I haven't been yet..... Last summer when I was up there I called them to see when the next trip was only to find out that it was sold out for the next 3 weeks, I am going up to Mackinaw later this summer and already secured my tickets, so as not to miss it again. As far as how close they come in to the lights... I don't know, I'll report back when I get back. Also Kids 5 and under are free which is good since tickets are $49.50 each... and my son will still be 4 at the time of our trip. So if you are wanting to go, don't wait until you get there to buy tickets BUY AHEAD OF TIME.

About 3 days after I posted the schedule Sheplers put up on their web site
http://www.sheplersferry.com/schedule/light.htm