The black-and-white striped, 112 foot lighthouse at the Ludington State Park stands proudly on the shores of Lake Michigan and remains a testament to lighthouse keepers of the past. Big Sable Point Lighthouse was honored as 2013 Featured Lighthouse of the Year for the Great Lakes Lighthouse Festival.
In 1867, Big Sable Point Lighthouse was constructed, and on November 1 of that year, mariners as far as 19 miles out on the lake saw a constant white light for the first time.
Climate has not been kind to the lighthouse, and in early 1900, the tower had deteriorated so badly that cement was poured between the plates and brick. It was at this time that the black and white daymark was introduced. In 1949, Big Sable Point became the last Great Lakes light to be electrified, and automation of the light eliminated the need for a keeper, though the Coast Guard staffed the light until 1972.The Big Sable Point Lighthouse is listed on both the state and national registers of historic places. It is one of the tallest in the state of Michigan at over 100 feet. From May-October, visitors can hike the 1.8 miles from the parking lot to the beach and climb the 130 steps to the top of the tower, which offers a spectacular view.
