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Shepler’s Safety and Security Program 7 Apr 2023 9:52 AM (2 years ago)

Origins of Shepler’s Safety Program

Safety remains at the forefront of our operations at Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry. From the company’s founding in 1945 to the present day, Shepler’s continues to ensure that safety remains our top priority. With this document and great pride, we share the tradition and trajectory of our Safety and Security Program.

After serving as a Merchant Marine in World War II, William “Cap” Shepler founded Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry in 1945. From his years of experience on the Great Lakes, Cap wisely applied a simple safety message to the business, when something goes wrong, “nobody is there to save you.”

Even Lakers were “salty” in those days. However, Cap’s sailor’s quip boils down to three simple lessons; never take any course of action that compromises safety, always remain attentive to the conditions, and know what action(s) to take in an emergency because “nobody is there to save you.” This is a lesson Bill Shepler, Cap’s son, learned poignantly as a young man.

One Summer, Bill’s cousin Jim visited him in Mackinaw City. With the best of intentions, Bill decided to take his cousin out on a sixteen-foot skiff. However, the two teenagers embarked with only one oar (substituting the other with a board from an orange crate), the wind conditions changed (not unusual for the Straits of Mackinac), and it did not take long before the two were in a precarious position (ie the wind and sea conditions continually pushed the vessel further from the shore). Fortunately, someone saw the two youths struggling to paddle back and went out to save them as well as the skiff. Bill and Jim were incredibly lucky as someone was there to both see and save them. Bill ruefully recalled the incident, “I caught hell, and I deserved it. Jim couldn’t even swim.”

Now, Bill went on to become one of the youngest captains ever on the Great Lakes – earning his license at sixteen years of age. Further, he applied that near-miss to our operational model at Shepler’s; “proper selection, modern equipment, and a well-trained staff” – appropriately building upon and expanding Cap’s terse but wise advice. The lesson served the company well as this model allowed Shepler’s to operate even when other ferry lines shut down. Yet, as Bill would remind us, “Safety always comes first. If we think it’s not safe, we don’t operate.” During his time at “the Helm” of the company, Bill Shepler cultivated Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry from a small, charter operation into a nationally recognized passenger ferry.

Under the guidance of Bill’s children (Chris, Patty, and Billy Shepler), Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry continued this tradition of safety by implementing robust policies, a safety department, and an executive position dedicated to safety and security. As the company continued to grow, the third generation of leadership transformed the family business into a modern corporate structure. With business savvy and pure class, Chris, Patty, and Billy, provided the company with a rare duality; the body and mind of a Fortune 500 with the heart and soul of a family business.

Looking to the future, and with the support of our new ownership (Hoffman Family of Companies), Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry continually seeks different methods to build, expand, and improve our safety program, policies, and procedures. Memberships with professional organizations, attending safety centric conferences, and participating in local security councils serve as our navigational beacons to ensure that our safety and security program’s best practices are exactly that.

The safety of our guests, cast members, and marine ports remains paramount as only in a safe environment can people enjoy the experience we provide on the Straits of Mackinac. Shepler’s business philosophy, company culture, and service model all begin with safety. With over 80 years of service, safety continues to define our operations as well as our guests’ expectations, our company standards, and our professional commitments.

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Beyond Mackinac Island – written by MI Playground 11 Aug 2022 11:38 AM (3 years ago)

We have taken Shepler’s Ferry to Mackinac Island more times than we can count and always have a great time. Visiting the island is a summer tradition for many people but did you know that Shepler’s Ferry offers cruises beyond their traditional ferry service to and from Mackinac Island?

There are multiple options throughout the season that include eastbound lighthouse cruises, a westbound lighthouse cruises, Les Cheneaux lighthouse cruises and night sky cruises. For this excursion we decided to go on an eastbound lighthouse cruise.

