All Aboard! Program

Great Lakes Experiences for All

Discovery Pier collaborates with nonprofit and for-profit partners to provide free boat-based experiences for under-resourced youth and adults living with disabilities. These experiences include Great Lakes fishing charters, tour boat cruises, and sailing aboard a tall ship. All experiences achieve the goal of connecting participants to the water and many participants actually experience their very first boat ride on the Great Lakes.

We believe that physical barriers should never prevent someone from getting on the water. We work with our sailing partners to ensure barrier-free dock and boat access, including wheelchair lifts and ramps that can accommodate participants of all abilities.

Participants are selected through local community organizations that serve youth and people living with disabilities. Please contact us if your organization is interested in partnering.

“Discovery Pier has provided both my Little Sister and me with unique and fun opportunities this summer.  We thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon fishing trip with Alonzo and crew.  Every person on the boat caught a fish and we were even able to take home our fileted trout!  The second experience was a ride aboard the Tall Ship Manitou.  The crew was fun and engaging, allowing us to lend a hand in raising the sails as well as providing a lot of great info and commentary on the ship and sailing.  As part of Big Brothers Big Sisters, we  are so grateful to Discovery Pier for the unparalleled opportunities they provide to get out on the water and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us here in Northern Michigan.”

— Susan, Mentor at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan

  • Manitou sailboat

  • A Big and Little pose with a fish they've caught

  • Participants help raise the sails

  • Participants onboard the Manitou

  • The Discovery boat docked

  • A participant board the Manitou in a wheelchair

  • The Althea sailboat leaves the dock