Experience an unforgettable narrated tour of the Great Lakes night sky aboard a Shepler’s 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 2020 night sky cruisee schedule includes ten (10) unique experiences scheduled around various events in the night sky, most timed to depart around sunset/moon rise.
Each cruise features narration (unless noted otherwise) 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 of 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.
2020 Night Sky Cruise Schedule:
Friday, June 26 – Crescent Moon Cruise
9:15 p.m.-10:45 p.m.
At just five days past New Phase this night, the crescent Moon will make a stunning show in the southwest sky after sunset, as we head west under the Bridge accompanied by the story, poetry, and songs of the night.
Friday, July 3 – Sun & Moon Cruise
8:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
The Moon comes to its first Full Phase of the Summer this holiday weekend, and we’ve timed our cruise to catch it rising in the east over Lake Huron just as the Sun is setting west into Lake Michigan, with the elegant Mackinac Bridge draped between them.
Wed-Fri, July 22, 23, 24 – Giants in the Sky Cruise
9:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 1 – Cross Quarter Cruise
8:45 p.m.-10:15 p.m.
Sunday, August 2 – Full Moon Eve Cruise
8:45 p.m.-10:15 p.m.
Tues & Wed, August 11 & 12 – Meteor Shower Cruise
11:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.
Sunday, August 30 – Wine Moon Cruise
8:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Be sure to read important scheduled cruise FAQs on refunds, cancellations, dress, and more before completing your purchase.
Adult: $29.00
Child (5-12): $17.00
Child Under 5: Free (ticket required; must sit on an adult’s lap)