LLO Science on Deck

Blue Heron

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 2026 event dates:

  • Friday, June 26, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.: Featuring guided tours by research vessel crew and interaction with graduate students presenting freshwater research displays. 
    • Catherine O'Reilly, PhD, director of the Large Lakes Observatory, will present “Underwater Soundscapes” at 1:30 p.m.
    • Location: Pier B Resort, 800 W. Railroad St., Duluth.

 

  • Friday, July 17, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.: A collaborative “Libraries Love Lakes” event with the Duluth Public Library. 
    Includes crew-led tours, graduate student displays, and special guest author appearances:
    • 11:30 a.m.: Alex Messenger presenting about his book, The Ice on the Lake
    • 1:30 p.m.: Margi Preus with the Enchantment Lake Teen Book Club, preregistration required
    • Location: (DECC) Twin Ports Harbor near the Great Lakes Aquarium, 353 Harbor Dr., Duluth.

 

  • Friday, August 28, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.: Free public tours and research displays. 
    • At 1:30 p.m., Craig Hill, PhD, will present "The Waves on the Great Lakes: Energy and Observations". 
    • Location: (DECC) Twin Ports Harbor near the Great Lakes Aquarium, 353 Harbor Dr., Duluth.

 

  • Friday, September 18, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.: Free public tours and research displays. 
    • At 1:30 p.m., Ted Ozersky, PhD, will present "What Lakes Do In Winter". 
    • Location: (DECC) Twin Ports Harbor near the Great Lakes Aquarium, 353 Harbor Dr., Duluth.

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.