Lighthouse lovers will soon get a chance to once again explore Big Sable Point, among Michigan’s most historic lighthouses along the Great Lakes.
The popular lighthouse within west Michigan’s Ludington State Park on the Lake Michigan beachfront will reopen for the 2025 season Wednesday, June 25, according to a news release from the volunteer group Lakeshore Keepers, formerly Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association.
Construction-related closures at the state park, and the road to the park, delayed the lighthouse’s seasonal opening, Lakeshore Keepers said.
“Nestled among jack pines, and a nearly 2-mile walk along a breathtaking trail, stands Big Sable’s noble black and white tower,” Lakeshore Keepers’ website says.
Here’s what to know.
When will Big Sable Point reopen?
Big Sable Point Lighthouse will reopen June 25, 2025, Lakeshore Keepers said.
What is Big Sable Point Lighthouse?
The historic 112-foot lighthouse was built in 1867, Visit Ludington says, and is a popular tourist attraction. The lakefront site features seasonal tours of the lighthouse and adjacent original keeper’s quarters, Pure Michigan says.
Visitors can climb 130 steps in the lighthouse to its light room and enjoy panoramic Lake Michigan views from a catwalk, at a cost. In the keeper’s quarters, tourists can explore a gift shop and watch programs on Big Sable Point’s history.
Where is Big Sable Point Lighthouse?
Big Sable Point Lighthouse is in Ludington State Park, in west Michigan along the eastern shores of Lake Michigan.
How can you get to the lighthouse?
Visitors can access Big Sable Point by trekking 2 miles from the state park parking lot or via a bus ride on bus days, Lakeshore Keepers says.
Bus tickets cost $6 round trip and $3 one-way for adults, $4 round trip and $2 one-way for students ages 17 and under. Rides for the 2025 season will be available on the following dates:
The bus rides will run from noon to 4:30 p.m. on bus days, with the last return bus leaving Big Sable Point at 5 p.m. To ride the bus, you can park at the state park’s main entrance and follow signs to the park office, Lakeshore Keepers said. There, organizers will have a tent to purchase tickets and wait for the shuttle.
What is Ludington State Park?
Ludington State Park is a west Michigan state park featuring sandy Lake Michigan beaches, sand dunes, the historic lighthouse, three campgrounds, marshlands, forests and wetlands.
How can you visit the lighthouse?
Members of the public will be able to tour Big Sable Point this season at a cost, Lakeshore Keepers says.
If you want to climb the lighthouse tower for lakefront views, admission is $8 for adults, $5 for students ages 17 and under and free for active service members and veterans.
What are the lighthouse’s hours?
Big Sable Point Lighthouse will be open seven days a week until Sept. 7, Lakeshore Keepers say. Hours will be 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays.
In fall 2025, the lighthouse will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays.
Why was the lighthouse closed until now?
Big Sable Point will reopen for its 2025 season later than normal because of construction-related closures at the state park, Lakeshore Keepers says.
Why was Ludington State Park closed?
Ludington State Park campgrounds were closed to pave the park’s main road and Hamlin Lake day-use area parking lot, expand the parking lot at Lake Michigan and warming shelters, and enhance traffic and pedestrian flow at the park entrance.
The state park’s day-use areas are set to reopen June 25 and campgrounds and overnight lodging will reopen June 26, according to Visit Ludington.
The Detroit Free Press contributed.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: This historic Lake Michigan lighthouse will soon reopen. How to visit Big Sable Point
Reporting by Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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