Big Sable Point comes into view a little at a time: first the lantern above the dunes, then the black-and-white tower, and finally the white keeper’s house with its red roof. The walk through sand and dune grass gives this Lake Michigan station a sense of distance from town. Its setting is part of its character—and part of the story of keeping a light on an exposed shore.
Quick Facts
| Location | Ludington State Park, north of Ludington, Mason County, Michigan |
|---|---|
| Waterway | Lake Michigan |
| Established | 1867 |
| Tower height | 112 feet |
| Appearance | Conical tower with steel cladding; white with a broad black band |
| Original lens | Third-order Fresnel |
| Automated | 1968 |
| Status | Active aid to navigation |
| Ownership | Michigan Department of Natural Resources |
| Stewardship | Lakeshore Keepers, formerly Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association |
| Visitor access | Seasonal tower climbs; 1.8-mile trail each way through Ludington State Park |
History & Description
The station was established in 1867 to guide vessels along Lake Michigan’s eastern shore. Its original third-order Fresnel lens concentrated lamplight into a beacon visible from the lake. The 112-foot tower gave that light the elevation it needed above the low dune landscape.
The tower began as a brick structure. In 1900 it was enclosed in steel plates, producing the paneled surface visible today. A broad black band interrupts the white tower, making it recognizable in daylight as well as after dark. The lantern and surrounding gallery complete its unmistakable outline.
The attached house tells the quieter side of the station’s history. Behind its windows and gables were the living spaces of the people who maintained the beacon. Automation in 1968 changed that daily routine, but the lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation.
Preservation now shares the stage with maritime service. Lakeshore Keepers has operated the site since 1987, welcoming visitors and caring for its buildings. The organization’s keeper’s quarters restoration program addresses historic masonry and moisture problems, carrying the work of stewardship into a new generation.
Historical references: U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office · Keeper’s quarters preservation project.
Visitor Information
Allow time for the journey as well as the tower. The dune trail is an essential part of a visit, rather than a short walk from a roadside parking space.
- Getting there
- Follow M-116 north to Ludington State Park. The Lighthouse Path begins in Pines Campground, between sites 58 and 59. The sand-and-gravel route is 1.8 miles each way and open to walkers and bikes.
- Park admission
- A Recreation Passport is required for motor vehicles entering the park. Tower admission is separate.
- Tower & museum
- The first-floor gift shop is free to enter during opening hours. The tower climb has 130 steps; tickets are sold in the shop.
- Season
- The operator lists a May–October season. For fall 2026, September 10–October 25, opening hours are Thursday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Tower admission
- The listed rate is $8 for adults and $5 for visitors age 17 and under; active-duty service members and veterans climb free.
- Climbing requirements
- Visitors must be at least 40 inches tall. Children cannot be carried up the stairs. Wear footwear with heel straps and check the operator’s policies before visiting.
- Trail preparation
- Bring water and sun protection: the path has little shade. Track chairs may be reserved through the park; the lighthouse entrance has stairs. Limited bus days are scheduled separately.
Visitor details checked October 11, 2026. Check Lakeshore Keepers and Ludington State Park for current hours, access and tickets.
Photo Gallery
Seven photographs by Todd. Select a photograph to view it larger.
From our Etsy shop
Bring the Dunes Home
The black-and-white tower. The sweep of dune grass. The blue of Lake Michigan. Keep this memorable shoreline close with a vintage-inspired Big Sable Point Lighthouse poster.
Celebrate a favorite lighthouse journey—or give a little lakeshore inspiration to someone who loves the Great Lakes.
Shop the Big Sable Point Poster →View available options and current pricing on Etsy.
Follow the Michigan Shore
Discover more historic light stations and lighthouse journeys around the Great Lakes.
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