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.

TOUR HOURS
The Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association maintains the Big Sable Point Lighthouse and is open for tours daily 10am-5pm, May 1-October 31. Due to weather conditions and staffing, it may be wise to call ahead at (231) 845-7343, or visit www.splka.org for more information.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Nights at the Lights free programs are offered from 7pm-8pm once a month during the summer. Bus transportation is available from the Ludington State Park to Big Sable Point from 6pm to 9pm. The 2012 schedule is:
June 5 Todd & Brad Reed Photography Workshop.
July 3 An Dro, Irish/Breton/French/Arabic instrumental music.
August 7 Helen Lee, modern dance from Chicago.

DIRECTIONS
Follow US-10 west as it turns into Ludington Avenue, turn right onto M-116 and drive north up to the Ludington State Park. Walk 1.8 miles to reach the lighthouse.

LIGHTHOUSE HISTORY & FACTS
Standing on ground formerly known by French explorers as Grande Point au Sable, the Lighthouse Board recommended a beacon be placed in Ludington. 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 for the first time a constant white light. Climate has not been kind to the lighthouse, and in early 1900, the tower had deteriorated so badly that 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.

Erosion has always been a problem at Big Sable Point, and in 1943, a seawall was built to help control the problem. But because the light was unmanned, the virtually abandoned property deteriorated further. In 1987, the Big Sable Point Lighthouse Keepers Association was formed, guaranteeing the preservation of this historic landmark. Restoration work began on the seawall, the original Fresnel lens was replaced, the building exterior and tower were painted and floors were refinished.

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. The original keeper's quarters houses a gift shop, where you can pick up a momento of your visit. Thanks to the Lighthouse Keepers Association, Big Sable Point Lighthouse and two other area lighthouses will continue to beautify the coastline and allow people to enjoy their importance to our maritime history.

Ludington State Park Contact Info

Camping Reservations (Michigan DNR) (800) 447-2757 or Ludington State Park Michigan DNR reservations
Ludington State Park Local Office (231) 843-2423
Cedar Camp Store (watercraft rental) (231) 845-8582
Snowshoe Class Reservations/Special Programs (231) 843-9261

www.VisitLudingtonStatePark.com

www.LudingtonLights.com