After boarding The Hope, the 150-passenger vessel most often used for the cruises, we made our way under the Mackinac Bridge. Let me start here by saying that the cruises are live narrated by extremely knowledgeable people from The Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association. As we went under the bridge the narrator shared some great bridge facts and you get to see the bridge from underneath, which makes for an interesting view! The bridge looks a lot different underneath than you could ever imagine! Also, right by the bridge is a marked shipwreck, the Minneapolis, which sank in 1894 and sits in 124 feet of water. There are many shipwrecks in the area of the tour and the guide shares details on many of them throughout the cruise.

After we left the Mackinac Bridge, the cruise headed towards Mackinac Island. Here we stopped to see the two lighthouses that are passed when taking a typical Shepler’s Ferry to the island. First is the Round Island Light which was built in 1895, this being the more traditional looking lighthouse of the two lights in this area. It is said to be the most photographed lighthouse on the Great Lakes based on the amount of ferry passengers that pass it each day on their way to the island. The second is the Round Island Passage Light. These lights were established to make a shorter route through the Straits of Mackinac.

As we made our way past Mackinac Island, we approached an area that was all new to us as we came upon the Bois Blanc Light, the oldest lighthouse in this area. This is a fun stop for a variety of reasons. One, because of the stories and history of this light and facts about what it means for a light to be established. The second was because of the different pronunciations for this lighthouse and island. There seems to be a lot of ways that are acceptable!

Next up was the Poe Reef Light. This light sits out on its own structure in the water and had a unique look and remote feel to it. This lighthouse also led to some great photo opportunities, and this is a good time to point out that it doesn’t matter which side of the vessel you sit. The captain swings around so both port and starboard passengers get a good view. We also learned an easy way to remember ship lingo with port being the left side of the vessel. “Port” and “left” both are four letter words. “Starboard” and “right” do not.

Moving on, we arrived at Fourteen Foot Shoal before heading into the Cheboygan River and past two more lights, The Cheboygan Crib Light and the Cheboygan Riverfront Range Light. As we headed through the river we were lucky enough to see the USCG Mackinac docked. After turning around in the river, we headed back out. Like before, both sides get great views of everything in the river.

The cruise continues back towards the Shepler’s Ferry Mackinaw City dock and past Bois Blanc Island with much more Straits of Mackinac history shared by the narrator.

Overall, this cruise was a great way to see lighthouses that are only accessible by water and also learn a lot about the history of the area! To see our full experience, you can check out the video in the link below.

Lake Michigan Lighthouse Cruise

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Shepler’s Travel Tips for the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference 2 May 2022 9:19 AM (3 years ago)

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Family-owned Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry partners with Hoffmann Family to Continue Legacy 18 Mar 2022 5:10 AM (3 years ago)

MACKINAW CITY, MICH.
March 18th, 2022

Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry announced today it is partnering with the Hoffmanns of the Hoffmann Family of Companies and their sons, in a move designed to ensure that the company continues its family based legacy and to meet the demands of its customers and Mackinac Island’s booming tourism industry far into the future.

Like the Sheplers, Jerri and David Hoffmann along with Greg and Geoff take pride in their family operations. The partnership of the two families is the first instance in the Shepler’s distinguished 77-year history that the company has sought additions to the company. “Now, at this point in time, this move was right for both the Shepler family and our company,” said Shepler’s President, Chris Shepler.

“We’ve been approached many times by potential partners, but never before have we connected both personally and professionally with a family that so closely identifies with Shepler’s commitment to first-class service for every guest, every day,” Shepler said.

The Naples, Florida-based Hoffmann Family of Companies owns and operates an additional nine family-oriented cruises and vessels throughout the United States such as the Naples Princess in Naples, Florida. The Miss Augusta in Missouri Wine Country and the Volunteer Princess in Knoxville, Tennessee. In addition to their boats, the family also owns a number of companies in the hospitality and entertainment segment, agriculture, professional services, golf, commercial real estate, and manufacturing and distribution.

“We pride ourselves on partnering with thriving companies where we can add value, not reinvent the wheel,” said founder, David Hoffmann. “Mackinac Island is a special place to us where we’ve visited often, and Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry is a unique part of the magical journey to Michigan’s crown jewel. We want to be part of Shepler’s continuing to do what it does best.”

