Home - Great Lakes Fisheries Heritage Trail

Fresh Stories

With support from America250MI, our Great Lakes Fisheries Heritage Trail Story Series explores how fisheries have shaped this region’s history, culture, economy, and identity. Through stories of people, fish, and stewardship, the series honors the heritage that connects our coastline and communities today.

Charter captains, changing lakes, and the legacy of Michigan’s charter fishing industry

Their boats work on different lakes, but their stories are deeply connected. That story is shaped by science, grounded in coastal communities, and sustained by captains who have adapted alongside the lakes themselves.

A Spectacular Salmon Story: Howard Tanner and a Changing Great Lakes

When Howard Tanner took over Michigan’s Fish Division in 1964, the Great Lakes were in crisis. Native fish were disappearing, invasive species were taking over, and decades of damage had pushed the system to a breaking point.

Feeding the War Effort: Michigan’s Great Lakes Fisheries and World War II

For America’s 250th, explore how Great Lakes fisheries helped shape Michigan’s history—and how that legacy still lives on in the people, places, and traditions of our coastline.

Start Your Journey

Plan visits, find resources for the classroom, or dive into the stories and science of Great Lakes fisheries. This site connects you to places, people, and history across the region.

Explore

Browse our interactive map to find Great Lakes fisheries heritage sites and attractions — from museums and historic landmarks to fish markets and restaurants.

Learn

Go deep into Great Lakes fisheries heritage using this curated list of materials — including audio, videos, books, and more — that have been curated for independent learning.

Teach

Find stories that help teachers deepen student understanding of Great Lakes topics, as well as lessons, resources, and media to support meaningful, connected learning.