Shepler's Lighthouse Cruises

Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry, working with Mackinaw City-based Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers' Association (GLLKA), holds very popular lighthouse tours from Mackinaw City several times a week in summer. Lighthouse fans can get close to lighthouses that are otherwise hard to see without a boat and boating savvy — those on islands and private property. Going under the Mackinac Bridge is a fun extra on all cruises. Three-hour tours go west to St. Helena Island and Waugoshance at Wilderness State Park, or east to Cheboygan and Bois Blanc Island. They cost about $50/person. Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers' Association leaders Sandy Planisek or Dick Moehl usually narrate each cruise. Reserve early!

Part of the tour cost goes to lighthouse restoration. GLKKA president, Dick Moehl, is a retired investment banker. Its director, Sandy Planisek, has a Ph.D. in finance. GLKKA reaps the benefits of its leaders' financial expertise.

The all-day trip to St. Helena Island by Gros Cap outside St. Ignace (about $180) includes lunch and a walking tour of the lighthouse and grounds. Call (800) 828-6157 or (231) 436-5023 or visit www.sheplersferry.com/lighthouse/ Visit Shepler's web site, www.sheplersferry.com for schedules and for info on parking with valet service from Shepler's Mackinaw City dock. The site has a nifty 4-minute video preview of the lighthouse tours, and a really interesting interactive map of Straits lighthouses, with clickable details for each location. Shepler's also offers custom cruises to suit various groups' interests.

Reservations imperative. Sign up early. (800) 828-6157 or (231) 436-5027. Leaves from Shepler's Mackinaw City dock.

Return to Mackinaw City

MACKINAW CITY
POINTS OF INTEREST

Colonial Michilimackinac. Reconstructed to its appearance under the British in the 1770s, this palisaded village, first French, then British, is one of Michigan's most interesting and important sights ... more

Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse. This landmark lighthouse guided ships through the Straits of Mackinac from 1892 'til the bridge was finished in 1957. See exhibits and ongoing restoration, and climb the tower for great Straits and bridge views. ... more

Shepler's Lighthouse Cruises. A 3-hour cruise takes passengers under the Mackinac Bridge, then passes a variety of lighthouses on islands or hard-to-visit locations on its 20-mile route. ... more

Historic Mill Creek. A reconstruction of the 1790s water-powered sawmill that produced the boards and beams of some buildings in Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island. The wooded, creekside site and its 3 1/2 miles introduce visitors to northwoods plants and animals, passing an active beaver colony on the way to a sugar shack. Demos and nature talks for children and adults. ... more

Best of the Best U.P. Maps

See our U.P. interactive maps that locate the best experiences the U.P. has to offer—from camping & hiking to good eating & vistas! We also have created useful maps to major U.P. TOWNS.

Incredibly Useful!
Hunt's Map Guide to the Upper Peninsula • Favorite hikes, beaches, restaurants, shops, lighthouses, scenic drives, waterfalls, & much more
• 13 detailed U.P. maps
• Full color, on sturdy, water-resistant paper
• Folds out to 12”x38”
• Only $6.95
To learn more & buy online, click here