When spring arrives, Shepler’s Ferries take to the lake, their telltale plumes of water shooting skyward like rooster tails. These ferries are best known for transporting visitors to Mackinac Island, but Shepler’s offers another way to enjoy the Straits of Mackinac — on historic lighthouse cruises.
The Mackinaw City, Michigan, company offers both three- and four-hour journeys from its mainland dock. Westbound cruises travel directly under the Mackinac Bridge for a unique perspective of the Midwest’s favorite span. Once past Colonial Fort Michilimackinac and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, the ship continues past McGulpin Point Light; the red-and-white-striped White Shoal Light; the weathered, castle-like Waugoshance Light; and the rocket-shaped Gray’s Reef Light. St. Helena Island Light concludes the three-hour itinerary, while the four-hour journey continues to the octagonal Skillagalee Island Light before the ferry’s return.
Shepler’s eastbound lighthouse cruise passes by the quaint Round Island Light; the pale, brick Bois Blanc Light; and the boxy lights of Poe Reef and Fourteen Foot Shoal. The oak and iron Cheboygan Crib Light marks the end of the three-hour eastbound tour, while the four-hour trip includes Spectacle Reef Light, located 11 miles east of the straits.
A member of the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association narrates each tour, customizing the commentary for the weather, freighters and lights at hand. Each narration recounts the history of Great Lakes lights and the shipwrecks these once-vital sailing aids were intended to prevent. A portion of the ticket price is donated to support lighthouse preservation and restoration projects.