“Crib Cruise” and Lightkeeper Rally Planned for August 7 in Leland; Hosted by North Manitou Light Keepers on National Lighthouse Day LELAND, Mich. (July 17, 2025) –

The North Manitou Light Keepers (NMLK) will host its annual Lightkeeper Rally and Crib Cruise in Leland, Michigan on August 7, 2025. “We like to host these fun events each year to rally people around restoring and experiencing the Crib, an offshore lighthouse in the Manitou Passage – one of America’s most beautiful places,” said NMLK President Daniel Oginsky. “We planned this year’s event on National Lighthouse Day, a day that honors the history and importance of lighthouses as aids to navigation, as well as symbols of hope, guidance, and safe harbor.” The Lightkeeper Rally is an elegant event held at the Old Art Building in Leland from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The NMLK team will discuss the current status of restoring the North Manitou Shoal Light (also known as the Crib). “We are excited to tell everyone about the great progress we are making, especially since we are working on the interior now and in our final restoration phase,” said NMLK Chief of Restoration and Operations Dave McWilliam. The Old Art Building is located 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 the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd2cCkFClYPv5Jc_F4s1kGhA6zDnbJY3eM kZGLQ5DnbvjTcHg/viewform

Following the rally, NMLK will host its annual Crib Cruise, an evening cruise on board the Mishe-Mokwa (operated by Manitou Island Transit). “Last year’s Cruise was so amazing,” said NMLK Board Member Jake Kaberle, “we had a full boat cruising around the Crib with a moonrise on one side and a sunset on the other.” During the Cruise, the NMLK team will share the history of the lighthouse, progress on restoration, and the vision for its future. “What a great way to spend an evening, on a ferry ride in the beautiful Manitou Passage . . . it’s a memorable experience for everyone,” Kaberle said. 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 during an NMLK team-narrated tour. 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: https://northmanitoulightkeepers.org/cribcruise.