Off the Beaten Path adds 9-day Great Lakes Northwoods trip

Off the Beaten Path has launched Splendid Superior, a new 9-day small-group adventure through Duluth, the Apostle Islands, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Isle Royale National Park. The itinerary is open for 2027 departures and starts at $8,595 per person for groups capped at 16 travelers.

Why it matters: - Splendid Superior targets travelers who want remote nature, guided interpretation and easier logistics in one trip. - The route links some of the most distinctive Lake Superior destinations, including Isle Royale National Park, one of the least-visited national parks in the U.S. - The program adds another small-group option to the market for national park and wilderness travel.

What happened: - Off the Beaten Path launched Splendid Superior, a 9-day, 8-night Small Group Adventure through the Great Lakes Northwoods. - The itinerary runs from Duluth, Minnesota, through the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Isle Royale National Park. - Off the Beaten Path said the trip is open for booking for 2027 departures. - Available departure dates are June 28–July 6, August 28–September 5 and September 7–15.

The details: - The trip starts in Duluth and continues to Bayfield, Wisconsin, for a scenic cruise through the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. - Guests will see sandstone cliffs, sea caves, beaches, lighthouses and maritime history along Lake Superior. - The route then moves into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, with time in Copper Harbor before a ferry to Isle Royale National Park. - Isle Royale is accessible only by boat or seaplane. - The park includes forests, rocky ridges, inland lakes and more than 450 surrounding islands. - Travelers will spend three nights at Rock Harbor Lodge. - Planned activities include guided hikes, naturalist interpretation, optional canoeing and kayaking, and time along Lake Superior’s shoreline. - The itinerary also covers Isle Royale’s moose and wolf population study, one of the longest-running predator-prey studies in the world. - In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the trip includes Keweenaw National Historical Park and copper mining history. - Lodging includes a restored 1880s brewery complex in Duluth, a boutique hotel in Bayfield and a national park lodge on Isle Royale. - Pricing starts at $8,595 per person based on double occupancy. - The maximum group size is 16 travelers. - More information is available on the company’s announcement.

Between the lines: - The itinerary mixes active outdoor travel with cultural and historical storytelling. - The pitch centers on Lake Superior’s isolation, which can be a selling point for travelers looking for quieter, less crowded national park experiences. - The focus on local insight and naturalist-led interpretation suggests the trip is aimed at premium travelers who want context, not just access.

What's next: - Off the Beaten Path will sell the new itinerary ahead of the 2027 travel season. - Travelers can begin planning by calling 800-445-2995 or emailing info@offthebeatenpath.com. - The company also directs travelers to its website for additional tour details.