Experience an unforgettable narrated tour of the Great Lakes night sky aboard a Shepler’s Night Sky cruise! All aboard as we set sail under the natural beauty of the night sky. Enjoy a relaxing and educational cruise exploring the wonder and mystery in our galaxy and beyond. Our 2023 night sky cruise schedule includes six (6) unique experiences scheduled around various events in the night sky, most timed to depart around sunset/moon rise.
All Night Sky Cruises depart from and return to Mackinaw City.
All Night Sky Cruise tickets are NON-REFUNDABLE with no exceptions. Please ensure you are able to go before purchasing your ticket.
Each cruise features narration provided by night sky expert and star lore historian Mary Stewart Adams. Host of the weekly public radio segment, The Storyteller’s Night Sky, Mary was founder and program director for many years at the International Dark Sky Park at the Headlands near Mackinaw City, one of the first ten such parks in the world when it was designated in 2011. Mary has won numerous honors personally for her work, she travels extensively advocating for dark skies, and has helped protect thousands of acres of Michigan state land for its natural darkness.
Click here to download full 2023 cruise Schedule.
2023 Night Sky Cruise Dates
Wednesday, June 21
Summer Solstice – 9:15 p.m. – 10:45 p.m.
The lingering light of the Sun at its highest hour casts a beautiful glow over the western horizon, ideal for an evening with the Crescent Moon season’s brightest stars.
Saturday, July 1
Purely Michigan – 9:15 p.m. – 10:45 p.m.
We’ll cruise west to Lake Michigan, into the light of the setting Sun, with the nearly-full Moon at our backs, rising in the East over Lake Huron, the elegant Mackinac Bridge draped between them. Tonight, promises to be a spectacular show of Michigan at its finest with two Great Lakes aglow with the two great lights, and summer in full swing.
Thursday, July 20
Summer Lovin’ – 9:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
The brilliant evening star Venus is swept into the arms of her beloved Mars tonight, with the Crescent Moon looking on, creating a beautiful evening for romance under the stars.
Monday, July 31
Eve of Summer’s Midpoint – 8:45 p.m. – 10:15 p.m.
Tonight’s cruise is timed to catch sunset and nearly-full moon rise, as a celebration. It is the traditional turning point in the season, known as summer’s cross quarter, a terrific time for casting your wishes to the stars!
Friday, August 11
Midnight Meteor Showers – 11:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Midnight meteor shower cruising is back, since this year the Moon is a waning gibbous and not to be seen in the midnight sky, where the hero Perseus wields his mighty gifts like stars, falling through the sky.
Saturday, August 12
Midnight Meteor Showers – 11:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Midnight meteor shower cruising is back, since this year the Moon is a waning gibbous and not to be seen in the midnight sky, where the hero Perseus wields his mighty gifts like stars, falling through the sky.
Be sure to read important scheduled cruise FAQs on cancellations and refunds, updated concession stand details, parking, boarding, and other important information before purchasing tickets.
Adult: $46.00
Children (ages 5-12): $46.00
Children (under 5): Free (ticket required; must sit on an adult’s lap)
Please note: Cruise Terms and Conditions have been updated as of December 15, 2022.