August 2009 Lighthouse Excursions

Monday, August 3rd - 2:00pm to 5:00pm
Westbound Straits of Mackinac Lighthouse Cruise
Departing from Shepler's Mackinaw City dock, you'll bear west past historic Old Mackinac Point Light for a spectacular view of the Mighty Mackinac Bridge.   Get your cameras ready to photograph the girders and superstructure of the bridge above your head as the captain slows the boat for this rare photo opportunity.  A 20 mile westward run brings you to White Shoal Light with its trademark red and white candy-stripe daymark.  Next we head to the south to view Gray's Reef Light built in 1936 and then the boat will double back to the forbidding Waugoshance Light with its birdcage lantern.  As we head back eastward, the boat will pass as close as possible to the St. Helena Island Light Station, an ongoing GLLKA restoration project, before heading back under the Mackinac Bridge to Mackinaw City. This cruise is hosted by Shepler's Lighthouse Cruises, with GLLKA experts serving as your guides, providing narration and answers to questions throughout the cruise. Cruise direction could change due to severe weather.  The cruise is $52.50  per person, children 5 - 12 years - $40.50, and children under 5 ride free.  Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling Shepler's at (800) 828-6157 or (231) 436-5023 or you can order tickets online by clicking here.

Tuesday August 4 - 9:30am to 4:15pm
Lunch at St. Helena Island Lighthouse
Travel to beautiful St. Helena Island, six miles west of the Mackinac Bridge, for an all-day tour of its restored lighthouse compound.  The cruise departs Shepler's Mackinaw City dock at 9:30am, returns around 4:15 pm and includes lunch on the island.  As you pass under the mighty Mackinac Bridge, you will soon go back in time to 1912.  On the horizon, the tall white tower of the St. Helena Light Station will appear.  Shortly, the boat will be moored off shore and we will transport you to the dock aboard a motor-driven dinghy.  You will be given a tour of the keeper's dwelling and grounds before the lunch bell rings and your historic lunch is served in the boathouse.  After the meal you will have time to explore, hike the beach, climb the tower, or just relax in a lawn chair and watch the freighters pass by.  Cost for GLLKA members is $145 per person.  Non-members should add an additional $35 for a 1-year individual membership or $50 for a 1-year family membership.  Click HERE to download a more complete description of this excursion in Adobe PDF format. To register, please call the GLLKA office at 231 436-5580 during office hours

Wednesday, August 5th -11:30am to 3:30pm
Special Extended Eastbound Straits of Mackinac Lighthouse Cruise.
As you leave Shepler's Mackinaw City dock, you will be treated to a rare view of the Mackinac Bridge as your ship passes directly beneath the superstructure.  Then heading east into Lake Huron, you'll head through the narrow passage between Round Island Light and Round Island Passage Light as you view the Grand Hotel and Mackinac Island on the port side.  A bit farther east you pass Bois Blanc Light, built in 1829, and then you will head to the elusive Spectacle Reef lighthouse. After viewing Spectacle Reef, you will head west to Poe Reef Light painted with its black and white bands.  On to Fourteen Foot Shoal Light where you can easily see the bottom of Lake Huron beneath the boat.  A quick run up the Cheboygan River takes you past the Cheboygan Crib Light and the Cheboygan River Front Range Light, an ongoing GLLKA restoration project.  We will pass by the mooring of the new Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw and if she is in port, you will see her there.  As you head back to Mackinaw City, you will view the permanent home of the retired cutter Mackinaw (WAGB83) before returning to the Shepler's dock.  This cruise is hosted by Shepler's Lighthouse Cruises, with GLLKA experts serving as your guides, providing narration and answers to questions throughout the cruise.  Cruise direction could change due to severe weather.  The cost is $68.00 for adults, and $52.25 for Children (5-12 years), with children under 5 years riding free, and includes a boxed lunch and soft drink for all guests.  Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling Shepler's at (800) 828-6157 or (231) 436-5023 or you can order tickets online by clicking here.

