Work With the Historian:
Narrative Route Planning
See the landscape through new eyes. Have a more memorable experience.
Most road trips across the Northwoods and around Lake Superior are seen through a windshield—beautiful, but silent. I'm Emily Macgillivray, a PhD-trained historian and veteran of the Circle Tour who taught field courses for college students about the watershed. I help you "read" the landscape.
When you understand the 1.1 billion-year-old geology, the industrial "ghost lines" in the forest, and the deep Indigenous history of the ground you stand on, you don’t just take a trip. You build a deeper connection to the water and the land.
Choose Your Journey
Option 1: The 1-Hour Route Strategy Session
Perfect for the DIY traveler who has their gear packed but feels "stuck" on the details.
Are you overwhelmed by choices? Not sure how much time to allot for the border crossing, or which "hidden gems" are actually worth the detour? In this one-hour focused session, we’ll look at your existing plan and I’ll provide the historian’s layer of insight.
What you get: A 60-minute video call to troubleshoot your route, identify must-see historical sites, and answer your specific questions about the North Shore, the U.P., or the Circle Tour.
Best for: Itinerary reviews, "responsible travel" tips, and narrow-focus history questions.
Investment: $150
Option 2: The Custom Narrative Itinerary
The ultimate, hassle-free experience for travelers who want a truly immersive, expertly curated journey.
I don't just give you a list of campsites and coffee shops. I build a Narrative Itinerary—a day-by-day guide that weaves historical context, geological highlights, and "reading the landscape" prompts directly into your route.
What you get: A fully customized, multi-day itinerary tailored to your interests. It includes curated stops, archival photos of the ruins or landscapes you’ll encounter, and specific "Historian’s Notes" to guide your perspective at every turn.
Best for: First-time Circle Tour travelers, family legacy trips, or anyone who wants the "Expert in the Passenger Seat" experience.
Investment: Custom pricing based on duration.
Why work with The Outdoors Historian?
I'm Emily Macgillivray. I was born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and I have deep family roots int he fur trade. I got my PhD from University of Michigan, and I currently live in Bayfield, Wisconsin. I have spent a decade in higher education teaching students how to engage with the world around them. Now, I bring that same rigor and passion to your personal travel. Whether we’re discussing an 18th-century fur trade route, the material culture of a 19th-century lighthouse or the resilience of the boreal forest, my goal is to help you travel with intention.
Not sure which one you need? Send me a quick message at [email protected] or subscribe to my Substack to see how I read the landscape.