GLLKA - July Great Lakes Lighthouse Excursions and Adventures

Monday July 2 - 9:00am to 4:0pm
The St. Helena Island Experience
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 9:00am, returns around 4:00 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 $80.00 per person. Non-members will need to add $40 for a 1-year individual membership or $55 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.

Tuesday July 3 - 1.00pm to 4:00pm
Eastbound Straits of Mackinac Lighthouse Cruise
You’ll start by passing under the Mackinac Bridge for a close-up view of Big Mac. Then you’ll head across the Straits between Round Island Light and Round Island Passage Light. Turning east, you’ll pass by the privately owned Bois Blanc Light. Poe Reef and Fourteen Foot Shoal Lights mark your turn into the South Channel. A quick trip up the Cheboygan River takes you past the Cheboygan Crib Light before you head back. En route, you’ll enjoy the clear blue waters of the Straits, a bird’s eye view of the Coast Guard cutter “Mackinaw”, and plenty of maritime history. 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 - $27.50, 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.

Friday July 6 - 9:00am to 4:0pm
The St. Helena Island Experience
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 9:00am, returns around 4:00 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 $80.00 per person. Non-members will need to add $40 for a 1-year individual membership or $55 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.

Saturday July 7 - 2:00 to 5:00pm
Westbound Straits of Mackinac Lighthouse Cruise
Departing from Shepler’s Mackinaw City dock, you’ll bear west and pass directly under the mighty Mackinac Bridge, setting the stage for this 3-hour round trip tour. Visible to the south along the 20 mile run to White Shoal Light is Wilderness State Park. To the south lies Gray’s Reef Light, originally built in 1891. Your ship will then double back toward the medieval-looking Waugoshance Light. The 12 mile eastward run to St. Helena Island provides ample opportunity for plenty of lighthouse lore. The final pass on the Westward Cruise swings by the St. Helena Island Light, then back 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 - $27.50, 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 July 10 - 1.00pm to 4:00pm
Eastbound Straits of Mackinac Lighthouse Cruise
You’ll start by passing under the Mackinac Bridge for a close-up view of Big Mac. Then you’ll head across the Straits between Round Island Light and Round Island Passage Light. Turning east, you’ll pass by the privately owned Bois Blanc Light. Poe Reef and Fourteen Foot Shoal Lights mark your turn into the South Channel. A quick trip up the Cheboygan River takes you past the Cheboygan Crib Light before you head back. En route, you’ll enjoy the clear blue waters of the Straits, a bird’s eye view of the Coast Guard cutter “Mackinaw”, and plenty of maritime history. 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 - $27.50, 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 July 11 - 1:00 to 4:00pm
Westbound Straits of Mackinac Lighthouse Cruise
Departing from Shepler’s Mackinaw City dock, you’ll bear west and pass directly under the mighty Mackinac Bridge, setting the stage for this 3-hour round trip tour. Visible to the south along the 20 mile run to White Shoal Light is Wilderness State Park. To the south lies Gray’s Reef Light, originally built in 1891. Your ship will then double back toward the medieval-looking Waugoshance Light. The 12 mile eastward run to St. Helena Island provides ample opportunity for plenty of lighthouse lore. The final pass on the Westward Cruise swings by the St. Helena Island Light, then back 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 - $27.50, 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 July 9 through Friday July 13
Great Lakes Maritime Education Workshop.
Step back in time to a simpler life on uninhabited St. Helena Island. Participants will be immersed in the life and times of Great Lakes lighthouse keepers, including history, culture and songs. Educators and youth leaders will sleep in the lighthouse bedrooms, cook with each other in the summer kitchen, and keep watch on the lantern deck as lighthouse families did 100 years ago. Activity classes, all based on the Michigan State Standards, offer the participant a means to integrate real world Great Lakes concepts into their classrooms. Some examples of these activities include topographical mapping, lens/prism and sound technology, use of primary reference materials, storytelling, journal entry and decision making, to name just a few. Full cost to put on each workshop is $800 per person, however, the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association will subsidize the majority of the cost, including boat transportation out of Mackinaw City, Michigan, to and from St. Helena Island. The workshop fee is $275.00, which partially pays for educational materials, food, housing at the 1873 historic light station, and a personal membership in the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association. Placement in the workshop will be on a first come-first served basis. While the program is geared towards teachers, it is open to anyone with an interest in maritime history The workshop size is limited to 12 to 15 participants. Please visit our "Education" web page tab for a printable application form and to read testimonials from participants. If you have any questions, please call the GLLKA office at 231 436-5580 during office hours

