Apostle Islands Kayak and Create Series: Natural Dyeing with Theresa Hornstein

Overview

Join us on a kayak tour of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore alongside a unique natural-dyeing workshop. Experience a series of sea kayaking, hiking day trips, and hands-on lessons from our Little Sand Bay Base Camp. So many day trip options await you on this popular Apostle Islands National Lakeshore offering just north of Bayfield, Wisconsin. Enjoy delicious food, experience breathtaking sunsets over Lake Superior, and listen to waves crash along the shore. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is great for beginning sea kayakers and seasoned paddlers alike.

In this hands-on workshop, we bridge the gap between archaeological history and modern ecology. You will explore natural textile dyes that humans have used for centuries based on historical evidence, while specifically highlighting how to utilize local invasive species to create these stunning palettes.

Many plants we now consider “undesirable” were originally brought to this country for a purpose—including their dyeing potential. In this workshop, there is no guilt about peeling bark or pulling up entire plants to create our dye baths! Through this process, participants will learn:

Plant Identification: Learn to spot local dye plants and invasive species in the wild.
Dye Techniques: Master the preparation of dye baths, mordanting fibers, and the use of modifiers to shift hues.
Natural History: Explore the ethical harvesting practices and the history of how these plants shaped textiles.
Hands-on Creation: Experiment with different methods for obtaining “lichen purples” and “soft reds” from the world around you.

What you’ll take home: Each participant will receive eight 25-yard skeins of yarn to dye in the colors of their choice—enough for several small projects. Whether you are a history buff or a sustainable crafter, you will leave with the skills and sources needed for further exploration into the world of natural color.

About your host: After 35 years teaching science, Theresa Hornstein now follows her passion for fiber arts and historic crafts. She currently teaches a range of fiber arts and natural dyes at folk schools and arts organizations around the region. Her latest book, Invasive Color: Using Invasive Species as Natural Dyes, was published in May 2025. Theresa serves on the board of Spirit of the Lake Community Arts and is a founding member of Nice Girls of the North, an artisan group.

Sample Itinerary

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Your trip starts in the early afternoon at Wilderness Inquiry's kayak base camp. Get settled into your campsite, participate in a sea kayak orientation, and begin to explore this area. This evening, get to know Theresa (your host for this adventure!) and learn more about invasive plant species, where to find and how to collect them ethically, safety while dyeing, and get started soaking dye materials. Theresa will provide a list of resources and additional books so participants can explore deeper learning with natural dyeing.

Review paddling skills with your guides and embark on a paddle tour of the Roman's Point Sea Caves. Return to base camp for lunch then dive into dyeing! With your trip mates, you’ll help set up dyepots, scour yarn, learn about the difference between preparing animal vs plant fibers, explore fast and fugitive dyes, and practice using mordants and modifiers for preparing fibers for dyeing.

After breakfast, paddle the iconic Mawikwe Sea Caves at Meyer's Beach. After lunch, we’ll return to base camp and continue our exploration of natural dyes. This afternoon, the group will set up the final dyepots, finish our projects from yesterday, and discuss methods for testing new plants, care for naturally-dyed fiber/fabric, and how to safely dispose of dye materials.

After breakfast, hike in the Cedar - Hemlock forest surrounding the basecamp before collecting your dried, hand-dyed materials. Enjoy one final Q&A with Theresa before departing after lunch.

Dates & Fees

2026 Dates	Fee	Registration
8/20-8/23/26	$800	Register Now

What to Expect

ACCOMMODATIONS: You will enjoy your stay at our Little Sand Bay Base Camp. At night you will sleep on comfortable cots in platform tents. Typically, there are 2-3 people per 4-person platform tent (other arrangements can be made). Our Little Sand Bay Base Camp has very nice bathrooms and shower facilities with hot water.

MEALS: We’ll enjoy preparing our meals together in our rustic base camp kitchens using fresh, healthy ingredients for bountiful dishes. Rise to the smell of freshly brewed coffee to enjoy with your breakfast of eggs, oatmeal, or granola. We’ll pack picnic lunches with hearty snacks before heading off to explore. In the evening, we’ll prepare our dinner together over stoves and campfires and then finish with s’mores or a glass of wine. If you have special dietary restrictions, be sure to list them on your registration.

ACTIVITIES ON YOUR TRIP: You will paddle in Current Design sea kayaks which hold 2 or 3 people plus all necessary gear. An average day’s travel consists of 2-6 paddling and/or hiking hours, depending on weather conditions. Travel distances vary from 4-6 miles each day. No previous sea kayaking experience is needed to complete this trip. All dyeing activities will be facilitated by Theresa and take place at our base camp.

YOUR GROUP: The group size ranges from 6 to 12 participants, plus 2 or more Wilderness Inquiry guides. Each group consists of people of various ages, backgrounds, and abilities, including people with disabilities. Our Apostle Islands kayak trips are cooperative adventures and people pitch in with camp chores as they are able.

EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING: Wilderness Inquiry will provide all group equipment. You will need to provide your personal gear as outlined in the packing list. If you are new to outdoor activities, you do not need to spend a lot of money. Wilderness Inquiry can usually arrange for you to borrow most items. For the dyeing activity, all materials needed will be provided to participants.

MEDICATIONS: Please list all of your medications on your registration form. Consider bringing two sets of your medications: one set that can be kept with you, and another set that will be kept by your trip leaders. If you need assistance taking your medications, please explain on your registration form. Wilderness Inquiry will bring a collection of over the counter medications (ibuprofen, Advil, anti-nausea, etc.).

CELL PHONES AND OTHER DEVICES: You are welcome to bring cell phones and other devices like cameras, but they are your responsibility to take care of. You may have inconsistent cell service, so we encourage you to take the opportunity to unplug! Wilderness Inquiry is not responsible for any lost or broken electronic devices.

SAFETY & EMERGENCIES WHILE ON TRAIL: All Wilderness Inquiry guides possess experience in administering First Aid, CPR, and Water Safety, carry fully-stocked first aid kits, GPS communication devices, and are trained on how to respond to emergency situations while on trail. If a loved one is participating in a Wilderness Inquiry experience and you need to get in contact with them due to an emergency, please contact the Wilderness Inquiry main phone line at (612) 676-9400. We will work to get in contact with trip leaders as soon as possible.

COVID POLICY: Wilderness Inquiry strongly encourages everyone to be fully up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccination and take other necessary steps for the health and wellness of all. We ask you to self-screen for any signs of illness prior to your trip’s departure. Please contact Wilderness Inquiry if you are exhibiting signs of illness.

GROUP EXPECTATIONS: To facilitate a safe and inclusive environment where we can all come together as our true selves, feel supported, and enjoy the outdoors in community, we have developed community agreements that align with Wilderness Inquiry’s core values and brand promise. We ask that you review these before your adventure so you can help Wilderness Inquiry create an inclusive environment for all.

COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS AS WE ADVENTURE TOGETHER

☐ We are safety-conscious so everyone can have fun!

☐ We seek to understand each other and celebrate our differences.

☐ We are curious, open-minded, and communicate respectfully.

☐ We are open to trying new things and pushing outside of our comfort zone.

☐ We support each other and collectively contribute to group tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Transportation

This trip begins at 1:30 PM at our Little Sand Bay Base Camp near Bayfield, WI, where parking is available. This trip ends at Little Sand Bay Base Camp at 1:30 PM. Detailed meeting place directions will be sent to you when you are confirmed for the trip. Booking a flight? We recommend flying in the night before your trip to Duluth or Minneapolis St. Paul airports, and flying out from Duluth after 5:30 PM and from Minneapolis St. Paul after 9:00 PM.