Adventure Vacations

About Us

Guide Profiles

Karen Nicholas - In 2002 Karen started the concept of Adventure Vacations with a concept to share the natural outdoors and cultural experiences that come from living with nature. She wants to share that experience with people who wouldn't have the resources to that experience on their own. Starting with travel planning and travel agent, Karen evolved the business in a specialty travel guiding business into a brick and mortar business on Madeline Island. She grew up in Alexandria, MN. Attended College at Macalester and the U of M, Minneapolis. Ten years corporate experience gave Karen the skill set to offer Adventure Vacations in every capacity they offer experiential nature and cultural learning experiences for people of all ages.

Mike Simon - Captain Mike Simon joined the Adventure Vacation team in 2009. Mike comes from a family of boaters (and captains) and has spent much of his life racing sailboats on waters all over North America. When not driving or working on the Adventure Vacations boats he owns and operates his advertising business www.GoldenNotions.com.

Jeff Janacek - Captain Jeff Janacek has a USCG 100 ton master's license, certified for the Great Lakes and the ocean. He has been taking people out on Lake Superior since 1996, the most experienced Adventure Vacations tour captain. He also operates overnight, all inclusive charters through "Apostle Trawlers" on his luxurious 36' trawler. He can't wait to share all he knows about cruising the Apostle Islands and Isle Royale with Adventure Vacation clients. He is known for his concerns for safety and a twisted sense of humor." Modify this as you see fit, even my shameless self promotion.

Brenda Schute - Brenda grew up in New Brighton, MN. While growing up, her family spent many weekends going on camping trips and to the family's cabin. Brenda spent her summers, working for the city, running the youth programs. After graduating from high school, she traveled north to St. Cloud State to study Recreation Administration and Sports Management with an Outdoor Education and Coaching Minor. While at SCSU, Brenda was the student manager of the Outdoor Endeavors Center and the High Ropes Course. She led outdoor trips, camping, canoeing, skiing, and biking trips. She also was head facilitator at the Husky High Ropes Course where she led groups of 10-150 people, through team building activities and on high rope challenges. In the winter months, you will find Brenda at a local hockey rink. She coaches the North Dakota State University Women's Hockey team and officiates youth hockey in the Fargo/Moorhead Area.

Lynsey Duke comes to Adventure Vacations with a passion for the outdoors and an active lifestyle. Growing up in Minnesota, she has years experience on the water, snow, and in the wilderness. I spent my summers learning about the outdoors while camping the Apostle Islands, hiking Isle Royale and exploring Minnesota's North Shore. I look forward to an amazing season on the water as lead kayak guide and very excited to be part of Adventure Vacations new youth programs. I have one year left at Minnesota State University, Mankato and will graduate with a degree in Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Services. My latest summer adventures are Scuba Diving, Stand Up Paddle boarding, and Slacklining! Lynsey's energy for the outdoors will inspire you!

Jennifer Pirrera - Jennifer came on board last year with Adventure Vacations to help grow the business! She brings with her twelve years of experience working with youth and project management, and a love for the outdoors, especially Stand Up Paddling! Though she works in Minneapolis, she is able to join the adventure on weekends, and loves to work the shop and collaborate with clients to ensure they have a fantastic experience with the business - whether it be a tour, purchase, or program in which they participate. She is also a Math Tutor on the side, so if you want some math fun while vacationing (or back in the cities), please let her know! :) (here you are welcome to have him link to my linked in page - if he googles jen pirrera, it will come up).