Thursday, August 6th - 11:30am to 3:30pm
Special Extended Westbound Straits of Mackinac Lighthouse Cruise
Departing from Shepler's Mackinaw City dock, you'll bear west past historic Old Mackinac Point Light for a spectacular view of the Mighty Mackinac Bridge.   Get your cameras ready to photograph the girders and superstructure of the bridge above your head as the captain slows the boat for this rare photo opportunity.  A 20 mile westward run brings you to White Shoal Light with its trademark red and white candy-stripe daymark.  Next we head to the south to view Gray's Reef Light built in 1936 and then on to view Skilligalee (Ile aux Galets) lighthouse. We then double back north to the forbidding Waugoshance Light with its birdcage lantern.  As we head back eastward, the boat will pass as close as possible to the St. Helena Island Light Station, an ongoing GLLKA restoration project, before heading back under the Mackinac Bridge to Mackinaw City.  This cruise is hosted by Shepler's Lighthouse Cruises, with GLLKA experts serving as your guides, providing narration and answers to questions throughout the cruise.  Cruise direction could change due to severe weather.  The cost is $68.00 for adults, and $52.25 for Children (5-12 years), with children under 5 years riding free, and includes a boxed lunch and soft drink for all guests. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling Shepler's at (800) 828-6157 or (231) 436-5023 or you can order tickets online by clicking here.

Saturday, August 8th  - 12:00pm to 3:00pm
Westbound Straits of Mackinac Lighthouse Cruise
Departing from Shepler's Mackinaw City dock, you'll bear west past historic Old Mackinac Point Light for a spectacular view of the Mighty Mackinac Bridge.   Get your cameras ready to photograph the girders and superstructure of the bridge above your head as the captain slows the boat for this rare photo opportunity.  A 20 mile westward run brings you to White Shoal Light with its trademark red and white candy-stripe daymark.  Next we head to the south to view Gray's Reef Light built in 1936 and then the boat will double back to the forbidding Waugoshance Light with its birdcage lantern.  As we head back eastward, the boat will pass as close as possible to the St. Helena Island Light Station, an ongoing GLLKA restoration project, before heading back under the Mackinac Bridge to Mackinaw City.  This cruise is hosted by Shepler's Lighthouse Cruises, with GLLKA experts serving as your guides, providing narration and answers to questions throughout the cruise. Cruise direction could change due to severe weather.  The cruise is $52.50 per person, children 5 - 12 years - $40.50, and children under 5 ride free.  Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling Shepler's at (800) 828-6157 or (231) 436-5023 or you can order tickets online by clicking here.

Tuesday, August 11th - 2:00pm to 5:00pm
Eastbound Straits of Mackinac Lighthouse Cruise
As you leave Shepler's Mackinaw City dock, you will be treated to a rare view of the Mackinac Bridge as your ship passes directly beneath the superstructure.  Then heading east into Lake Huron, you'll head through the narrow passage between Round Island Light and Round Island Passage Light as you view the Grand Hotel and Mackinac Island on the port side.  A bit farther east you pass Bois Blanc Light, built in 1829, and then you will head south to Poe Reef Light painted with its black and white bands.  On to Fourteen Foot Shoal Light where you can easily see the bottom of Lake Huron beneath the boat.  A quick run up the Cheboygan River takes you past the Cheboygan Crib Light and the Cheboygan River Front Range Light, an ongoing GLLKA restoration project.  We will pass by the mooring of the new Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw and if she is in port, you will see her there.  As you head back to Mackinaw City, you will view the permanent home of the retired cutter Mackinaw (WAGB83) before returning to the Shepler's dock.  This cruise is hosted by Shepler's Lighthouse Cruises, with GLLKA experts serving as your guides, providing narration and answers to questions throughout the cruise..  Cruise direction could change due to severe weather.  The cruise is $52.50  per person, children 5 - 12 years - $40.50 , and children under 5 ride free.  Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling Shepler's at (800) 828-6157 or (231) 436-5023 or you can order tickets online by clicking here.

