GLLKA - July Great Lakes Lighthouse Excursions and Adventures

Saturday, July 2nd - 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, July 6th - 1.00pm to 4.00pm
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.

Thursday, July 7th - 1:00 to 4:00pm
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, July 8th - 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.

Monday, July 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 - $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 12 through Saturday July 16
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 $300.00, 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. Click HERE to download a more complete description of this workshop in Adobe PDF format If you have any questions, please call the GLLKA office at 231 436-5580 during office hours

Wednesday, July 13th - 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.

Thursday, July 14th - 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.

Friday, July 15th - 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.

Monday, July 18th - 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, July 20th - 1.00pm to 4:00pm
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.

Thursday, July 21st - 1:00 to 4:00pm
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.

Monday, July 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 clicking here.

Tuesday, July 26th - 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, July 28th - 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.

Saturday, July 30th - 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.

Click HERE to view Refund Policy for all GLLKA Excursions