Reviews from Past Participants —

Isle Royale–Keweenaw Courses

John & Ann Mahan, Instructors

Reviews from 2023 & 2024 Participants

“Such a rare type of adventure these days in which nature, knowledge and joy are served up in equal measure.”
— 2024 participant

“An absolutely wonderful learning experience. A perfectly planned program led by knowledgeable experts with great social skills. And such a fun, interesting group of co-travelers!”

— Grant from MI, 2024

“You exceeded all my expectations. … What a great time with a diverse, intelligent and friendly group of travelers. I enjoyed my time spent in the forest, on the trails and the educational experience of the whole village…Exceptional instructors, very knowledgeable about so many facets about Isle Royale…Depth of information of guides more than astounding.”

— Ebie from IL, 2024

“I couldn't have had a better trip! I want to do that week all over again!  It was wonderful." 

— Carol from MI, 2024

“I loved everything about the course--the instructors, the participants, the content and activities.”
— 2024 participant

“This was well worth the 3-year wait!”
— Pat from WI, 2023

“This is an all-5’s trip rating. Great location, hiking, meals, accommodations, presentations, everything — and most of all, Ann and John are so pleasant and caring, such amazing people…I am so, so glad we came on your trip.”
— Glenn from PA, 2023

“This has been one of my top 3 trips to a national park with a group. Outstanding.”
— Teresa from AK, 2023

“This was my second trip to Isle Royale with the Mahans. Each trip was perfectly planned and managed. They are such great welcomers to all. The knowledge shared was interesting and in depth. What a joy to be able to travel with them again.”
— Tracey from MI, 2023

“This trip exceeded my expectations. Isle Royale was part of the reason for that and so were Ann and John.” 
— David from WI, 2023

“Everything was excellent! I can’t imagine how it could be any better.”
— Mary from WI, 2023

“Thank you for sharing your love of Isle Royale along with your vast knowledge of the geology, biology, ecology, and history of the island and Lake Superior. Also for being patient, kind, encouraging and supportive no matter what the challenge.”
— Jean from FL, 2023

Reviews from Participants 2019 and Earlier

“A great program. Isle Royale was wonderful. John and Ann Mahan were the best instructor hosts we have ever had. And, as always, our fellow travelers added greatly to the experience. If you enjoy history, hiking, nature and water this is a must.”
— John from MA

“Everything about this trip was perfect. The leaders were knowledgeable, and very helpful. They know the island inside and out…fantastic leaders. Weather was great, lodging was good, meals were incredible. Wonderful experience from beginning to end.”
— Diana from OH

“This might be the best program of the 21 I've been on. I loved being able to access parts of a wilderness on foot and by boat. I loved staying at the lodge (a moose came by a couple of evenings) and seeing sunrise over the water from my balcony. This is a really special place, and the guides, John and Ann, are able to help each participant see and experience what is important to them.”
— Constance from IL

“:I just returned from the Isle Royale trip — what a thrill! The weather was perfect, the days long and sunny. John & Ann Mahan were superb! A great mix of hiking, boat trips, free time, and as always the company was unique and interesting. I would do this again in a heartbeat.”
— Isabel from IL

“We enjoyed this program very much. Ann and John Mahan were outstanding leaders and guides.”
— Mary from IL

“Visiting Isle Royale has been on my to-do list for decades and I have been considering this particular trip for a two years. Glad my wife and I finally made the long drive to/from Houghton, Michigan, with a few extra days added to visit Pictured Rocks. Trip leads are excellent and the educational component was the best I have encountered in an active program. The boat trip went faster than expected, primarily because of excellent presentations on the way to and from Isle Royale. Because my wife and I are strong hikers the trip leaders suggested options that allowed us to fit in an independent 10 mile hike and a delightful paddle/hike. Considering cost or arranging lodging/food at Isle Royale and transportation to/from Isle Royale this program is a ‘best buy.’”
— Wayne from SC

“I have been on 26 programs and this rates as one of the very best, mainly because of the expertise and caring nature of our two instructors. They treasure Isle Royale and this came through in every aspect of our adventure there. Thank you, Ann and John Mahan.”
— Donald from OH

”Excellent program. The leaders were excellent, and the other participants were friendly and interesting.”
— Steven from WI

“I would highly recommend this program to anyone who enjoys a physical challenge, wants to enjoy a wilderness experience, and enjoys nature. Ann and John Mahan will share their love and knowledge of Isle Royale and you will come back having learned a lot and experienced much thanks to their guidance!”
— Susan from MI

“With the leaders, organizational details, and natural beauty being impressive, this trip was well worth the effort to get there. Outdoor people who enjoy a bit of a hiking challenge without being exhausted will find this a rewarding program.”
— Karen from OH

“The Isle Royale trip led by Ann and John Mahan was great. You can't ask for better trip leaders than the Mahans. The trip was well described…and lived up to my expectations. Go for it.”
— Ward from GA

“An absolutely fabulous program. What a beautiful wilderness area that was easily accessible.”
— Susan from MI

“The Isle Royale adventure was everything they promised it to be. A great learning and exploring of the wilderness. I would highly recommend this trip.”
— Nancy from MI

“Our leaders, John and Ann Mahan's love of the Island was very evident in wanting to share their knowledge in lectures, slide presentations, and field trips. A great trip!”
— Bernie from KY

“Excellent program run by Ann and John Mahan. They thought of everything. Logistics were impressive, scenery beautiful, and accommodations comfortable.”
— Linda from MO

“The Isle Royale trip/adventure is worth your time if you value nature, remoteness, the joy of daily gifts from nature, a sense of the past being in the present. The instructors Ann and John Mahan are excellent and impart their joy and love of the Island in all they do. This Island is a treasure as National Park for wolves and moose research and for personal renewal.”
— Don from MI

“A wonderful place for a single person to safely get out and experience wilderness and its beauty.”
— Eleanor from MN

“The trip to Isle Royale is a wonderful experience.”
— Jeff from CA

“If you have ever thought about visiting this wonderful, but hard to get to, park, this is a great way to do it. Ann and John Mahan are fantastic tour leaders and instructors. They have lost count of how many times they have been to Isle Royale, so they know just about anything you might ask. Moreover, they are very friendly and helpful, and the programs and lectures they give are insightful and quite interesting. The tour of the Keweenaw before going to the island provides a nice extra about the history and geography of a not often visited part of Michigan. Accommodations on Isle Royale are basic, but are the only place on the island to stay. However, the chef went out of his way to meet our requests and provide tasty and varied meals in spite of being limited to using what comes over on the boat twice a week.”
— Mark from VA

“We thoroughly enjoyed every activity in this special program and considered it a privilege to visit the very special Isle Royale. John and Ann Mahan knew all aspects of the area thoroughly, and were as nice as they were capable. They have inspired us to re-read their book, and return to the area.”
— Judy from WA

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