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Vacationland 2017 — Page 19
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Standing tall along the lakeshore
he Lake Michigan shoreline from Montague to Ludington features a number of historic lighthouses. These towering beauties are full of lore, deeply identified with the community and as iconic as castles are to Europe. The White River Station in Whitehall, Little Sable Point Lighthouse near Mears, Ludington North Breakwater Light and Big Sable Point Lighthouse in Ludington State Park all offer a chance to learn about and experience lighthouses.
Little Sable Point Lighthouse The 107-foot-tall red brick Little Sable Point Lighthouse was built in 1874 and occupies the western-most point of land in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. The lighthouse is operated by the Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association (SPLKA) and is located within the Silver Lake State Park in Oceana County’s Golden Township. With a donation of $5 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under guests are allowed to climb the lighthouse’s 130 steps to take in the view from atop this glorious landmark. Children must be over 3 feet tall. Little Point Sable is open for tours daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. spring through early fall. The Little Sable Point Lighthouse will host five Wednesday “Night at the Light” events, July 12- Aug. 9 These free concerts will run from 7-8:30 p.m. this summer and the lighthouse will be open and available for tours, for the standard admission charge, until 8 p.m. Concerts include Wyatt and Sherri Knapp on July 12; Oceana Drive on July 19; Bob Hausler on July 26; Ghost of the American Road on Aug. 2 and “Steel Doin’ it” Steel Drum Band on Aug 9.
Little Sable Point Lighthouse is located at Silver Lake State Park.
Take in the view of Lake Michigan from Big Sable Point Lighthouse’s catwalk in Ludington State Park.
Big Sable Point Lighthouse Ludington State Park is the home of the 112-foot-tall, metal-clad Big Sable Point Lighthouse. The structure dates back to 1867 and still has its keepers quarters. It is accessible by a 1.5to 2-mile hike — one way — on the beach or a gravel road closed to traffic. On designated dates bus rides are available.
Ludington North Breakwater Light Ludington’s light is a city landmark. It’s just west of downtown accessible through Stearns Park or by parking at the west end of Ludington Avenue. Walking “the wall” to get to the light is a Ludington tradition and the wall, also known as the breakwater, is often busy with people
walking to and from the light — about a mile round-trip.
White River Light Station The White River Light Station Museum in Whitehall is on the White River channel overlooking Lake Michigan.