The North Manitou Light Keepers (NMLK) will host its annual Lightkeeper Rally and Crib Cruise in Leland, Michigan on July 18, 2024. These unique, elegant, and fun events invite people to connect and rally around ongoing efforts to restore and and appreciate the North Manitou Shoal Light (the offshore lighthouse known as the “Crib”). “These events are a fun highlight we look forward to each year,” said NMLK President Daniel Oginsky.

This two part event will begin with an elegant catered gathering at the Old Art Building in Leland, where 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 which will be our focus moving forward,” said NMLK Board Member Jake Kaberle. The Lightkeeper Rally will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 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 using this link.

Following the rally, NMLK will host its annual Crib Cruise, an evening cruise on board the Mishe-Mokwa (operated by Manitou Island Transit).

Dave McWilliam, NMLK’s Chief of Restoration and Operations, added “I really enjoy these events and being able to personally interact with our members and supporters. Sharing the history of the lighthouse, 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.” The Crib Cruise leaves from Historic Fishtown at 7:30 p.m. and ventures into the Manitou Passage, where it then will gently circle the lighthouse while NMLK members discuss the Crib, its history, and its future.

The cost of the Crib Cruise is $50 per person, with any net proceeds going to support the restoration of the Crib. To attend the Crib Cruise, visit www.northmanitoulightkeepers.org/cribcruise .

The North Manitou Light Keepers is a non-profit organization founded in 2016. Its mission is to restore the North Manitou Shoal Light Station, make it and its history available to the public for education and appreciation, and cultivate an active community of stewardship for this piece of Michigan maritime history that stands amidst one of America’s most beautiful locations.

For more information about the Lightkeeper Rally and Crib Cruise visit here. For more information about North Manitou Light Keepers, visit here.