I am not a lighthouse junkie, but this lighthouse reminded me of how special lighthouses are to Michigan. The short video and the cheerful and informed volunteers gave us just enough background about Big Sable. You can climb the circular stairway to the top of the lighthouse for some fantastic views of the lake and surrounding area. We spotted a bald eagle. The staircase is a little cramped, so folks are asked to leave large bags at the bottom. There is enough beach at the lighthouse to enjoy a swim or hang out. The lighthouse has a nice gift shop that also sells chips, bottled drinks and the like. The volunteers were friendly, cheerful and happy to take time with all our questions. They stay at the lighthouse for 2 week stints, so are truly dedicated to keeping the interest alive.Along with my 6 y.o. and 9 y.o. kids, I walked to the lighthouse via the trail. A few interpretive signs about the dunes along the way, added interest to our walk. The trail is flat and easy (we wore sandals). A lot of people ride their bikes out to the lighthouse. I noticed at some places, the wee bikers chose to walk their bikes through drifted sand. We walked back to the state park parking lot along the beach and stopped to build sand castles along the way. With the added beach time, and our packed lunch, we made a leisurely day trip out of this attraction.
To get to the lighthouse is a 1.8 mile hike, one way. During summer that's no problem. We did the walk in January and during high winds. The walk was challenging but the resulting view made it worth it.
The walk to the lighthouse is a peaceful 1.8 miles trip each way. Though it is said you can either walk the service road or along the beach, I am not sure how you could walk the beach. The water levels were high and there really was no beach to walk for any duration. The tower itself has spiral stairs which will increase your pulse as you climb higher. At the top, you are rewarded with a beautiful panorama. In the house at the base is a gift shop, small museum and a short movie explaining the history. Friendly staff from the Lighhouse Keepers Association man the tower and shop. It costs $3 to climb the tower.
If you have never visited then you won't understand. This is an icon of Lake Michigan and during the summer months if you time your visit right, you can climb to the top of the lighthouse and watch the big ships floating by. This is a must see!
One of the most recognized lights around. Right outside the city of Ludington in Ludington State park. Easy walk out to view.
We had a lot of fun on the beach around the lighthouse and the view from the lighthouse itself was just beautiful. It is always fun being a tourist and taking lots of pictures. I actually went back in the winter to see it and it is breathtaking.
Its always fun to visit the lighthouse and climb the stairs to view the area from atop the lighthouse.
So worth the hike to it! I've not been many more beautiful places on earth! I loved the view of Lake Michigan and the push and pull of the wind, as it was a very breezy day! Wonderful!
This lighthouse has been well-cared for. The view is breath-taking. It only costs $3, Don't pass this up if you are in the Ludington area.
There are two ways to get to the lighthouse. The lighthouse trail is a very nice way to hike there. Through woods, and the dunes...it does take a while and the dunes aren't an easy trek. The easiest way to walk (or ride) is the light house is the trail off the campground that looks like a gravel road. On the map it runs next to the water. It's a nice flat walk with benches, etc. The lighthouse is fine, and it is not a tall light, but gives some great views of the dunes, woods, and the lake. There is a nice gift shop in the house connected to the light, and some areas next the grounds to rest and take in the lake. There are also well kept outhouses on the grounds.