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Administrative Office Hours
Mondays: 12-3:30 p.m.
Tuesday-Thursday: 9-3:30 p.m.
Fridays: 9-1:30 p.m.
PO Box 673, Ludington, MI 49431
Manistee North Pierhead Light
Latitude: 44.25182, Longitude: -86.3469
Big Sable Point Lighthouse
Located in Ludington State Park. Go to the end of M-116 to enter the state park, then walk or bike 1.8 miles from the parking lot to the lighthouse. The path is flat with sand and gravel.
Ludington North Breakwater Light
Latitude: 43.95363, Longitude: -86.4695
Little Sable Point Lighthouse
287 N Lighthouse Dr, Mears, MI 49436
White River Light Station
6199 Murray Rd, Whitehall, MI 49461
Our lights are open from May to October, with opening and closing dates varying by location. Click here for operating dates, hours, and tips for visiting.
2026 Summer Hours: Open 7 Days a Week until Labor Day
Mondays: 1-5 p.m.
Tuesday – Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
2026 Fall Hours: September 10 – season closing
Thursday – Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Individuals 18 years and older can apply to be a volunteer lighthouse keeper. There are week-long and day-keeping opportunities available. An application is required. Learn more about eligibility and requirements.
Lakeshore Keepers’ lighthouses are historic structures and, as such, are not zero-entry accessible. Visitors should expect stairs, uneven surfaces, and narrow passageways in the towers. While these features are part of what makes our lighthouses unique and authentic, they can present challenges for those with mobility limitations. We encourage guests to plan accordingly and are always happy to answer questions in advance of your visit.
There is an exception at our locations. The gift shop at Little Sable Point doesn’t have any steps to enter.
Only service dogs are allowed at our lights.
Dogs on a maximum of a six-foot leash are allowed on the grounds of both White River Light Station and Big Sable Point. However, they’re not allowed on the beaches.
Please abide by all posted signage at any of our locations. Our lights sit on grounds owned by state parks, cities, and townships, and they dictate policies related to pets.
The only way to get to Big Sable Point is by walking or biking the 1.8-mile out-and-back trail from Ludington State Park to the lighthouse. Depending on water levels, you can also walk along the beach.
We do host Bus Days up to six times a year. These typically occur in the summer and provide a shuttle service to the lighthouse. Dates are posted on our events calendar.
For those with mobility limitations, the state park provides track chairs to facilitate access to the lighthouse. You can contact Ludington State Park to reserve one. The entrance to the lighthouse has stairs.
Please fill out the Lakeshore Keepers’ After-Hours Lighthouse Reservation form for marriage proposals or weddings at White River Light Station. Or proposals at Ludington North Breakwater, Manistee North Pierhead Lights, Little Sable Point, or Big Sable Point.
Contact Silver Lake State Park for wedding permits at Little Sable Point. Weddings aren’t permitted at Big Sable Point.
The cost to a tower at any of our lights is as follows:
Individuals must be at least 40″ tall to climb. For the safety of our guests, children may not be carried up the stairs.
Yes, we take credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and cash at all of our locations.
Each of our lights has a gift shop where tower tickets and lighthouse attire, souvenirs, and more can be purchased. You can also buy merchandise from our online store.
Yes, there’s a height requirement to climb any of our lighthouse towers. Individuals must be at least 40″ tall to climb.
For the safety of our guests, children may not be carried up the stairs. Backpacks, water bottles, and any items being carried also need to be left at the base of the tower.
Proper shoewear must also be worn for safety reasons. Only shoes with a heel strap are allowed. For example, flip flops aren’t allowed. If you’re wearing a shoe without a back, you’ll be asked to climb barefoot if you wish to still go up the tower. However, barefoot climbing isn’t allowed at Manistee North Pierhead Light.
We host a variety of events at our lights, including anniversary celebrations, concerts, kids’ programming, bus days, and more. Visit the events calendar to learn more.
For group reservations, including student groups, classroom trips, bus tours, and after-hours special event lighthouse reservations, please visit the Group Reservation page and complete a request form.