Friday July 13 - 1.00pm to 4:00pm
Eastbound Straits of Mackinac Lighthouse Cruise
You’ll start by passing under the Mackinac Bridge for a close-up view of Big Mac. Then you’ll head across the Straits between Round Island Light and Round Island Passage Light. Turning east, you’ll pass by the privately owned Bois Blanc Light. Poe Reef and Fourteen Foot Shoal Lights mark your turn into the South Channel. A quick trip up the Cheboygan River takes you past the Cheboygan Crib Light before you head back. En route, you’ll enjoy the clear blue waters of the Straits, a bird’s eye view of the Coast Guard cutter “Mackinaw”, and plenty of maritime history. 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 - $27.50, 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 July 16 - 9:00am to 4:0pm
The St. Helena Island Experience
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 9:00am, returns around 4:00 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 $80.00 per person. Non-members will need to add $40 for a 1-year individual membership or $55 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 July 18 - 1:00 to 4:00pm
Westbound Straits of Mackinac Lighthouse Cruise
Departing from Shepler’s Mackinaw City dock, you’ll bear west and pass directly under the mighty Mackinac Bridge, setting the stage for this 3-hour round trip tour. Visible to the south along the 20 mile run to White Shoal Light is Wilderness State Park. To the south lies Gray’s Reef Light, originally built in 1891. Your ship will then double back toward the medieval-looking Waugoshance Light. The 12 mile eastward run to St. Helena Island provides ample opportunity for plenty of lighthouse lore. The final pass on the Westward Cruise swings by the St. Helena Island Light, then back 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 - $27.50, 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 July 19 - 1.00pm to 4:00pm
Eastbound Straits of Mackinac Lighthouse Cruise
You’ll start by passing under the Mackinac Bridge for a close-up view of Big Mac. Then you’ll head across the Straits between Round Island Light and Round Island Passage Light. Turning east, you’ll pass by the privately owned Bois Blanc Light. Poe Reef and Fourteen Foot Shoal Lights mark your turn into the South Channel. A quick trip up the Cheboygan River takes you past the Cheboygan Crib Light before you head back. En route, you’ll enjoy the clear blue waters of the Straits, a bird’s eye view of the Coast Guard cutter “Mackinaw”, and plenty of maritime history. 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 - $27.50, 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 July 24 - 1:00 to 4:00pm
Westbound Straits of Mackinac Lighthouse Cruise
Departing from Shepler’s Mackinaw City dock, you’ll bear west and pass directly under the mighty Mackinac Bridge, setting the stage for this 3-hour round trip tour. Visible to the south along the 20 mile run to White Shoal Light is Wilderness State Park. To the south lies Gray’s Reef Light, originally built in 1891. Your ship will then double back toward the medieval-looking Waugoshance Light. The 12 mile eastward run to St. Helena Island provides ample opportunity for plenty of lighthouse lore. The final pass on the Westward Cruise swings by the St. Helena Island Light, then back 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 - $27.50, 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 July 26 - 1.00pm to 4:00pm
Eastbound Straits of Mackinac Lighthouse Cruise
You’ll start by passing under the Mackinac Bridge for a close-up view of Big Mac. Then you’ll head across the Straits between Round Island Light and Round Island Passage Light. Turning east, you’ll pass by the privately owned Bois Blanc Light. Poe Reef and Fourteen Foot Shoal Lights mark your turn into the South Channel. A quick trip up the Cheboygan River takes you past the Cheboygan Crib Light before you head back. En route, you’ll enjoy the clear blue waters of the Straits, a bird’s eye view of the Coast Guard cutter “Mackinaw”, and plenty of maritime history. 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 - $27.50, 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.

Friday July 27 - 9:00am to 4:0pm
The St. Helena Island Experience
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 9:00am, returns around 4:00 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 $80.00 per person. Non-members will need to add $40 for a 1-year individual membership or $55 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.

Saturday July 28 - 2:00 to 5:00pm
Westbound Straits of Mackinac Lighthouse Cruise
Departing from Shepler’s Mackinaw City dock, you’ll bear west and pass directly under the mighty Mackinac Bridge, setting the stage for this 3-hour round trip tour. Visible to the south along the 20 mile run to White Shoal Light is Wilderness State Park. To the south lies Gray’s Reef Light, originally built in 1891. Your ship will then double back toward the medieval-looking Waugoshance Light. The 12 mile eastward run to St. Helena Island provides ample opportunity for plenty of lighthouse lore. The final pass on the Westward Cruise swings by the St. Helena Island Light, then back 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 - $27.50, 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 July 30 - 9:00am to 4:0pm
The St. Helena Island Experience
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 9:00am, returns around 4:00 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 $80.00 per person. Non-members will need to add $40 for a 1-year individual membership or $55 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.

Tuesday July 31 - 2.00pm to 4:00pm
Eastbound Straits of Mackinac Lighthouse Cruise
You’ll start by passing under the Mackinac Bridge for a close-up view of Big Mac. Then you’ll head across the Straits between Round Island Light and Round Island Passage Light. Turning east, you’ll pass by the privately owned Bois Blanc Light. Poe Reef and Fourteen Foot Shoal Lights mark your turn into the South Channel. A quick trip up the Cheboygan River takes you past the Cheboygan Crib Light before you head back. En route, you’ll enjoy the clear blue waters of the Straits, a bird’s eye view of the Coast Guard cutter “Mackinaw”, and plenty of maritime history. 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 - $27.50, 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.

Click HERE to view Refund Policy for all GLLKA Excursions