GLLKA - August Great Lakes Lighthouse Excursions and Adventures

Tuesday August 2 through Saturday August 6
St. Helena Quilt Camp
If you are a quilter and the idea of spending a few relaxing days with fellow quilters at a beautifully restored lighthouse on a remote island in Lake Michigan far from the maddening crows sounds appealing, then this 5-day retreat is perfect for you. There is no electricity on the island, so hand quilting will be the order of the day. The price for this unique camp for GLLKA members is $200.00 that covers transportation, food, and lodging. non members will need to purchase a GLLKA membership for an additional fee of $40.00. Participants will leave from the Mackinaw City Marina at 9 AM Tuesday and return to Mackinaw City around 2 P.M. on Saturday. 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 3 - 12:30am to 4:30pm
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 $39.25 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 4th - 12:30 to 4:30pm
Special EXTENDED Lighthouse Cruise through Les Cheneaux Island
As you leave Shepler's Mackinaw City dock, you will be treated to a rare view of the Mackinac Bridge as your vessel 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. As you head east, our vessel will turn north to slowly cruise through Les Cheneaux Islands, a largely un-trumpeted treasure of the eastern Upper Peninsula. The area's 36 rocky islands are steeped in history and feature a wide array of wildflowers and breathtaking scenic beauty. You will pass Government Island which served as the base for construction of both Spectacle Reef and Martin Reef lighthouses, the latter of which you will obtain a close-up view as we head back into the lake towards Bois Blanc Island. After viewing the Bois Blanc Island lighthouse, you will be whisked back to the dock into 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 $77.50 per person, children 5 - 12 years - $42.50, 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 August 5th - 3:00 to 6:00pm
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 - $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, August 9th - 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 - $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, August 10th - 2:00 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 - $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, August 12th - 9:00am to 4:00pm
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 9:30am, 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 $90.00 per person. Non-members should add an additional $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, August 13th - 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 - $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, August 15th - 1:30 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 - $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, August 17th - 12:30 to 4:30pm
Special EXTENDED Lighthouse Cruise through Les Cheneaux Island
As you leave Shepler's Mackinaw City dock, you will be treated to a rare view of the Mackinac Bridge as your vessel 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. As you head east, our vessel will turn north to slowly cruise through Les Cheneaux Islands, a largely un-trumpeted treasure of the eastern Upper Peninsula. The area's 36 rocky islands are steeped in history and feature a wide array of wildflowers and breathtaking scenic beauty. You will pass Government Island which served as the base for construction of both Spectacle Reef and Martin Reef lighthouses, the latter of which you will obtain a close-up view as we head back into the lake towards Bois Blanc Island. After viewing the Bois Blanc Island lighthouse, you will be whisked back to the dock into 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 $77.50 per person, children 5 - 12 years - $42.50, 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 18 - 12:30am to 4:30pm
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 $39.25 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.

Monday August 22nd & Tuesday August 23rd
St. Marys River and Soo Locks Excursion
Back by popular demand - we depart Shepler's Ferry Dock at 8 am on Monday, August 22, and sail east through Round Island Passage past DeTour and up the winding St. Marys River. Expert narration, pop/water/coffee and a light lunch will be provided as you and your shipmates enjoy getting to know each other. Lighthouses we will see on our way will be Round Island, Round Island Passage, Bois Blanc Light, Martin Reef Light, DeTour Reef Light, Frying Pan ,Pipe & and Round Island, Shoal Island and the Wilson Channel Ranges. We will pass Neebish Island, St. Joseph Island and Sugar Island as we approach historic Sault Ste. Marie, where we will dock and be transported to our hotel for dinner and our overnight stay at the Kewadin Casino. After an early breakfast Tuesday morning we will be transported back to the boat around 7am. Before our return trip, we will pass through the Soo Locks and up to the Gros Cap light and past Point Iroquois Lighthouse. Our return trip will be through the Rock Cut where we will share this narrow passage with Great Lakes freighters. Time permitting, we will pass Spectacle Reef Light, Poe Reef Light and Fourteen Foot Shoal Light and perhaps even inter the Cheboygan River to view the USCGC Mackinaw and the Cheboygan River Front Range Light. We should be back in Mackinaw City by 5pm on Tuesday, August 23rd. Cost for GLLKA members is $495.00 per person double occupancy or $550.00 single occupancy. Non-members should add an additional $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. Reservations can be made by calling the GLLKA office at 231 436-5580 during business hours.

Wednesday, August 24th - 1:30 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 - $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, August 25th - 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 - $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

Monday, August 29th - 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 - $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, August 31st - 1:30am to 5:30pm
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 $39.25 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

Click HERE to view Refund Policy for all GLLKA Excursions