TRAVERSE CITY MUSEUM FIELD GUIDE
Watershed Exploration: Land-based Great Lakes STEM from Inland Seas Education Association
Hands-on watershed programs around Traverse City that run year-round with half‑day, full‑day, or overnight options and classroom-to-creek fieldwork.
Watershed Exploration: Land-based Great Lakes STEM from Inland Seas Education Association.
Inland Seas Education Association’s Watershed Exploration programs take groups off the ship and into the landscape that feeds the Great Lakes: year‑round, land‑based STEM sessions that pair classroom and field investigations to build practical skills, ecological understanding and exposure to Great Lakes careers.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Hands‑on Great Lakes STEM
These programs focus on protecting the Great Lakes through watershed science: hands‑on learning that exposes youth to career paths and field technologies used in the region.
Stream and Riparian Study at Leo Creek
Two offerings involve walking about a half mile each way to Leo Creek Preserve for stream ecology and riparian‑zone study—direct observation of how land shapes waterways.
Dissection and Navigation Skills
Options range from a guided dissection of sea lamprey (Dissect the Watershed, grades 9+) to practicing compass and chart skills in Navigate the Great Lakes.
What the day feels like
What the experience feels like
Each Watershed Exploration is an active, experimental half‑day of focused learning—three‑hour programs that can be taken singly as a half‑day, paired into a full day, or combined into an overnight experience—blending indoor instruction with field walks and hands‑on exercises.
THE SCIENCE
Hands‑on Great Lakes STEM
These programs focus on protecting the Great Lakes through watershed science: hands‑on learning that exposes youth to career paths and field technologies used in the region.
THE FIELDWORK
Stream and Riparian Study at Leo Creek
Two offerings involve walking about a half mile each way to Leo Creek Preserve for stream ecology and riparian‑zone study—direct observation of how land shapes waterways.
THE LAB & NAVIGATION
Dissection and Navigation Skills
Options range from a guided dissection of sea lamprey (Dissect the Watershed, grades 9+) to practicing compass and chart skills in Navigate the Great Lakes.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who these programs suit — and where restrictions apply.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Each program is three hours; groups may book a half‑day (one program), a full‑day (two programs) or an overnight experience.
All programs begin and end at the Inland Seas Education Center, 100 Dame St., Suttons Bay, MI 49682.
Operator accommodates one class for a program with a maximum of approximately 30 students.
Offerings include Watershed Watchers (spring only), Dissect the Watershed (grades 9+), Study the Stream (fall only), and Navigate the Great Lakes.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is each Watershed Exploration program?
Each program runs three hours; groups can book a single three‑hour program (half‑day), two programs for a full day, or an overnight package.
Where do programs start and end?
All programs begin and end at the Inland Seas Education Center, located at 100 Dame St., Suttons Bay, MI 49682.
Which programs require field walking?
Watershed Watchers and Study the Stream involve walking about a half mile each way to Leo Creek Preserve.
Are there grade restrictions for any offerings?
Yes. Dissect the Watershed is intended for grades 9 and above.
How many students can participate in a program?
The operator can accommodate one class per program, with a maximum of approximately 30 students.