LLO Science on Deck

Free Vessel Tours and Presentations

Every summer, the Large Lakes Observatory hosts Science On Deck events 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 any of the Great Lakes. These tours are offered on a monthly basis during the sailing season (about five times a year) and LLO started hosting them in the spring of 2013.

Upcoming 2023 event dates are: 

  • N/A - May 19 (11am-3pm) Capacity met/Full.
  • June 30 (11am-3pm) docked at the Great Lakes Aquarium
  • August 04 (11am-3pm) docked at Pier B
  • September 29 (11am-3pm) docked at Pier B

The boat is docked for these on board tours behind the Great Lakes Aquarium or Pier B in Duluth's harbor.  

Science On Deck Details

During Science On Deck, we tie up near the Great Lakes Aquarium and extend the gangway so the public can come aboard from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 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.

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.

 

Science Comes Alive

Every summer, the Large Lakes Observatory hosts Science On Deck events for the public. The 2023 dates are on May 19, June 30, July 28 and September 29. This is an opportunity to learn about the Large Lakes Observatory, the Research Vessel Blue Heron, and the research being done.

During Science On Deck, the ship ties up near the Great Lakes Aquarium and extends the gangway so the public can come aboard from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 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.

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.

The Blue Heron is part of the University National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS), and is chartered by research scientists to explore any of the Great Lakes. These tours are offered on a monthly basis during the sailing season (about five times a year) and we started hosting them in the spring of 2013.