Exploring the Lighthouses of Lake Michigan with Lakeshore Keepers

Ludington is home to two historic Lake Michigan lighthouses, and thanks to the work of the Lakeshore Keepers, visitors can also explore three more along the shoreline, with experiences stretching from Whitehall to Manistee. Discover the story of the lakeshore by visiting the lights in person this summer during your stay in Pure Ludington! 

Lakeshore Keepers is committed to making these lighthouses accessible to everyone—whether you’re climbing a tower, strolling the grounds, or learning from home. Through preservation, education, and storytelling, they invite you to connect with the rich maritime heritage of Lake Michigan, discover the important role these structures continue to play, and find ways to be part of their story.

Locations & 2026 Events

Lakeshore Keepers’ five lights are open to the public to visit from May to October. The organization also hosts events at the lights, including concerts, bus days, and more. 

Big Sable Point Lighthouse

Built in 1867, Big Sable Lighthouse draws thousands of visitors each year to Ludington State Park. Operated by Lakeshore Keepers since 1987, the mission has been to restore, preserve, educate, and ensure accessibility to the lights.

To see and climb the tower, follow the signs on M-116 to Ludington State Park, park in the lot just inside the main gate, and walk or bike 1.8 miles on the Lighthouse Trail, entered from the Pines Campground between sites 58 and 59. Hours are 1-5 p.m.  Mondays and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday from May 4, 2026, to Labor Day. Fall Hours: Sept 10 to Sept 27, 2026, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Thursday-Sunday.

To prioritize accessibility, Lakeshore Keepers provides a limited number of bus days at the historic beacon each year. Visitors can catch a ride out to the lighthouse for a nominal fee and skip the 4-mile round-trip walk. 

2026 Bus Day Schedule – 12 to 4:30 p.m.:

Saturday, June 27 

Thursday, July 9

Thursday, July 16

Thursday, July 23

Thursday, August 13

Saturday, August 29

Campaign Fund for Restoration

Lakeshore Keepers is presently raising funds for the restoration of Big Sable with a focus on preserving the brick exterior of the keeper’s dwelling. The initiative will remove decades-old layers of exterior paint, address organic growth that has formed between the paint and brick, restore the dwelling’s historic masonry, and repaint the structure with masonry finish. This initiative will prevent the structure from holding moisture.

Since launching the $450,000 restoration project last December, Lakeshore Keepers has $68,603 left to meet the project goal. Learn more here

Ludington North Breakwater Light

This 1924 light boasts a unique design and a vibrant green light from its 57-foot tower. Ludington North Breakwater Light stands at the end of the north pier in Ludington. It’s accessed via a half-mile walk down the pier from Stearns Park Beach in Ludington.

Tickets for tower climbs are available in the gift shop on the first floor of the light from May 19, 2026, to Labor Day: 1-5 p.m.  Mondays and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Fall Hours: Sept 10 to Sept 27, 2026 – 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Thursday-Sunday.

In addition to its regular hours, North Breakwater Light will be open during Pure Ludington Sunset Beach Bonfires (8-10 p.m.) on June 25, July 30, and August 29.

One note: If the American flag is flying atop the Breakwater Light, it means the light is open. This location closes periodically due to high winds and waves crashing over the pier.

Little Sable Point Lighthouse

The 1874 Little Sable Point Lighthouse overlooks Lake Michigan and still harbors its original 3rd-order Fresnel lens. This beautiful brick structure stands among Silver Lake Sand Dunes and is accessible through the state park. You can visit Little Sable Point Lighthouse to climb the iconic tower and enjoy breathtaking views of the shoreline.

Hours are 1-5 p.m. Mondays and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday from May 11, 2026, to Labor Day. Fall Hours: September 10- 27, 2026, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday.

After a tower climb, be sure to visit the gift shop for souvenirs and bring a chair or blanket to relax on the beach.

Don’t miss this summer’s 2026 Night at the Lights at Little Sable Point.

Every other Wednesday at 7 p.m. from June 17 to August 26

White River Lake Station

White River Light Station in White Lake is a beautiful brick building that still reverberates with the character and stories of its early years. Visitors can climb to the top of the 38-foot tower and explore the museum and grounds. Also, the original Fourth-Order Fresnel lens is on display at the museum.

White River Light Station is about 50 feet from a parking lot, which also has access to the White Lake channel and pier. It’s open from May 12, 2026, to Labor Day, 1-5 p.m. Mondays and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Fall Hours from September 10 to October 25, 2026, are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday-Sunday.

Manistee North Pierhead

This is a new location for Lakeshore Keepers; the Ludington-based nonprofit officially acquired the 1927-era Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse in 2025 – making it the fifth historic lighthouse across four counties on Lake Michigan that the organization operates.

Following a 15-month restoration, the Manistee North Pierhead Light will open to the public May 25 with a ribbon-cutting event at noon, followed by open hours for tower climbs until 5 p.m. Following the opening, the light will be open 7 days a week: 1-5 p.m. Mondays and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays – Sundays.

To learn more about these iconic West Michigan lighthouses, visit lakeshorekeepers.org.