Did you know that there are more lighthouses on Michigan’s shores than any other state in the United States? As settlers flocked to the Midwest, shipping was the main mode of transportation for people, lumber, minerals, grains, fruit, and other produce. Traveling to and from different ports became a dangerous business and led to an estimated 3,000 shipwrecks at the bottom of Lake Michigan. Lighthouses serve an important purpose in safely lighting the way around dangerous shoals.
Continuing with MAF’s summer Road Trip series visiting Michigan’s lighthouses, this month we explore the unique lighthouse structures that are located on the shores of Southern Lake Michigan. Michigan has both a rich history and an abundant inventory of lighthouses that reinforce MAF’s mission of “advancing awareness of how architecture enriches life.” If you are planning a trip to Southern Michigan this summer, please consider some of the following options to learn more about Michigan Lighthouses located on the shores of Southern Lake Michigan:
Photo Credit: Daniel
Big Sable Point Lighthouse: 8800 W M-116, Ludington
Nestled among pine trees, the 112 foot tall black and white-striped Big Sable Point Lighthouse sits along a lovely stretch of Lake Michigan and is surrounded by Ludington State Park. Commissioned in 1867, the lighthouse remained active until 2002. Originally built of Milwaukee Cream City brick, the light suffered from Lake Michigan’s fierce winds. In 1905, a protective layer of steel was added and the lighthouse was painted with distinctive stripes. Big Sable Point Lighthouse is open to the public seasonally for tours, and there is also a livestream of the view from the lighthouse.
Ludington North Breakwater Light Station: 905 E Ludington Ave., Ludington
The 57 foot tall, white, bullet-shaped Ludington North Breakwater Light Station sits at the end of a pier in the heart of Ludington, surrounded by beach and playground facilities at Stearns Park. Built in 1924, the light is open all summer long. In 1994, the crib where the light sits settled, and the tower tilted four degrees to the northeast. The Army Corps of Engineers determined that it was safe and left it as is.
Little Sable Point Light Station: 287 N Lighthouse Dr., Mears
Once painted white and paired with a lighthouse keeper’s quarters, the 1874 Little Sable Lighthouse stands at 107 feet tall and is now cinnamon-colored. The light is part of Michigan’s Silver Lake Sand Dunes State Park, popular for boaters, RVers, and swimmers. Visitors can climb the tower for views of Lake Michigan and the dunes. Don’t miss the Must-See Michigan Architecture article about the Little Sable Point Lighthouse in this month’s newsletter.
White River Lighthouse: 6199 Murray Rd, Whitehall
The White River Light station was built in 1875 and was constructed using a “Norman Gothic” design that had been used at several other Great Lake locations. Limestone was used for the foundation and yellow brick for the superstructure. Though square at its base, the tower’s corners are beveled halfway up to create an octagonal form. The light station was decommissioned in 1960 and is now open to the public as a museum.
Muskegon South Pierhead and South Breakwater Light: 1431 Beach St., Muskegon
The red towers of Muskegon’s South Pierhead and Breakwater Lights draw visitors to this magnificent strand of beach. Located near the Muskegon State Park, the South Pierhead Light was first lit in 1903 and helped guide ships from Lake Michigan to the Muskegon River. The Pierhead tower is open for tours during the summer months, until the end of September. The Breakwater tower is viewable from the exterior only. (Tour and Ticket Information)
Photo Credit: Mike Norris
Grand Haven South Pierhead Inner and Outer Light Stations: 1001 S. Harbor Dr., Grand Haven
Grand Haven’s South Pier consists of two cherry-red lighthouses, which were both lit in 1905. Grand Haven’s catwalk was no rarity in its day; the elevated walkway allowed access to the lights from land even when many feet of snow and ice buried the pier below. Few of the catwalks remain, destroyed by the elements over time. Grand Haven’s catwalk is one of the few left; it was recently restored and is now lit after hours with bright lights. There is no public access to the lights themselves, although thousands enjoy walking and boating past the pier.
Manistee North Pierhead Light Station: Fifth Avenue Beach, Manistee
As early as 1851, representatives from Michigan started petitioning Congress for a lighthouse and harbor improvements at the mouth of the Manistee River. Standing at 39 feet tall, the Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse was built from cast iron in 1872. The pier and its elevated catwalk were used by the keepers to keep the light in running order. This lighthouse is a welcoming sight to those entering the Manistee River from Lake Michigan.
Photo Credit: Ethan
Holland Harbor Lighthouse: 2415 Ottawa Beach Rd., Holland
Referred as ‘Big Red’ by locals, the Holland Harbor Lighthouse dates back to 1907. The lighthouse sits at the end of the city’s southern pier, which leads to Lake Macatawa and Holland’s working docks. The lighthouse is three-story square tower building and is topped with a gray shingled roof. The twin-gabled structure reflects the Dutch influence in the area. It is one of the most photographed lighthouses in Michigan. Access to the lighthouse is currently restricted, however, it can still be viewed from the beach at Holland State Park, just across the channel.
Point Betsie Lighthouse: 3701 Point Betsie Rd., Frankfort
Built in 1858, Point Betsie Lighthouse sits at the West Michigan shoreline, a spot that once threatened ships as they headed north through the Manitou Passage to the Straits of Mackinac. The placement of the 37 foot tall tower on top of the dunes has its focal point at 52 feet above lake level. In 1900, the tower and its keeper’s house were painted a bright white due to need of a day marker, with the roof and parapet painted red. Both the tower and the keeper’s house are open for tours and sit alongside a beautiful sugar sand beach.
Photo Credit: Ian Robertson
South Haven Light Station: Water St., South Haven
Originally lit in 1872, the South Haven Lighthouse stands at the end of a boardwalk at the entrance to the Black River on Lake Michigan and was rebuilt in 1903. The lighthouse remains operational, and the boardwalk still connects the shore to the lighthouse. The original keeper’s house sits on shore and has been renovated to become the Marialyce Canonie Great Lakes Research Library. Access to the tower is not open to the public, but visitors can enjoy strolling the pier.
St. Joseph North Pier Inner and Outer Light Stations: 80 Ridgeway St., St Joseph
In 1907, St. Joseph extended its pier by 1,000 feet, which rendered the original 1859 lighthouse obsolete. In its place, they built the North Pier Inner and Outer Lights that you see today. The white lights rank as a beloved landmark in St. Joseph, and are still joined by their original catwalk. During the summer, the inner light station is open to the public. Visitors and locals enjoy walking the pier to see both lights up close. Good viewing opportunities can be had at Tiscornia and Silver Beach Parks. The 35-foot-tall tapered outer tower is cast iron plated and is topped with a 10-sided lantern room. The 57-foot-tall inner tower consists of a steel structure whose pyramidal roof is surmounted by an octagonal tower, with a circular lantern room and helical bars.
For a unique perspective and an extraordinary view, you may want to consider visiting the St. Joseph Lights in the winter. For more information: Visit St. Joseph’s frozen lighthouses | Visit Southwest Michigan