Big Sable Light

Ludington, Michigan

This spot was called Grande Point au Sable when the light first shone in 1867. The original 112 ft brick tower had a third-order lens, and an attached keeper's house. By the early 1900's the tower had deteriorated severely and so was encased in iron plates, with cement poured between the plates and the original brickwork. It was also at this time that the middle section of the tower was painted black as a daymark.

The light was automated in 1985 with a 300mm plastic lens. Big Sable today is part of Ludington State Park. You can visit the grounds, and the tower is occasionally opened for climbing. It is now open to the public - including climbing the tower - from May 1 to October 31 - seven days a week from 10 am to 5:00 pm. Take Lakeshore Drive (M-116) out of Ludington to the park, then walk about 1.5 miles on Lighthouse Trail to the beach.