The “Crib” is the affectionate nickname of the North Manitou Shoal Light and, come July 18, you can celebrate its restoration and history with a cruise!
The two-part event
The North Manitou Light Keepers (NMLK) will host its annual Lightkeeper Rally and Crib Cruise in Leland on July 18, to introduce people to the Crib and their ongoing efforts to develop it into an overnight destination for enthusiasts.
This two-part event will begin with an elegant catered gathering at the Old Art Building in Leland. Here, the NMLK team will discuss efforts to restore the Crib and open it for overnight stays.
“Now that the bulk of the exterior work is complete, we get to tell people more about our vision and plans for the interior restoration,” said NMLK Board Member Jake Kaberle.
The Lightkeeper Rally will be from 5-7 p.m. on July 18 at 111 S. Main Street in Leland. There is no registration or cost to attend the Lightkeeper Rally, but an RSVP is appreciated. You may RSVP here.
Following the rally, it’s time to cruise as sunset arrives!
Join NMLK for its annual Crib Cruise, an evening aboard the Mishe-Mokwa, operated by the Manitou Island Transit. The Crib Cruise leaves from Historic Fishtown in Leland at 7:30 p.m. and ventures into the Manitou Passage, where it will circle the lighthouse while NMLK members discuss the Crib, its history and its future. The cruise is 90 minutes long, giving passengers a view of the sunset as well, and the cost is $50 per person. Net proceeds go to support the restoration of the Crib. To purchase tickets to attend the Crib Cruise, visit www.northmanitoulightkeepers.org/cribcruise.
“I really enjoy these events and being able to personally interact with our members and supporters,” said Dave McWilliam, NMLK’s Chief of Restoration and Operations. “Sharing the history, progress on restoration, and our vision for the future make this a really fun event. Ending the evening with a ferry ride in the beautiful Manitou Passage makes this a memorable experience for everyone.”
For more information about the Lightkeeper Rally and Crib Cruise visit: https://northmanitoulightkeepers.org/cribcruise.
“These events are a fun highlight we look forward to each year,” said NMLK President Daniel Oginsky.
The backstory
The Crib sits amidst the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the Manitou Islands. It houses currently active navigational equipment maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. However, since 1980 when its navigational equipment was automated, the structure of the lighthouse stood empty and lightly maintained. A meaningful restoration of the lighthouse structure was necessary to stop its further deterioration.
In the summer of 2016, the U.S. General Services Administration opened an auction to sell the North Manitou Shoal Light, and four families rallied together to bid on and win the auction for the lighthouse: Daniel and Anna Oginsky, Dave and Sherry McWilliam, Todd and Natalie Buckley, and Jake and Suzanne Kaberle.
They formed the North Manitou Light Keepers, a non-profit organization whose mission is to restore the North Manitou Shoal Light Station, and make its history available to the public for education and appreciation, as well as to cultivate an active community of stewardship for this piece of Michigan maritime history.
Other tours
Besides the July 18 events, more extensive tours are available this summer, where you will be able to actually enter and explore the Crib. Tours are 4 hours in length, and – be forewarned – there may be climbing involved. (Talk about a summer excursion to remember!)
Access to the Crib is via a Sea Door located at water level, and visitors must transition from a moving boat, up and across stairs to the basement of the Crib. The Lighthouse has a total of 6 flights of stairs plus an inclined ladder to reach the lens room. Guests age 8-80 have successfully toured the lighthouse. Tours are $150 a person, and you can get more info on the tours here.
For more information about North Manitou Light Keepers and their mission, history and events, visit: www.northmanitoulightkeepers.org.
Ahoy!