Shepler and his brother Billy Shepler, who serves as fleet captain, will continue to be involved in the day-to-day operation of the company. They will also continue to be partial owners. “Under the new partnership, the current company name and branding will remain the same. Additionally, all cast members will retain their positions.” Shepler added.

Shepler’s has invested more than $13 million in upgrades since 2015 to ensure people traveling to the island have the best possible experience, Shepler said, adding that more will likely be needed to meet demand. Recent investments include:

· $4 million William Richard (newest ferry launched in 2020)

· $3.8 million Miss Margy (new ferry launched in 2018)

· $3.4 million Mackinac Island dock expansion (2019)

· $2 million Mackinaw City parking

“My brother and I will eventually retire someday, and we have aligned with a partner who is vested in ensuring the Shepler legacy lives on while remaining true to our enduring commitment to service for the next generations of Mackinac Island visitors.”

“Under the new partnership we now have a like minded family who is willing to continue to make capital investments,” Shepler said. “That means when upgrades or improvements are needed or equipment needs to be repaired or purchased as the region’s tourism grows, capital will be easier to access. This is the best route to guarantee financial security and strength for the company for many years to come.”

Although the pandemic initially put a damper on Mackinac Island tourism, visits to the island have steadily increased. Historically more than one million people visit the island annually with visitor estimates for 2021 breaking the previous 2019 record. Mackinac Island was named the most popular summer destination in the country in 2018 by the travel website TripAdvisor, and revenues from hotel rooms were up 66 percent between 2011 and 2018.

Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry celebrated its 77th season which began in April of 2021. Bill Shepler’s father, Captain William H. Shepler, first opened a snack shop catering to Mackinaw City tourists in 1945, and soon saw the potential in transporting them to Mackinac Island via speed boat. Today Shepler’s transports more people than any other line daily during the summer season. Shepler’s 78th season is scheduled to begin on April 21, 2022.

For more information about the Hoffmann Family of Companies please visit
Hoffmannfamilyofcompanies.com.

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11/02/2022: Shepler’s Cyber Monday is BACK! 17 Nov 2021 7:09 AM (3 years ago)

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11/5/2021: From our Family to Yours, we Thank You! 8 Nov 2021 6:40 AM (3 years ago)

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9/7/2021: Mackinac Island Crew Hotspots 7 Sep 2021 10:40 AM (4 years ago)

Labor Day has past, students are starting school, the weather is turning… fall is fast approaching.

Northern Michigan has started to slow down, but that doesn’t mean families, couples, and friends can’t enjoy a relaxing getaway to a close destination. Our crew put together a list of their favorite spots on Mackinac Island they like to enjoy when the peak summer season has come to an end.

Fort Holmes: At night – if the sky is clear – Teresa feels she can reach up and touch the stars, it’s so peaceful and quiet. Kim says Fort Holmes offers the BEST views from the Island.

Eagle Point Cave: Karen enjoys walking on the trail to Eagle Point Cave – it gives her a sense of peace and time to renew oneself.

The boardwalk: Julie offers a personal memory associated with the Broad walk. For over 20 years, her and her son would drive up from Alabama to come to Mackinac Island, get an ice cream cone, walk the boardwalk at sunset and talk of our hopes and dreams.

Anne’s Tablet Trail: Next to the Somewhere in Time gazebo and Fort Mackinac, Hannah says Anne’s Tablet Trail is an amazing spot for taking pictures and hammocking.

Lastly, Shepler’s Mackinac Island Dock: Damion, one of our Dock Leads, says the Island Dock is his home away from home. He has met many friends on the dock and worked with an amazing crew throughout the years.

Fall is near – come #RideSheplers to Mackinac Island and visit some of our favorite hotspots!

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9/3/2021: Indoor Parking at Shepler’s St. Ignace 3 Sep 2021 7:36 AM (4 years ago)

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2021 Mackinac Policy Conference Travel Tips 31 Aug 2021 7:00 AM (4 years ago)

Here is some information we hope you find helpful when planning your visit to Mackinac Island.  We look forward to having you on board this season!

