What to Expect
Our floating classroom, the StewardShip, provides a fun and informative tour of Cross Lake that includes respectful (and exhilarating) observation of loons as well as lessons about the actions we can take to conserve loons and freshwater ecosystems. There are plenty of activities and teachings aboard the StewardShip to learn why and how to value the natural world we live in.
- Common Loon sightings
- Water quality & transparency testing activities
- Contribution via observation & documentation to our critical loon research
- An expanded knowledge of loons, freshwater ecosystems, the National Loon Center, the Cross Lake Recreation Area and Pine River Dam, and the history of the Whitefish Chain and Upper Mississippi Headwaters System.
- A refined or newly discovered passion for conservation ethics and stewardship of the environment
Logistics
The StewardShip departs from its designated dock at the Cross Lake Recreation Area promptly at 9am. Tours are two hours in length. Please arrive at the docks at least ten minutes early to check in. Off-site parking is available nearby in the town, so please be prepared to enjoy a brief walk to the docks.
Cross Lake Recreation Area
35507 County Road 66
Crosslake, MN 56442
Departs from public docks
Tour runs clockwise around Cross Lake
Thursday, Friday, Saturday
9am – 11am
Please arrive at the docks at least 10 minutes early
What to Bring…
- Proof of reservation confirmation
- Water
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Motion sickness medication
Rain Checks
Important! We are careful about our excursions on the water, and we take the weather seriously. When the forecast appears threatening, we may cancel excursions due to heavy rain, thunderstorms or windy conditions. We will do our best to notify passengers of rain checks at least 24 hours in advance. The StewardShip’s captain reserves the right to cancel any excursion due to unforeseen weather conditions up until the moment of departure or shorten an excursion for safety purposes. Use the buttons below to view the weather and wind forecasts in Crosslake to help plan your excursion.
Reserve Your Spot
StewardShip Tour
Thu-Sat | 9-11 am
Our floating classroom, the StewardShip, provides a fun and informative tour of Cross Lake that includes respectful (and exhilarating) observation of loons as well as lessons about the actions we can take to conserve loons and freshwater ecosystems.
Junior Loon Biologist (Ages 7-12)
Tuesdays, July 11, 18, & 25 | 8:00-11:00am
Learn what a day in the life of a biologist would look like, collecting real data on Common Loons on the Whitefish Chain to aid in conservation efforts! Wednesday-Friday, kids ages 1-10 are also welcome to join the Fun in the Park at the Community Center! Sign up for Fun in the Park here.