Science on Deck
Every summer, the Large Lakes Observatory hosts Science On Deck events, offering free public tours and presentations on the research vessel (R/V) Blue Heron. The Blue Heron is part of the University National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS), and is chartered by research scientists to explore the Great Lakes.
Upcoming 2025 event dates:
- 6/27/2025: Professor Cody Sheik (11am - 3pm, Pier B Resort)
- 7/01/2025: Science on Deck at Duluth Navy Days (10am - 3pm, DECC)
- 7/30/2025: Science on Deck at Freshwater Discovery Day (2 - 4pm, Pier B Resort)
- 7/31/2025: Science on Deck at Finn Fest (11am - 3pm, DECC)
- 8/22/2025: Professor Elizabeth Austin-Minor for UMD Welcome Week (11am - 3pm, Pier B Resort)
- 9/19/2025: Professor Craig Hill (11am - 3pm, DECC)
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., presentations at 1:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted
Locations: Pier B Resort (800 W Railroad St, Duluth MN) or Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) (350 Harbor Dr, Duluth MN)
Tours are free and open to the public, no registration required.
Science On Deck Details:
During Science On Deck, we tie up at Pier B in Duluth's harbor and extend the gangway so the public can come aboard. Tours are provided by scientists, crew, and students to provide an overview of the R/V Blue Heron's layout and research capabilities. A variety of scientists prepare and present results of large lakes studies under a canopy on deck at each event, too. Each scientist will answer questions on a related topic and share photos, graphs, equipment and samples. These tours have been offered throughout the sailing season since the spring of 2013.
If you have a group interested in participating in Science On Deck, please contact Lisa Sundberg at [email protected] to let us know more details.
We can make accommodations for large groups and design extra activities if we know of your arrival in advance.