All registered attendees will automatically receive an electronic roundtrip ferry ticket at the email address you provided when signing up.  Your online ferry ticket must be presented to board the boat.  You may show it off your phone or print if off to bring with you.  If multiple tickets are associated with your registration, they are all included in one order.  If your party is traveling separately, please forward the order confirmation to each individual to redeem as they come through.  If you arrive without your online ticket, you will need to have it printed off at the ticket office.

Overnight Parking:  You will have our normal two options to choose from in Mackinaw City which includes premium on-site parking (based on availability at time of arrival) for $30/night or standard off-site parking for $10/night (shuttle service provided back to ferry dock).  All overnight parking is self-park and arranged at time of arrival.  Regardless of which option you prefer, you will need to come to the ferry dock first at 556 E. Central Ave., Mackinaw City, MI 49701.  If you’re traveling from St. Ignace, we have on-site self-parking for $10/night.  Our dock is located at 601 N. State St., St. Ignace, MI  49781.  If you are seeking additional information regarding overnight parking, please check out our parking page here.

Due to safety issues, rolling suitcases and large bags will not be accepted as carry-on for the ferry.  If you wish to claim your luggage at the Island Dock, instead of having it delivered to your hotel, please let us know so we can put a generic tag on your bags and you can retrieve your items on the dock after departing the vessel.

When returning, we ask that you carry-on your Conference bags or pack them in your suitcase.  Since these bags are identical, they are easily mixed up and bags can be taken by mistake.  We recommend not to put any personal/important items in these bags as we assume no responsibility for these.

Upon your return, it will be your responsibility to ensure you have collected the correct bags that belong to you.   Please confirm your claim checks match your luggage as you exit the luggage tent area.  If you chose the standard off-site lot, you will take your luggage with you and board a shuttle to return to your vehicle and depart for your next destination from there.

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8/2/2021: Mackinac Island Family Vacation 2 Aug 2021 5:45 AM (4 years ago)

Note: Below ticket prices and offers are no longer valid. Please reference our ticket options for the current prices and packages – all other prices, packages, or offers are not valid.

 

 

It’s August… but don’t worry, there is still time for one more family trip before kids go back to school in the fall – Mackinac Island! To make the trip easier, our crew has worked hard to compile a list of frequently asked questions about our ferries and Mackinac Island!

1.)   What is a more cost-effective way to travel with a family?

We offer two online packages – a 3 adult package, and a 2 adult + 1 child package. These packages offer $15 and $17 off respectively between the two packages. Have a bigger family than three? No problem! Combine one or more of these packages with single round trip tickets for an additional savings of $2 off an adult ticket and $1 off a child ticket. This offer expires October 31, 2021.

2.)   Are the tickets flexible?
Tickets can be used on any departure from now until October 31^st, 2021 – the last day of our season.

3.)   Are dogs welcome onboard?
Absolutely! We encourage every member of the family to experience Mackinac Island at least once during their lifetime. We just ask that dogs, and other pets, are on a leash and controlled by an adult.

4.)   Are Strollers allowed on the ferries?
Strollers are free of charge and ride on the aft deck of the ferries. Children may not ride in the stroller while underway. For a great view take the kids to the top deck!

5.)  What are family-friendly activities to do on Mackinac Island?
At Fort Mackinac watch a re-enactment of the British fighting the American’s during the war of 1812 – they happen every 45 minutes which includes a firing of the canon! Within Fort Mackinac there is also the Kids’ Quarters – an interactive, hands-on display of historic kids’ games. Mackinac Island Carriage Tours offers a narrated hour and 45-minute carriage tour to the main attractions of Mackinac Island. Visit the Butterfly House and Insect World with the oldest live Butterfly exhibit in Michigan! Lastly, on the world’s longest front porch at the Grand Hotel, play a giant game of chess or enjoy other yard games on their front lawn and the playground at Marquette Park.

End the summer with a great, family fun vacation on Mackinac Island and let Shepler’s take you there!

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