Lighthouses symbolize safety, a fascinating maritime history—and have a romantic nature about them. Our area of West Michigan along the Lake Michigan shoreline has its share of these wonderful structures, from Manistee’s North Pierhead Lighthouse down to Little Sable Point Lighthouse at Silver Lake. Most were constructed in the late 1800’s, when the lumber industry was at its peak. The lighthouses were especially useful in the mid-1900’s, when Ludington’s Lake Michigan harbor was home to a large carferry fleet.

Today, thanks to organizations that are dedicated to preserving these lighthouses, they proudly stand on the shores of a sometimes turbulent Lake Michigan, opening their doors to visitors, and continue to guide vessels into port.

Ludington's North Breakwater Lighthouse

You've seen it in numerous photographs, and it's one of Ludington's most popular attractions. The long outer pier to the North Breakwater Lighthouse is a walk that beckons, perfect for a romantic sunset stroll or a quick trek to wave at the S.S. Badger carferry as the boat cruises out onto Lake Michigan. The breakwall leading out to the lighthouse is a popular venue for fishermen and those who enjoy walking the mile-long round trip.

Ludington State Park's Big Sable Point Lighthouse
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. The Big Sable Point Lighthouse is listed on both the state and national registers of historic places. From May-October, visitors can hike the 1.5 miles from the parking lot to the beach and climb the 130 steps to the top of the tower, which offers a spectacular view of the Lake Michigan waters. The original keeper's quarters houses a gift shop, where you can pick up a momento of your visit.

Silver Lake's Little Sable Point Lighthouse
About 30 miles south of Big Sable Point Lighthouse brings you to the other "point," that juts out into Lake Michigan. Located in the Silver Lake State Park, Little Sable Point Lighthouse is a 107' brick structure constructed in 1874. The Sable Point Lighthouse Keepers Association took over the maintenance of the lighthouse in 2005, and it is open to the public Wednesday-Sunday from late May to late September.

Pentwater's Pierhead Lighthouse
The North and South Pierhead Lights serve as beacons to guide pleasure boats into Pentwater's Lake Michigan harbor during the busy summer season. The current South Pierhead Lighthouse stands 25 feet tall, with the North Pierhead Lighthouse at 17 feet tall. Each is considered one of the few remaining pier range light systems located on the Great Lakes.

Manistee's North Pierhead Lighthouse
The most symbolic icon of the Victorian Port City is the North Pierhead Lighthouse, located between the 1st Street and 5th Avenue beaches. Many Michigan lighthouses demolished their catwalks when the lights became electrified, so Manistee's catwalk is a rare sight. In the late 1920's, after extensive pier renovations, the old fog signal building was replaced by the present structure. Standing watch over Lake Michigan waters, the North Pierhead Lighthouse welcomes boaters into its harbor, and is a reminder of Manistee's great maritime history.