Mason County Cultural Trails
A site to behold along Lake Michigan, these structures with a rich history give both a sense of safety and a beautiful site.
Photo by Marion Riedl
Summer hours are Mondays from 1-5pm & Tuesdays-Sundays from 10am-5pm running May 12th-September 7th, 2026.
Fall hours are Thursdays-Sundays from 10am-pm running September 10th-October 25th, 2026.
Built in 1875, the White River Light Station is one of four lights operated by Lakeshore Keepers. Located in Whitehall, Michigan (about 40 minutes south of Ludington), the Light Station is situated between Lake Michigan and White Lake.
Back in the lumbering days, a channel was dug between these two bodies of water to allow schooners to access the sawmills, adjacent to pine forests. Later, passengers arrived from Chicago on steamships to enjoy summer activities on White Lake.
White River Light Station’s first keeper was Captain William Robinson. He and his wife Sarah and their thirteen children spent 47 years at the Light. Many qualified people followed, including Frances Marshall, the last female lighthouse keeper in Michigan.
The light station was decommissioned in 1960 and became a museum in 1970. Here, you can climb the spiral staircase to the top of the tower or view the original Fourth Order Fresnel lens. There is a $8 donation for adults and $5 for children 17 & under to climb the tower.
Take US-31 to White Lake Dr exit. Turn right on South Shore Drive. Turn left and continue following museum signs to the end of Murray Road.
A site to behold along Lake Michigan, these structures with a rich history give both a sense of safety and a beautiful site.
Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes has miles of sand trails and hills, where hikers are rewarded at the end with spectacular views of Lake Michigan.
The Michigan Audubon Society Lake Bluff Center overlooks Lake Michigan near Manistee and features wildlife and a bird sanctuary.
Visit the Old Mission Peninsula, situated between the west arm and east arm of Grand Traverse Bay.
West Michigan is home to wineries galore! Enjoy a wine tasting tour and sample award winning wines.
The Annual Show of the Western Michigan Old Engine Club is held the first weekend of August at Scottville’s Riverside Park.