Visit West Michigan Lighthouses

Photo by ToddandBradReed.com
Lighthouses symbolize safety, a fascinating maritime history--and have a romantic nature about them. Our area of West Michigan along the Lake Michigan shoreline has its share of these wonderful structures, from Manistee's North Pierhead Lighthouse down to Little Sable Point Lighthouse at Silver Lake. Most were constructed in the late 1800s, when the lumber industry was at its peak. The lighthouses were especially useful in the mid-1900s, when Ludington's Lake Michigan harbor was home to a large carferry fleet.
Today, thanks to organizations that are dedicated to preserving these lighthouses, they proudly stand on the shores of a sometimes turbulent Lake Michigan, opening their doors to visitors, and continue to guide vessels into port.
Today, thanks to organizations that are dedicated to preserving these lighthouses, they proudly stand on the shores of a sometimes turbulent Lake Michigan, opening their doors to visitors, and continue to guide vessels into port.

North Breakwater Light
Ludington's North Breakwater Light
You've seen it in numerous photographs, and it is now ranked #1 in Michigan lights to visit. Ludington's North Breakwater Light is a focal point within the community, and a great place to watch the sunset or wave at the S.S. Badger (Lake Michigan Carferry) as it cruises from its dock in Ludington out onto Lake Michigan. During open hours, visitors can climb the 53 steps to the top. The breakwall leading out to the light is a popular venue for fishermen and those who enjoy walking the mile-long round trip.
Hours: 10am-5pm May 28-September 6, 2021.
Read more about Ludington's North Breakwater Light.

Big Sable Point Lighthouse
Big Sable Point Lighthouse
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. The Big Sable Point Lighthouse is listed on both the state and national registers of historic places. From May-October, visitors can hike the 1.5 miles from the parking lot to the beach and climb the 130 steps to the top of the tower, which offers a spectacular view of the Lake Michigan waters. The original keeper's quarters houses a gift shop, where you can pick up a memento of your visit.
Hours: 10am-5pm daily May 10-October 24, 2021.
Read more about Big Sable Point Lighthouse.
Little Sable Point Lighthouse

Little Sable Point Lighthouse
Hours: 10am-5pm daily May 28-September 19, 2021.
Read more about Little Sable Point Lighthouse.
Pentwater's Pierhead Lights

Pentwater's Pierhead Lights
Read more about Pentwater's Pierhead Lights.

Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse
Manistee's North Pierhead Lighthouse
The most symbolic icon of the Victorian Port City is the North Pierhead Lighthouse, located between the 1st Street and 5th Avenue beaches of Manistee. Many Michigan lighthouses demolished their catwalks when the lights became electrified, so Manistee's catwalk is a rare sight. In the late 1920s, after extensive pier renovations, the old fog signal building was replaced by the present structure. Standing watch over Lake Michigan waters, Manistee's North Pierhead Lighthouse welcomes boaters into its harbor, and is a reminder of Manistee's great maritime history.
Read more about Manistee's North Pierhead Lighthouse.
White River Light Station

White River Light Station photo by Marion Riedl
Hours: Monday-Sunday 10am-5pm, late May-late October. May 21, 2021-Oct. 25, 2021. October hours are 11am-4pm.
Read more about White River Light Station.

Grand Haven Lighthouse & Pier
Grand Haven Lighthouse & Pier
A series of lights draped like holiday lights run along the pier, only broken in the middle by the sight of the Grand Haven Lighthouse. This inner lighthouse, built in 1905, has a round tower looks elegant in its vivid red with lights stringing out on either side. As we follow the lights towards the lake we come to the breakwater's second lighthouse. This outer light, built in 1875, has its own charm and resembles a small barn in appearance. At one time the outer light was equipped with a fog horn which could warn ships in harm's way when the light could not be seen. The west side of the light sports a structure similar to the bow of a ship. This protects the light from the heavy swells so common on Lake Michigan.
West Michigan Lighthouse Locations...

Ludington's North Breakwater Light -- Walk the half-mile long pier to West Michigan's most popular lighthouse.
North Pierhead Lighthouse in Manistee -- At the Manistee beach.
Little Sable Point Lighthouse -- Located at the Silver Lake Sand Dunes.
Big Sable Point Lighthouse -- Located in the Ludington State Park.
Pentwater Pier Head Lights -- At the channel to Pentwater Lake.
Grand Haven Lighthouse -- The Grand Haven lighthouse is at the mouth of the Grand River.
White River Light Station in Whitehall -- Operated by the Sable Point Lighthouse Keepers.
Discover More Lake Michigan Lighthouses...

Grand Traverse Light Station -- Located on the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula in Northern Michigan, The Grand Traverse Light was established in 1852.
Point Betsie Light Station -- Nestled in a dune just south of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the tower stands 39 feet tall, but with the height of the dune it towers 52 feet above Lake Michigan.

Harbor Point Lighthouse -- Located in Harbor Springs in Northern Michigan. McGulpin Point Lighthouse -- This lighthouse is located in the Straits of Mackinac at Mackinaw City. Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse -- Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse is in Mackinaw City.

Manitowoc North Breakwater - Walk out to the end of the pier to this Manitowoc lighthouse, and wave to the carferry S.S. Badger as the ship passes by.
Algoma North Pierhead - This lighthouse can be seen all along the Crescent Beach Boardwalk and is accessible via the pier if you want to venture closer.
Kewaunee Pierhead Lighthouse - Located in Kewaunee, Wisconsin...halfway between Sturgeon Bay and Manitowoc along Lake Michigan.
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Discover West Michigan Lighthouses...
- Ludington's North Breakwater Light at Stearns Park
- Little Sable Point Lighthouse at the Silver Lake State Park
- Big Sable Point Lighthouse at the Ludington State Park
- The Lighthouses of Ludington
- Pentwater Pierhead Lights
- Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse
- Visit West Michigan Lighthouses
- Nights at the Lights Features Entertainment at the Lighthouses
- Visit the Grand Haven Lighthouse and Pier
- White River Light Station