ELLISON BAY SIGHTSEEING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Fayette at Anchor: A Full‑Day Cruise from Ellison Bay to a 19th‑Century Ghost Town
A private 7–8 hour small‑group cruise departing The Shoreline Resort Marina that puts preserved iron‑smelting buildings, limestone cliffs and cliff‑top panoramas within reach.
Fayette at Anchor: A Full‑Day Cruise from Ellison Bay to a 19th‑Century Ghost Town.
This full‑day private cruise from Ellison Bay traces towering limestone cliffs, crosses open water and lands at Fayette, a remarkably preserved 19th‑century iron‑smelting ghost town where visitors can wander old streets, picnic by the bay and hike to sweeping cliff‑top views.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A Preserved 19th‑Century Iron‑Smelting Town
Fayette is a preserved ghost town of the iron‑smelting era, with an abandoned blast furnace, school, hotel and multiple historic buildings that guests can explore on foot.
Scenic Passage Along Washington Island’s Limestone Cliffs
The cruise follows towering limestone cliffs along Washington Island before heading across open water toward the Garden Peninsula, offering a dramatic coastal approach to the historic town.
Cliff‑Top Panoramas Over Fayette and the Bay
Visitors have the option to hike the trail up to panoramic cliff views that look down over Fayette and the shoreline, a compact summit that rewards a short climb with striking perspective.
What the day feels like
How the Day Feels
Over 7–8 hours, the outing moves from sheltered marina boarding to a coastal cruise beneath limestone cliffs, an open‑water crossing to the Garden Peninsula, and a shore landing at Snail Shell Harbor where guests are free to picnic, stroll the old streets and hike to cliff‑top lookouts at their own pace.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this private cruise suits
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The tour description notes visitors can picnic, stroll and hike on shore; bring any picnic supplies you require and plan for time ashore if you intend to hike to the cliff views.
At Fayette guests may picnic, wander historic streets, or hike the trail up to panoramic cliff views over the town and bay — plan your time ashore according to those options.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The cruise is a full‑day outing lasting approximately 7–8 hours.
Where does the cruise depart from?
The private cruise departs from The Shoreline Resort Marina in Ellison Bay.
What will we see at Fayette?
Fayette is a preserved 19th‑century iron‑smelting ghost town featuring an abandoned blast furnace, school, hotel and other historic buildings to explore on foot.
Can we picnic on shore?
Yes — guests are free to picnic while exploring Fayette and its shoreline.
How many people can join a private cruise?
The private tour accommodates groups of up to 14 passengers.
Is there hiking on the trip?
There is an optional trail on shore that leads to panoramic cliff views above Fayette for visitors who want to hike.