Discover the lighthouses along Lake Michigan's shoreline.
Still shining bright and guiding ships through the night; the lighthouses and light stations along Lake Michigan's shorelines are a unique, historic attraction to visit. By the close of the civil war, Michigan's lumbering era was in full swing and shipping over the Great Lakes was the primary means of transporting the lumber. Lighthouses played a central role in Great Lakes commerce by serving as essential guides through the dangerous and stormy "Inland Seas".
All within an hour of Silver Lake, four lighthouses are featured in our tour. Although you could view them all in one day, take your time and enjoy the unusual architecture, history, and beautiful scenery of the surrounding areas.
Little Point Sable Light Station
No trip to our area would be complete without a visit to the majestic Little Sable Point Light Station. The 107-foot majestic red brick tower is located just two miles west of Silver Lake on one of the most incredible stretches of Lake Michigan shoreline. The sandy beach surrounding the light station is open for public use and is a great place to spend the day. In the summer months, the lighthouse area becomes a playground for families and sunbathers. At night, it is the best spot in the area to catch a spectacular sunset and then watch as the tower sends its warm, yellow light out into the water for miles. The station was constructed in 1874 out of layers of brick. Its walls range in thickness from five-feet at the bottom tapering to two feet thick at the top, the towers walls are over five-feet thick. The Little Sable Point Light Station is one of the oldest remaining brick towers on the Great Lakes. Today, the brick tower stands as a lonely sentinel from the past. All that remains of the complex of dwellings, stable, light tower, and oil house is the beautiful brick tower and its light.
Open for Tours : Wednesday thru Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM May - September
Admission:
$2.00 per person
12 and under $1.00
Height Requirement: 36 inches
Directions:
Follow US-31 to the Shelby Road Exit. Follow Shelby Road west to B-15. Follow B-15 to Silver Lake Road. Turn Left onto Silver Lake Road (next to Mac Wood's Dune Rides). Follow the winding, paved road to the Little Sable Point Light Station.
For More Information:
Contact the Oceana County Historical and Genealogical Society at 231.873.2600.
White River Light Station Museum
Located just fifteen minutes south of the Hart area is the White River Light Station. Constructed of Michigan brick and limestone, the White River station still stands proud. The station was converted into a museum and is now owned and operated by Fruitland Township. The museum contains interesting nautical artifacts and stories of its first lighthouse keeper, Captain William Robinson and is open during the summer months Tuesday through Sunday.
Directions:
Follow US-31 to White Lake Drive Exit. Turn West to South Shore Drive. Turn left and follow the Museum signs to the end of Murray Road.
For More Information:
Contact the White River Light Station Museum at 231.894.8265.
Ludington North Breakwater Light
At the end of Ludington's break wall stands the Ludington North Breakwater Light. The original light was placed here in 1871 to help guide vessels through the channel. Although the light was rebuilt in 1924 with the current structure, the light is still actively guiding boats through the channel and along the shores of Lake Michigan.
Directions: Follow US-31 to the US-10 West Exit. Follow US-10 west through downtown Ludington and to the Lake Michigan shore.
For More Information: Contact the Ludington Area Chamber of Commerce at 231.845.0324.
Big Sable Point Lighthouse
Just thirty minutes from the Silver Lake area stands the Big Sable Point Lighthouse. The oldest lighthouse in our tour, the 112-foot lighthouse tower was built in 1867. The lighthouse is very similar in original design to the Little Sable Point Light Station in Silver Lake. However, the original bricks have been covered with steel plates to protect them from further deterioration. Attached to the tower is the light keeper's home. Open May through October from 10AM to 6PM. Bus Day is the 3rd Saturday of the monthy in July, August and September for those unable to walk the distance to the lighthouse.
Directions:
Follow US-10 west through downtown Ludington and to the Lake Michigan shore. The Lighthouse is located 8 miles north of Ludington.
For More Information:
Contact the Big Sable Point Lighthouse Keepers Association
Post Office Box 673, Ludington, Michigan 49431
or call the Ludington Chamber of Commerce at 231.845.0324.
