On the Road with the Great Lakes Odyssey: Exploring Parks, Making Connections, and Inspiring Students

The Great Lakes Odyssey has been an amazing journey so far! We've been lucky enough to visit some incredible national parks along the shores of the Great Lakes, and it's been a blast working alongside the rangers, volunteers, and students who have joined us.

Our stops at Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, Indiana Dunes National Park, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore have been unforgettable. The rangers and volunteers welcomed us with open arms, sharing their knowledge and passion for these special places.

At Perry’s Victory, we learned about the Battle of Lake Erie and the ongoing efforts to tackle harmful algal blooms (HABs). The rangers were not only welcoming but also helped us create some cool educational experiences. They really inspired us—and the students—to think about what it means to protect these waters.

Indiana Dunes was just as eye-opening. The rangers and volunteers there introduced us to so many ecosystems, from the dunes to the wetlands. Their dedication to conserving the park’s biodiversity was contagious. It made our hands-on activities even more meaningful, as the students got to see firsthand how nature’s beauty and balance depend on everyone doing their part.

Then there was Pictured Rocks. The breathtaking cliffs and vast expanse of Lake Superior stole our hearts! The rangers walked us through this stunning landscape while explaining the importance of preserving such an incredible environment. Their knowledge really clicked with the students, who left feeling more connected to nature and aware of how our actions affect these wild places.

One of the most exciting parts of the Odyssey is teaming up with Save the Dunes, the Great Lakes Research and Education Center, and the National Park Foundation. Working together with these awesome organizations has helped us reach more students and show them the wonders of the Great Lakes. So far, we’ve connected with over 5,000 students—and we’re just getting started!

We can’t wait to keep the adventure rolling. There are so many more students to meet, parks to explore, and stories to share. Here's to more fun, learning, and making a difference as we continue our Great Lakes Odyssey!