Unplug. Set Sail. Discover.

Lake Superior Tall Ships

Since 2014, Lake Superior Tall Ships has offered unplugged sailing adventures aboard the schooners Abbey Road and Zeeto, fostering teamwork, leadership, and personal growth. These experiential voyages challenge youth, adults, and families to discover hidden strengths, build confidence, and learn by doing—all while exploring the Apostle Islands’ stunning natural beauty.

Book a Sail on a Tall Ship

Sail With Us!

  • The schooner Abbey Road with white sails and a prominent red fisherman sail on blue water under a clear sky.

    Three Hour Adventures

    Sail aboard Abbey Road or Zeeto for a private three-hour adventure on the scenic waters of Lake Superior. Help raise sails, take the helm, or simply relax as we cruise past Bayfield, Madeline Island, and beyond. Our friendly crew offers sailing tips and stories—and if conditions allow, we may even stop for a refreshing swim!

    $485 for up to six passengers.

  • Two adult trainees working on the schooner Abbey Road with a partially furled sail, in calm water body with other sailboats in the background.

    Deckhand For A Day

    Spend the day as a tall ship deckhand aboard Zeeto! In this 8-hour hands-on adventure, you’ll raise sails, take the helm, tie knots, and learn traditional seamanship from our crew. Enjoy lunch on board and explore the Apostle Islands—perfect for curious adventurers aged 12 and up, but designed for adult trainees.

    $245 per person

  • The three masted schooner Zeeto with large white sails on calm water, with a small group of people on deck, under a partly cloudy sky.

    Two Days Before The Mast

    Step aboard Zeeto for two days of immersive maritime training and adventure. As part of the crew, you’ll gain hands-on experience in traditional seamanship—plotting courses, raising sails, tying knots, and standing watch at the helm—while exploring the rich nautical heritage of the Apostle Islands.

    $490 per person

  • Young woman in a yellow life jacket at the helm of the schooner Abbey Road, with an older man in a red life jacket behind her, both on a docked boat.

    Family Adventures

    Set sail on a private multi-day adventure for an unforgettable escape for up to six family members and friends. Whether you're eager to learn the ropes or simply unwind on deck, this voyage is yours to shape. A perfect blend of adventure, connection, and relaxation—no experience required, just a spirit of discovery.

    Starting at $2,910 for two days

Please Contact Us if you are interested in booking a Youth Sail Training Adventure.

Three young trainees on Abbey Road, wearing life jackets, adjusting the sail under a blue sky with clouds.

Why Sail with Us?

Kids and adults alike learn real sailing skills, from plotting a course to raising sails. It’s experiential education wrapped in excitement. Unlike a typical vacation, sailing with Lake Superior Tall Ships offers unplugged, hands-on adventure that is educational that build skills and brings families closer. Learn to sail, explore hidden islands, and share meaningful moments aboard a classic schooner. It’s a journey of connection, discovery, and lasting memories—far beyond the ordinary getaway.

Choose Your Adventure

Pick the sailing experience that fits your family or group—from day sails to multi-day voyages. Feel free to contact us if you have questions.

Prepare to Sail

Get ready with helpful tips and guidance. No experience needed—just a sense of adventure. We can provide a packing list, menu suggestions and provide any other recommendations you might need.

Discover Your Strength

Step aboard, learn new skills, build relationships, and create unforgettable memories on the water.

Help Support Our Mission

Booking a sail with Lake Superior Tall Ships directly supports our mission to provide life-changing, unplugged sailing adventures for young men and women. Every trip helps fund our experiential learning programs that build teamwork, leadership, and confidence—especially for young people who might not otherwise have access to these transformative opportunities. Your adventure fuels theirs.

From some of our happy sailors!

  • We were the very first overnight trip on the new addition, the Zeeto! We had a great time with Captain Gordy and he met all five of our family members exactly where we each were at, since we range from a 10 year old super excited to jump in on every task, to a teenager that just wanted to lay on deck and read her book, to a mom that wanted to experience sailing (no motor assist) and being immersed in the environment.

    Erin S

    Two smiling Sea Scouts in the cockpit of the schooner Abbey Road, surrounded by sailing equipment, with other scouts visible through the boat's front window.
  • Our captain was very knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor. He was friendly and patient with non-sailors. Even though the weather didn't cooperate for us to see the sunset, we still had a great time. Our family of 4 got to sit back and relax knowing that we would be safe and comfortable. If we got cold, the space below deck was warm and had port holes so we could see the scenery. Highly recommend!

