigan, Saugatuck is a community rich with art, history, and ...shopping! One of the most popular ports on Lake Michigan, Saugatuck is the home of the famous Dune Schooner Rides, Mt. Baldhead and the SS Keewatin Historic Lake Ship.

Sault Ste. Marie, MI (Lake Superior) Episode #402 -- This port is not only home to the world-famous Soo Locks, but it's also the home of the Museum Ship Valley which houses two lifeboats from the Edmund Fitzgerald. We will have a special interview with the Captain of the US Coast Guard Cutter Woodrush, the vessel that conducted the historic three-day search for the wreckage of the Fitzgerald.

South Haven, Michigan (Lake Michigan) Episode #210 -- Go on board a tall ship, take a tour of the Michigan Maritime Museum, visit beautiful Van Buren State Park, and bike along the Kal-Haven trail.

Suttons Bay, MI (Lake Michigan) Episode #406-- Join us for a bike ride on the beautiful Leelanau Trail, watch as Dave Dean of TV's "The Boat Shop" shows us his craft of boat building , come aboard a school ship for a unique learning experience, and take in all the other great things to see and do in Suttons Bay.

Tawas City, MI (Lake Huron) Episode #113 -- A tour of the harbor and it's amenities will be featured, as well as a museum and lighthouse tour. Also included will be a look at the state park and summer activities in the area.

Vermilion, OH (Lake Erie) Episode #110 -- The Great Lakes Historical Society's Maritime Museum will be featured, as well as the area's historic homes, a tour of the waterway with a local historian and an interview with some members of the Vermilion women's sailboat racing team.



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