Learn more insights from Wanderboat AI.
Wenonah Park at World Friendship Shell
4.6
(707)
Painterly Pottery
4.8
(266)
Studio 23/The Arts Center
4.8
(63)
State Theatre
4.7
(260)
Tavern 101
4.4
(651)
Riverfront Grille and Lounge
4.5
(154)
Old City Hall
4.5
(657)
Gatsby's Seafood & Steakhouse
4.6
(703)
Update Summer 2024
So sad to see the Appledore docked this summer! We had such a lovely experience last year, and this vessel is a hidden gem for the Great Lakes Bay Region. Here's hoping it will make a comeback! Living by the Great Lakes, we need to support more water based programs like this.
Did the Bay City excursion. Friendly and knowledgeable crew. Few tips for this particular voyage:
3 hour trip: 1 hour motoring to the bay, 1 hour of sailing just outside the mouth, 1 hour motoring back
Use the bathroom ahead of time; no restroom except for emergencies (crew lives on vessel)
Can bring own snacks and beverages (no glass containers) but keep bags small and out of the way.
Bring cash if wanting to leave gratituity (plan for minimum of 3 crewmen)
Dress for the weather: extra layer, raincoat (weather changes frequently on the bay).
Do NOT use your cellphone on the evening tour on the way back through the channel. The screen light is a navigational hazard for the captain.
May want a blanket or bench cushion to sit on.
Wonder if more sailing is done at the other ports. The channel is rather long in Bay City before getting to the actual Bay. However, Bay City is convenient to get to with ample parking downtown (unless an event happening). That being said, it was still a wonderful experience and great program for the Great Lakes.
Interesting history about the...
Read more
This is like a wonderful “hidden secret” in Michigan. I had never heard of this BaySail and its excursions on its schooner until two weeks ago when I read about the outings on Rails to Trails while I was looking for biking trails with me. My daughter and I went on the Great Lakes 101 sail on July 31, and it was wonderful. The crew was knowledgeable and friendly. The price was entirely reasonable for a three hour outing. I will definitely return. Here is welcome practice: They do not sell food or beverages on board, but passengers are welcome to bring their own. I appreciate that I could bring a healthy lunch and water instead of paying high prices for the usual junk food sold at many public attractions. One “heads up”: we drove from Lansing and needed a restroom upon arrival. Unfortunately, Bay City’s public restrooms were closed even on a Saturday at 11 a.m. and (again) at 3 p.m. Be sure to stop somewhere before you arrive for your outing with Bay Sail. But, if you cannot find a place, the crew will let you use the facilities on the ship. Something else you should know is that Bay Sail is a non-profit organization. Funds from sailing excursions help provide sailing instruction for teenagers and education about the Great Lakes ecosystems for younger...
Read more
Camping over Labor Day weekend in East Tawas Michigan. We rode our bikes onto the pier downtown and saw the Appledore IV moored in the marina. Outside the ship was the sign showing sailing times for Monday Labor Day.
We shot back to the camp ground. Got five of us together and went online and booked the 6:30 pm sail.
Upon checkin. We were greeted very nicely by the crew. Took out seats and the voyage began. The peace of sailing can only be explained as you gotta do it. . . The efficiency of the crew from Brittany to Caroline to Frankie. And once under way. The joking and willingness to answer any and all questions we threw at them while sailing out of the bay into lake Huron.
Our two hour trip included a great sunset picture opportunity as well as some history about the ship and sailing throughout history.
We enjoyed this last minute decision and will surely do it again ! Thank you guys !
Cummins Family and...
Read more