    Laura G

    Sea Scouts on a the schooner Abbey Road, with one person pointing out over the water, as the boat is out on the open sea on a cloudy day.
  • We have taken our studentson the Lake Superior Tall Ships Apostle Islands excursions for the last three years. Every trip has been incredible. Our school is based on building relationships with kids and this experience accentuates that by providing us another great opportunity for us to get to know students even better. They learn to sail schooners, experience life on the Great Lakes, explore islands, hang out with wonderful people, and generally have an amazing time. Students always enjoy the adventure and look back on it fondly.

    Les H, Terra Nova School

    Five young trainees on a the schooner Abbey Road, all wearing life jackets and smiling, with the sky and water in the background.
  • Best part of our whole trip to Madeline Island! My family used to sail on a boat just like that, with teak wood floors etc. and it was so amazing to share that history with my immediate family. Thank you for being willing to teach my kids, even when they just kept talking!

    Jamiee W

    Two young girls wearing yellow life jackets sitting on the schooner Abbey Road, smiling at the camera. In the background, a woman is standing, also wearing a life jacket and a cap.

FAQs

When will the Tall Ships return to Duluth?

While we are not the organizers of the Festival of Sail Duluth, our schooners did participate in the event in 2016, 2019, 2022 and 2025.

The Tall Ship festival will return to Lake Superior in 2028, however you are welcome to come sailing on one of our schooners anytime.

What happens if the weather is bad?

We sail under most weather conditions except for those that are deemed unsafe, such as thunder/lightning, sheeting rain, and/or extremely high winds, so please check the forecast the day of your sail and be sure to dress for the weather.  We do not cancel sails based on weather forecasts, so cancellations usually occur the day of the scheduled sail, although we make every effort to provide as much notice as possible.

Can young children participate?

While there is no age limit for family sails, all passengers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. These sails are generally not recommended for children under 5.  Federal regulations require that children under the age of 13 wear a life jacket, which we can provide, when they are on deck and we are underway.

Where do we sleep on overnight trips?

The Abbey Road sleeps six passengers comfortably in three cabins.  The aft cabin has a queen size berth, and its own head (marine toilet). The two forward cabins each have upper and lower berths and share a head. The captain has a separate cabin.  

The Zeeto sleeps six passengers comfortably in two double midship berths and two singles in the forward cabin.  The captain will sleep in the saloon. All cabins share one head.

How many people can we bring on the boat?

Both the Abbey Road and the Zeeto are limited to no more than six “passengers for hire” under Coast Guard regulations. There are no exceptions for small children. The captain and a deckhand provided by us do not count towards this number.

Are meals, snacks or drinks provided?

Meals, snacks or drinks are not included in our trip fees. However, you are welcome to bring your own food, snacks and beverages. We can provide menu suggestions for day sail or overnight trips, and recommend local grocery stores and catering options ranging from gourmet sandwich lunches to multi-course dinners. For an additional fee, we can provision the boat for you before you arrive.

Book Your Adventure

Ready for an unforgettable escape? Book Your Adventure Today and secure your chance to experience the scenic waters of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands aboard a Tall Ship.

Our hands-on voyages offer the perfect blend of adventure, connection, and relaxation for you, your family, your friends, or your youth group..

Explore the Apostle Islands, and build lasting memories. No experience needed, just a spirit of discovery.

Book Your Adventure

Support Our Mission

Your involvement helps us provide life-changing outdoor sailing adventures for young men and women, cultivating self-confidence, leadership, and a spirit of stewardship through our Fund A Sailor Scholarship Program and training efforts.

You can make a difference by funding a sailor, becoming a sponsor, or volunteering your time to help us inspire the next generation to do great things.

Learn more
Six Sea Scouts with life jackets sitting and laughing on the deck of a sailboat during sunset

Contact Us

Are you interested in learning more about LSTS, our programs, or how you can support our mission? Fill in some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!

However, please be aware that although our ships will participate in the event, we are not the organizers of the Festival of Sail in Duluth, which is scheduled to return in 2028.

The Abbey Road and Zeeto dock at Pikes Bay Marina, 84190 Pikes Bay Road, Slip 201 & 202, Bayfield, WI (get directions)