Mackinac Straits Lighthouse Trip

Driving North over the Mackinac bridge always offers up an amazing view as our eyes are drawn to the East to Mackinac, Round and Bois Blanc islands and the flow of boat traffic. It is a busy waterway of sail-craft, thousand-foot freighters and ferries trailed by huge roostertails spouting from their jetdrives. If you look to the West a few miles toward the open waters of Lake Michigan, there is a largish, forested island looming just two miles off the south shore of the Upper Peninsula that features a picturesque lighthouse. For decades I have traveled past St. Helena island on the way to other places often wondering what it would be like to paddle out there and explore. This secret spot that you may have never heard of lies just four hours travel from most all of Michigan. Want to check it out with us?

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.

Dates for 2025

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.
• Two breakfasts, Lunches and two dinners

What’s Not Included

• Transportation to the site
• Snacks and soft drinks
• Guide Gratuity (Suggested 5-10% of trip cost)
• See Packing List Below

Packing List

• • Bedding – sleeping bag and bottom sheet or sheets (twin / full / queen) and pillowcase. NOTE: Pillows and blankets will be provided. You will be informed on bed size for sheets.
  • Toiletries
  • Comb/brush
  • Toothpaste/toothbrush
  • Lip balm/chapstick
  • Soap
  • Shampoo
  • Medications
  • Towel
  • 2 long sleeved shirts
  • Sweatshirt, fleece or sweater
  • 2-3 pairs of socks (over the ankle)
  • 1-2 pair long pants
  • 2 pairs of shorts
  • Warm pajamas
  • Undergarments
  • Raincoat or Storm Cag – highly recommended
  • Bathing suit
  • Brimmed Hat
  • Sunglasses with retainer
  • Sunscreen
  • Mosquito repellant
  • Shoes or hiking boots – (flip flops allowed for showering)
  • Water footwear – booties for in kayaks, sandals for swimming
  • Old shirt and pants/shorts for restoration work or walk around the island
  • Hat and gloves
  • Work gloves
  • Flashlight (with extra batteries) or Headlamp
  • Farmer John/Jane style wetsuit or Drysuit if you have one.
  • Synthetic or wool long underwear: polypropylene, polyester, coolmax, etc….anything but cotton, both tops and bottoms, can be worn under shorts too for a very comfortable if not very stylish ensemble.
  • Non-cotton shorts/pants and shirt. For example, Synthetic or wool long underwear: polypropylene, polyester, coolmax, etc….anything but cotton, both tops and bottoms.
  • Fleece jacket
  • Water; Reusable water bottle — please DO NOT bring single use plastic water bottles.

OPTIONAL ITEMS:

• Cellphone and charger
• Camera with batteries
• Backpack/bag
• Soft drinks (pop) as the lighthouse serves coffee, tea, and sugar•free lemonade