Big Sable Point Lighthouse was built on the tip on a 900 acre plot of land on an isolated beach in 1867. In fact, this site was so isolated that Big Sable Point Lighthouse was the last lighthouse on the Great Lakes to get electricity and plumbing - by 1949.
Big Sable Point Lighthouse's main concern through the years has been the fight against beach
erosion. The sound signal tower was actually lost to the water
in 1941. The Coast Guard then put up a steel water guard to protect the
beacon.
When visiting today, you will be able to see the water's severe proximity to the site.
Majesty Score: 4
Big Sable Point Lighthouse's majesty was good! The perception of the majesty is somewhat challenged by huge 10 ft.+ sand dunes that are in the area and surrounding the light. The isolation of this light helps the majesty.
It is exactly what you think a lighthouse should look like and on a location where you exactly think a lighthouse should be!
Water View Score: 4
Due to the eroded beach line and the curve of the point , the water view at ground level is somewhat limited. It is still a great one, though!
Preservation Score: 4
After the Foundation for Behavior Research leased the land that housed Big Sable Point Lighthouse, they joined forces with the Big Sable Point Lighthouse Keepers Association in 1987, and have restore Big Sable to its original brilliance. The house and lens prior to this were vandalized severely. They deserve a ton of credit!
The house is well kept and they have a really great 3+ room gift store inside the house with great merchandise! The gift shop has a very warm feel and you will not want to leave it on a cold day for that long walk back.
Surrounding Area Score: 4
Big Sable Point Lighthouse is nestled in the 5,300 acres of Ludington State Park. There is a 1.5 mile walk to reach the light through camp sites and sand dunes where the anticipation builds to see the light. This hike will actually make you appreciate the sight of the lighthouse more!
You may also walk to the light along beach for a much less "foot hole" walk.
Accessibility Score: 5
Big Sable has great accessibility! You can climb the tower for a beautiful view of the lake, which has almost an ocean like feel, and a beautiful view of the sand dunes in Ludington State Park. (See Above)
You can not see any sign of civilization from on top of the tower, and the tour guide will tell you this is the same view you would have a few hundred years ago.
Beacon Score: 3
Big Sable has an active 300MM light that stays lit constantly.
Overall Score and Overview: 26
Big Sable Point Lighthouse is what a lighthouse should be! The idea for this web site was actually conceived after a visit to Big Sable. It was such a good lighthouse experience that I felt people did not know about.
All the people involved with Big Sable Point Lighthouse that we met were very warm, friendly and down to earth. They made the visit very great!
Our visit to Big Sable was in the fall, and even with the overcast skies it was a beautiful place!
Also don't forget that the town of Ludington has a pier head lighthouse, the Ludington Pier Light, which is in town at Stearns Park. The pier is a good place to watch a sunset.
As a warning, there is a seeming long 1.5 mile walk to get to the site. Beware that the return trip most likely will be at twilight and colder than the trip going - - although you get more wind walking to the site. Big Sable does run shuttle buses to the lighthouse a few times a year, and those who need assistance should take advantage.
Directions: US 10 West to the town of Ludington. Right on Lakeshore Drive. Follow until the entrance to Ludington State Park. There are fees involove for admission, please check website.
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