Stay Tuned — Launching Late Summer 2026
A refreshed Great Lakes Fisheries Heritage Trail website is on the horizon. Soon, you’ll find new ways to explore the culture, activities, science, cuisine, and people connected to Great Lakes fisheries.
Plus, we’re adding more resources and stories to help teachers deepen student understanding of Great Lakes topics.
The Waiting Room: Explore Fisheries Stories
While you wait for our updated site to take shape, read a few stories from our Great Lakes heritage. You’ll find more features like these—as well as an interactive directory of activities, teaching resources, and media —when the new site launches.
The ‘Turtle Back’ Gill Net Tug
Explore the vessels, the fisherman, and the fishing stories of the iconic Great Lakes gill net tug.
The Ancient and Storied Lake Sturgeon
Lake Sturgeon swam with dinosaurs and swim with us still today!
A Good Boat – The Mackinaw
Mackinaw Boats played a pivotal role in the transition of historic Upper Great Lakes fisheries.
About the Great Lakes Fisheries Heritage Trail
A Regional Network and Partnership
The Great Lakes Fisheries Heritage Trail reflects a network and partnership among museums and historical institutions, maritime heritage and fisheries sites, and government partners cooperating across Michigan and the Great Lakes region to promote and protect our rich fisheries history and heritage. The collective efforts of these partners is helping to preserve and interpret historical artifacts, enhance local communities and heritage-based tourism, and offer educational opportunities focusing on Great Lakes literacy and stewardship.
Get Involved or Get in Touch
If you would like to learn more, have ideas to share or simply want to get your organization or community involved with this network and partnership, please connect with us!
