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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