2011 Lighthouse Excursions on Lake Michigan

May

Wednesday, May 11th - 10:00 to 1:00pm
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.
Saturday, May 28th - 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.

June

Thursday, June 16th - 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 June 22nd - 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.
Friday June 24th - 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 9:30am, 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 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.
Sunday June 26th - Thursday June 30
The Ultimate Northern Lake Michigan Excursion
This incredible lighthouse adventure begins early Monday June 27th as we board the 100-foot vessel Keweenaw Star in Charlevoix Michigan. Over the following four days, we will make our way from Charlevoix across Lake Michigan for two nights in Sturgeon Bay and one night in Escanaba before returning to Charlevoix in Thursday afternoon. Along the way we will obtain close-up views from the water of 32 lighthouses, including the difficult to see lights at South Fox Island, Pilot Island, Minneapolis Shoal, Green Bay Harbor Entrance, Chambers Island, Tail Point, Green Island, Poverty and St. Martin Islands, Gull Island, Squaw Island and Lansing Shoal. The price for this amazing excursion for GLLKA members is only $1,150.00 per person double occupancy, and $1,375.00 per person single occupancy. This price includes all hotels, meals and transportation, from Sunday night through our return to Charlevoix Thursday afternoon, with the only exceptions being your meal on Sunday night. Non GLLKA members will need to add $40 for a 1-year individual membership or $60 for a 1-year family membership in order to participate. 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.
Thursday June 30th - 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.

July

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.
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.
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.
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
Monday, July 18 - 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 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.
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.
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.

August

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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

September
Saturday, September 3rd - 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, September 8 - 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.
Tuesday, September 13 - 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.
Sunday, September 18th - 2:00am to 6:00pm
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