Big Sable Point Lighthouse
The Big Sable Point Light is a lighthouse on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan near Ludington in Mason County, Michigan, at the Ludington State Park and is an active aid to navigation.
On July 28, 1866, Congress appropriated $35,000 for a new lighthouse at Big Sable Point. Approximately 933 acres was deeded from the State of Michigan to the U.S. at no cost and in early 1867 construction began, making it the first light station in the area.
Built in 1867, the 112-foot tower was originally made of yellow cream brick. It has a focal plane of 106 feet. The building was made of so-called Cream City Brick. The brick deteriorated and was thereafter covered with boiler plate in 1900. Construction materials were brought up by ships. The first road to the site was not completed until 1933.
Because the brick deteriorated from exposure to the elements, a steel plate encasement was installed in 1900 at a cost of $3,225. The yellow brick now encased in steel plate was difficult to see and a daymark was needed. Several changes to the daymark over the years were made. Currently, the tower is painted white with a black watch tower and a black band around the middle of the tower. It was the last Great Lakes Lighthouse to get electricity and plumbing, which came in the late 1940s.
In 1986, the lighthouse station was leased to the Foundation for Behavioral Research. The foundation has worked with the Big Sable Lighthouse Association to preserve the buildings.
Ludington State Park is comprised of 5,300 acres of scenic sand dunes, sandy beaches, the iconic Big Sable Point Lighthouse, wetlands, marshlands and forests. It is situated between Hamlin Lake and Lake Michigan with several miles of beautiful shoreline along both lakes.
Where it is:
Access requires a 1.5-mile walk up the beach or hiking trail.
Take state highway M-116 north from Ludington to Lakeshore Drive. Proceed north for 6.5-mile to Ludington State Park. A vehicle permit is required and a fee collected.
Bus transportation is available on select days. Buses travel from the State Park Rangers House inside the State Park to the lighthouse from 12pm to 5pm. Round trip cost is $5.00 per adult rider and $2.00 for children 12 and under.
Maps:
Interactive Google Map
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GPS:
44°3’27.354″ N 86°30’52.326″ W
Called Grande Pointe au Sable by French explorers and traders, Big Sable Point was an important landmark for mariners traveling a treacherous stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline between Big Sable Point and present-day Ludington. In 1855 twelve ships wrecked in that area. Commerce linked to the burgeoning lumber industry required Big Sable Point be suitably lighted. State Senator Charles Mears pressed the legislature to ask the federal government for a light station at Big Sable. In 1866 the U.S. Congress appropriated $35,000 for a lighthouse, which was built the following year. As the lumbering era waned, steamers carrying coal foodstuffs and tourists continued to rely on the lighthouse for navigation.
Cost:
The Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots.
Michigan Residents
- Vehicles: $12 when purchased with your license plate registration renewal through the Secretary of State.
- Vehicles: $17 when purchased at state parks, *DNR customer service centers (cash or checks only) or at the Secretary of State outside your license plate registration renewal cycle. (Recreation Passport fee + $5 convenience fee = $17)
- Motorcycles: $6 when purchased with your license plate registration renewal through the Secretary of State..
- Motorcycles: $11 ($6 passport fee, plus $5 convenience fee) when purchased at state parks and *DNR customer service centers (cash or checks only) or at the Secretary of State outside your license plate registration renewal cycle.
- Moped: $6 when purchased at state parks.
- Commercial daily pass $17 when purchased at state parks (24k+ lbs and/or seating capacity of 16+).
Nonresident
- Annual nonresident: $34 (valid through Dec. 31, 2021)
- Daily nonresident: $9
- Towed motor vehicle (only if it’s being used): $7 at state parks (can only be purchased if towing vehicle has an annual non-resident pass, good for length of stay)
- Commercial daily pass $17 at state parks (24k+ lbs and/or seating capacity of 16+)
The cost to climb the lighthouse is $5.oo
Hours:
The lighthouse is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., May through October. Call (231) 845-7417 to confirm hours.
Facilities:
The park is home to three modern campgrounds with a combined total of 360 campsites and three mini cabins. The Cedar Campground includes eight tent-only sites that are located on a separate loop. These tent sites do not have electricity, but are within walking distance of the restrooms and showers.
Location Contact Information:
Ludington MI, 49431
Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association
P.O. Box 673
Ludington, MI
49431
Big Sable Point Lighthouse Photo Gallery
Click Here for full page gallery
More Photographic Destinations in Michigan
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