Big Sable Point

Quick Facts

  • Location: Mason County, Lake Michigan
  • Year Built: 1867
  • Tower Height: 112 feet (34 meters)
  • Active: Yes
  • Open to Public: Yes (seasonally)
  • National Register of Historic Places: Yes (1983)

History

Big Sable Point Lighthouse has stood as a sentinel on Lake Michigan’s eastern shore for over 150 years. Constructed in 1867 at a cost of $35,000, this lighthouse was a response to the increasing maritime traffic along Michigan’s western coast during the post-Civil War lumber boom. Originally built with cream-colored brick, the tower began deteriorating from harsh weather conditions by the 1890s. In 1900, steel plates were installed around the exterior, creating the distinctive black and white daymark pattern visible today.

The lighthouse was staffed by dedicated keepers who lived on-site with their families until automation in 1968. William Davenport served as the first keeper, and in later years, the lighthouse made history when Frances Marshall became one of the first female lighthouse keepers on the Great Lakes in the 1940s. Throughout its operational history, Big Sable Point has guided countless vessels safely along this treacherous stretch of shoreline, playing a crucial role in Michigan’s maritime commerce.

Architecture & Features

Standing an impressive 112 feet tall, Big Sable Point is one of Michigan’s tallest lighthouses and is notable for its stately proportions and distinctive black and white bands. The tower’s original third-order Fresnel lens, manufactured in Paris by Henry-Lepaute, projected a fixed white light visible for up to 19 nautical miles. This magnificent lens was removed in 1985 and is now displayed at the Ludington Maritime Museum.

The lighthouse complex includes the keeper’s quarters attached to the base of the tower, which now serves as a gift shop and museum. The original brick construction is now encased in steel plate cladding, which not only protected the structure but gave it its distinctive appearance. Inside, a spiral staircase with 130 steps leads to the lantern room at the top. The current automated beacon flashes a white light every 30 seconds and remains an active navigational aid maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Visiting Information

  • Address: Ludington State Park, 8800 W. M-116, Ludington, MI 49431
  • Hours: May through October, 10am-5pm daily
  • Admission: $8 adults, $5 children (12 and under)
  • Tours: Yes, guided tours available hourly
  • Climb Tower: Yes (must be at least 40 inches tall)
  • Gift Shop: Yes
  • Nearby Attractions: Ludington State Park, Hamlin Lake, Downtown Ludington
  • Accessibility: The lighthouse grounds are accessible via a 1.8-mile walking trail from the parking area. The tower climb is not wheelchair accessible, but the museum and grounds are partially accessible.

Visitor Experience

Visiting Big Sable Point Lighthouse begins with a scenic 1.8-mile hike through Ludington State Park’s rolling dunes and peaceful forests. Once you arrive, the impressive black and white striped tower rises majestically against the blue backdrop of Lake Michigan. Visitors can explore the keeper’s quarters museum, which features exhibits on lighthouse history, keeper life, and maritime artifacts.

The tower climb rewards adventurous visitors with breathtaking 360-degree views of Lake Michigan, the surrounding dunes, and forests. On clear days, visibility extends for miles along the shoreline. Volunteer lighthouse keepers are on hand to share fascinating stories and answer questions about life at the lighthouse. The experience provides not just spectacular views but a tangible connection to Michigan’s maritime heritage.

Preservation Efforts

Since 1986, the Big Sable Point Lighthouse Keepers Association (BSPLKA) has been instrumental in preserving this historic structure. After the lighthouse was automated and the last keeper departed, the building fell into disrepair until the BSPLKA partnered with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to restore and maintain the property.

Major restoration projects have included stabilizing the foundation, restoring the keeper’s quarters, and regular maintenance of the exterior steel plates and paint. The organization operates a volunteer keeper program where participants stay on-site for two-week periods to maintain the grounds and guide visitors. Preservation is funded through tour fees, gift shop sales, and membership contributions. Visitors interested in supporting preservation efforts can join the BSPLKA, volunteer as keepers, or make donations toward specific restoration projects.

Fun Facts

  • The name “Sable” comes from the French word for “sand,” referring to the massive sand dunes surrounding the lighthouse.
  • During prohibition, the remote location made it a perfect lookout point for rum-runners smuggling liquor across Lake Michigan from Canada.
  • The lighthouse keeper’s children had to walk or boat the nearly two miles to reach school in the early days before modern transportation.
  • Big Sable Point was one of the last Great Lakes lighthouses to receive electricity, finally being connected to the grid in 1949.

Photo Gallery

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Interactive Elements

  • 360° Virtual Tour of the tower and keeper’s quarters
  • Historical Timeline showing key events in the lighthouse’s history
  • Before/After Restoration Images comparing the 1970s deterioration to today’s restored condition

Nearby Accommodations

  • Ludington State Park Campground: Modern and rustic campsites within walking distance
  • Cartier Mansion Bed & Breakfast: Historic lodging in downtown Ludington, 15-minute drive
  • Ludington Beach House: Lakefront accommodations with views of Ludington’s north breakwater lighthouse
  • Nader’s Motel & Suites: Family-friendly accommodations near downtown, budget-friendly option

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