Saturday, August 15th - 1:30pm to 4:30pm
Eastbound Straits of Mackinac Lighthouse Cruise
As you leave Shepler's Mackinaw City dock, you will be treated to a rare view of the Mackinac Bridge as your ship passes directly beneath the superstructure.  Then heading east into Lake Huron, you'll head through the narrow passage between Round Island Light and Round Island Passage Light as you view the Grand Hotel and Mackinac Island on the port side.  A bit farther east you pass Bois Blanc Light, built in 1829, and then you will head south to Poe Reef Light painted with its black and white bands.  On to Fourteen Foot Shoal Light where you can easily see the bottom of Lake Huron beneath the boat.  A quick run up the Cheboygan River takes you past the Cheboygan Crib Light and the Cheboygan River Front Range Light, an ongoing GLLKA restoration project.  We will pass by the mooring of the new Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw and if she is in port, you will see her there.  As you head back to Mackinaw City, you will view the permanent home of the retired cutter Mackinaw (WAGB83) before returning to the Shepler's dock.  This cruise is hosted by Shepler's Lighthouse Cruises, with GLLKA experts serving as your guides, providing narration and answers to questions throughout the cruise.  Cruise direction could change due to severe weather.  The cruise is $52.50  per person, children 5 - 12 years - $40.50 , and children under 5 ride free.  Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling Shepler's at (800) 828-6157 or (231) 436-5023 or you can order tickets online by clicking here.

Monday, August 17th - 2:00pm to 5:00pm
Westbound Straits of Mackinac Lighthouse Cruise
Departing from Shepler's Mackinaw City dock, you'll bear west past historic Old Mackinac Point Light for a spectacular view of the Mighty Mackinac Bridge.   Get your cameras ready to photograph the girders and superstructure of the bridge above your head as the captain slows the boat for this rare photo opportunity.  A 20 mile westward run brings you to White Shoal Light with its trademark red and white candy-stripe daymark.  Next we head to the south to view Gray's Reef Light built in 1936 and then the boat will double back to the forbidding Waugoshance Light with its birdcage lantern.  As we head back eastward, the boat will pass as close as possible to the St. Helena Island Light Station, an ongoing GLLKA restoration project, before heading back under the Mackinac Bridge to Mackinaw City.  This cruise is hosted by Shepler's Lighthouse Cruises, with GLLKA experts serving as your guides, providing narration and answers to questions throughout the cruise.  The cruise is $52.50  per person, children 5 - 12 years - $40.50, and children under 5 ride free. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling Shepler's at (800) 828-6157 or (231) 436-5023 or you can order tickets online by clicking here.

Wednesday, August 19th - 1:30pm to 4:30pm
Eastbound Straits of Mackinac Lighthouse Cruise
As you leave Shepler's Mackinaw City dock, you will be treated to a rare view of the Mackinac Bridge as your ship passes directly beneath the superstructure.  Then heading east into Lake Huron, you'll head through the narrow passage between Round Island Light and Round Island Passage Light as you view the Grand Hotel and Mackinac Island on the port side.  A bit farther east you pass Bois Blanc Light, built in 1829, and then you will head south to Poe Reef Light painted with its black and white bands.  On to Fourteen Foot Shoal Light where you can easily see the bottom of Lake Huron beneath the boat.  A quick run up the Cheboygan River takes you past the Cheboygan Crib Light and the Cheboygan River Front Range Light, an ongoing GLLKA restoration project.  We will pass by the mooring of the new Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw and if she is in port, you will see her there.  As you head back to Mackinaw City, you will view the permanent home of the retired cutter Mackinaw (WAGB83) before returning to the Shepler's dock.  This cruise is hosted by Shepler's Lighthouse Cruises, with GLLKA experts serving as your guides, providing narration and answers to questions throughout the cruise.  Cruise direction could change due to severe weather.  The cruise is $52.50  per person, children 5 - 12 years - $40.50 , and children under 5 ride free. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling Shepler's at (800) 828-6157 or (231) 436-5023 or you can order tickets online by clicking here.

Thursday, August 20th - 1:30pm to 4:30pm
Westbound Straits of Mackinac Lighthouse Cruise
Departing from Shepler's Mackinaw City dock, you'll bear west past historic Old Mackinac Point Light for a spectacular view of the Mighty Mackinac Bridge.   Get your cameras ready to photograph the girders and superstructure of the bridge above your head as the captain slows the boat for this rare photo opportunity.  A 20 mile westward run brings you to White Shoal Light with its trademark red and white candy-stripe daymark.  Next we head to the south to view Gray's Reef Light built in 1936 and then the boat will double back to the forbidding Waugoshance Light with its birdcage lantern.  As we head back eastward, the boat will pass as close as possible to the St. Helena Island Light Station, an ongoing GLLKA restoration project, before heading back under the Mackinac Bridge to Mackinaw City.  This cruise is hosted by Shepler's Lighthouse Cruises, with GLLKA experts serving as your guides, providing narration and answers to questions throughout the cruise..  Cruise direction could change due to severe weather.  The cruise is $52.50  per person, children 5 - 12 years - $40.50, and children under 5 ride free.  Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling Shepler's at (800) 828-6157 or (231) 436-5023 or you can order tickets online by clicking here.

