Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography
The 2024 tour schedule is from May 7th-September 2nd from 10am-5pm, Tuesdays through Sundays. Donation is $8 for adults, $5 for students 17 and under.
The black-and-white striped, 112 foot lighthouse at the Ludington State Park stands proudly on the shores of Lake Michigan and remains a testament to lighthouse keepers of the past. Big Sable Point Lighthouse was honored as 2013 Featured Lighthouse of the Year for the Great Lakes Lighthouse Festival.
The Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association is in the midst of a fund drive to repair the lighthouse. “Leave a Print in the Sand” hopes to raise $250,000 to make major repairs, including repair of rusted sections, painting the tower, replacing both the roof and more than 700 original bricks.
You can purchase a Trex board that will be used in the new walkway around Big Sable Point Lighthouse. Each engraved board costs $100 and allows 25 characters on one line. If you’re interested in helping with this project, visit the SPLKA office in downtown Ludington’s Center for the Arts, or go to splka.org.
Standing on ground formerly known by French explorers as Grande Point au Sable, the Lighthouse Board recommended a beacon be placed in Ludington. In 1867, Big Sable Point Lighthouse was constructed, and on November 1 of that year, mariners as far as 19 miles out on the lake saw a constant white light for the first time.
Climate has not been kind to the lighthouse, and in early 1900, the tower had deteriorated so badly that cement was poured between the plates and brick. It was at this time that the black and white daymark was introduced. In 1949, Big Sable Point became the last Great Lakes light to be electrified, and automation of the light eliminated the need for a keeper, though the Coast Guard staffed the light until 1972.
Erosion has always been a problem at Big Sable Point, and in 1943, a seawall was built to help control the problem. But because the light was unmanned, the virtually abandoned property deteriorated further. In 1987, the Big Sable Point Lighthouse Keepers Association was formed, guaranteeing the preservation of this historic landmark. Restoration work began on the seawall, the original Fresnel lens was replaced, the building exterior and tower were painted and floors were refinished.
The Big Sable Point Lighthouse is listed on both the state and national registers of historic places. It is one of the tallest in the state of Michigan at over 100 feet. From May-October, visitors can hike the 1.8 miles from the parking lot to the beach and climb the 130 steps to the top of the tower, which offers a spectacular view. The original keeper’s quarters houses a gift shop, where you can pick up a memento of your visit. Thanks to the Lighthouse Keepers Association, Big Sable Point Lighthouse and three other area lighthouses will continue to beautify the coastline and allow people to enjoy their importance to our maritime history.
Follow US-10 west as it turns into Ludington Avenue, turn right onto M-116 and drive north up to the Ludington State Park. Walk 1.8 miles to reach the lighthouse.
Far removed from the hustle and bustle of the big cities – with Lake Michigan as the backdrop – you’ll find the kind of town people want to visit and many call home. Read the stories below or go to the Ludington destination page.
Along the Lake Michigan shoreline between Ludington and Manistee, you'll find natural splendor- the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness area.
Hop aboard the Lake Michigan S.S. Badger Carferry! Take the famous cruise across Lake Michigan and experience the Badger and all it has to do!
There are activities going on in Ludington to keep everyone happy all year long. Longstanding events- Ludington special.
One of the most popular state parks in the Midwest offers a vacation within itself. Enjoy beautiful natural resources and endless activities.
Ludington's North Breakwater Light is the number one lighthouse to see in Michigan! Take a trip along the breakwater path to see it up close!
The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts is a cultural center in West Michigan and plays an integral part in Manistee’s history.
The Manistee Riverwalk follows the Manistee River from Jones Street, under the US-31 bridge, behind downtown, and ends at First Street beach.
Agriculture plays a large role in the economics of Mason County. Take this self-guided tour to learn about agriculture in Mason County.
A magnificent display of color; the Northern Lights can be viewed at the right time of year at the right place in West Michigan!
Set in the heart of downtown Ludington is the Todd & Brad Reed Photo Gallery, and it’s a must-see for anyone who appreciates true beauty.
Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes has miles of sand trails and hills, where hikers are rewarded at the end with spectacular views of Lake Michigan.