Mackinac Straits Lighthouse Trip
Now we can paddle out there, land, explore the island and stay in that unique restored lighthouse thanks to the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association and the Nature Conservancy! You get to see what it would be like to be a Great Lakes Lighthouse Keeper for a couple of nights within view of the Mackinac Bridge while getting out there under your own power. Packing will be simple as food and lodging are provided at the lighthouse and we’ll all pitch in together on keeper duties while exploring this unique setting. You’ll need both the skills and a touring kayak capable of making the two-mile crossing (rentals available for $100), a willingness to pitch in and an adventurous spirit.
Facilities: Despite not having running water and only solar electricity, the lighthouse has nicely maintained outhouses, on-demand hot water showers and even Wifi. Pillows and blankets are provided on nice beds, but a sleeping bag or flat sheets are helpful. NOTE: there is no alcohol allowed here.
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet up at Gros Cap launch site for the 9 am gathering/packing session to head across to St Helena, parking at the launch site. Although we’ll have some volunteer duties, most time will be spent exploring on water and land.
Day 2-3
Helping out with shoreline and trail maintenance, some lighthouse projects paired with time on our own to explore the island, on land and/or by water, and its features.
Day 4
After breakfast, we’ll pack for the crossing back over to our waiting cars and have you back on the road to other adventures by noon.
Dates for 2026
July 2-5
What’s Included:
- ACA Qualified Instructors
- Quality on and off-water instruction
- Small shared rooms in the light house…two rooms for couples with double beds and other shared rooms with singles.
- Three breakfasts, all lunches and three dinners
What’s Not Included
- Transportation to the site
- Snacks and soft drinks
- Guide Gratuity (Suggested 10% of trip cost)
- Personal Items: Be sure to review the packing list. It is important that you review this list early on in case you have questions or need to order gear.
Registration
NOTE: If a booking date shows on the calendar below, there is space available but always feel free to call or email with specific questions. If the trip is full and you’d like to be waitlisted, give us a call.
Reservations are held with a $300 deposit. The price below reflects the full amount, including service fees; However, your initial payment will be a $300 deposit (assuming you book 30+ days prior to the course).
The remaining amount due will be automatically charged to your credit card 30 days before the trip.
NOTE: You must choose the date of the trip you want before clicking on BOOK NOW. Be sure you are on the right month! You may need to choose the fare you want and then zero out the fare that the system initially chooses. Let us know if you have any difficulty.
What registration option should I choose?
- Joining by yourself? Choose Single Occupancy
- Joining as a couple or with a friend? Choose Double Occupancy
- Joining by yourself but willing to share a room? Choose Double Occupancy but realize we will adjust the price to single occupancy if we can’t find you a roommate.