Monday August 24th & Tuesday August 25th
Two-day South Fox Island, Charlevoix & Beaver Island Excursion
Departing from Shepler's Mackinaw City dock, we will pass beneath the Mighty Mackinac Bridge as we head west for an up close view of White Shoal Light with its trademark red and white candy-stripe daymark. Continue west to circle Lansing Shoal lighthouse before heading south for offshore views of the Beaver Head and South Fox Island lighthouses. We then head east between the piers at Charlevoix, where we will spend the night at the Weathervane Terrace and a first-class meal at the Weathervane Restaurant overlooking the Pine River. After breakfast at the hotel an a short walk back to our waiting vessel, we head back into Lake Michigan for a close-up view of the Little Traverse lighthouse, and the elusive Skilligalee (Ile aux Galets) lighthouse on our way to Beaver Island, where buses will transport us for a tour of the St. James Harbor lighthouse on Whiskey Point. After lunch at the famous Shamrock Bar, you will have some time for shopping in downtown St. James before we had back to the boat for the trip north past the lights at Grays Reef, Waugoshance and St. Helena Island, and return to Mackinaw City. Cost for GLLKA members for this two-day event is $395 per person double occupancy, and $455.00 single occupancy. Non-members will need to add $35 for a 1-year individual membership or $50 for a 1-year family membership. Click HERE to download a more complete description of this excursion in Adobe PDF format. To register, please call the GLLKA office at 231 436-5580 during office hours.

Wednesday, August 26th - 2:00pm to 5:00pm
Eastbound Straits of Mackinac Lighthouse Cruise
As you leave Shepler's Mackinaw City dock, you will be treated to a rare view of the Mackinac Bridge as your ship passes directly beneath the superstructure.  Then heading east into Lake Huron, you'll head through the narrow passage between Round Island Light and Round Island Passage Light as you view the Grand Hotel and Mackinac Island on the port side.  A bit farther east you pass Bois Blanc Light, built in 1829, and then you will head south to Poe Reef Light painted with its black and white bands.  On to Fourteen Foot Shoal Light where you can easily see the bottom of Lake Huron beneath the boat.  A quick run up the Cheboygan River takes you past the Cheboygan Crib Light and the Cheboygan River Front Range Light, an ongoing GLLKA restoration project.  We will pass by the mooring of the new Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw and if she is in port, you will see her there.  As you head back to Mackinaw City, you will view the permanent home of the retired cutter Mackinaw (WAGB83) before returning to the Shepler's dock.  This cruise is hosted by Shepler's Lighthouse Cruises, with GLLKA experts serving as your guides, providing narration and answers to questions throughout the cruise.  Cruise direction could change due to severe weather.  The cruise is $52.50  per person, children 5 - 12 years - $40.50, and children under 5 ride free. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling Shepler's at (800) 828-6157 or (231) 436-5023 or you can order tickets online by clicking here.

Saturday, August 29th - 1:30 noon to 4:30pm
Westbound Straits of Mackinac Lighthouse Cruise
Departing from Shepler's Mackinaw City dock, you'll bear west past historic Old Mackinac Point Light for a spectacular view of the Mighty Mackinac Bridge.   Get your cameras ready to photograph the girders and superstructure of the bridge above your head as the captain slows the boat for this rare photo opportunity.  A 20 mile westward run brings you to White Shoal Light with its trademark red and white candy-stripe daymark.  Next we head to the south to view Gray's Reef Light built in 1936 and then the boat will double back to the forbidding Waugoshance Light with its birdcage lantern.  As we head back eastward, the boat will pass as close as possible to the St. Helena Island Light Station, an ongoing GLLKA restoration project, before heading back under the Mackinac Bridge to Mackinaw City.  This cruise is hosted by Shepler's Lighthouse Cruises, with GLLKA experts serving as your guides, providing narration and answers to questions throughout the cruise. Cruise direction could change due to severe weather.  The cruise is $52.50  per person, children 5 - 12 years - $40.50, and children under 5 ride free.  Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling Shepler's at (800) 828-6157 or (231) 436-5023 or you can order tickets online by clicking here.