Our Lights

Lakeshore Keepers operates five lights on Lake Michigan, including Manistee North Pierhead Light, Big Sable Point Lighthouse, Ludington North Breakwater Light, Little Sable Point Lighthouse, and White River Light Station.

Each light has its unique architecture, history, and role in guiding mariners through the Great Lakes. From the remote beauty of Big Sable, accessible only by foot or bike, to the easily reached pierhead lights in Ludington and Manistee, these beacons are not only navigation aids but cherished cultural landmarks.

Lakeshore Keepers is dedicated to preserving and sharing these lights with the public through tours, educational programs, and community events.

Operational Hours at Our Five Lights

Our lights are open to the public from May to October, with varying opening and closing dates depending on the location. Anyone can explore the grounds and climb the lighthouse tower during operational hours. Each light also has a gift shop and archival pieces for viewing.

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

Fall Hours Begin September 10
Thursday – Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Tower Climb Cost

$8 for adults
$5 for individuals 17 years old and under
Free for active-duty service members and veterans.
Unlimited Admission to Lakeshore Keepers' Members

Tower Safety Policies

Individuals must be at least 40″ tall to climb the lighthouse towers.
Children may not be carried up the stairs.
Anyone climbing the tower is required to wear shoes with heel straps.
Flip flops aren’t allowed; however, you may climb the stairs barefoot at all lights except for Manistee North Pierhead.

2026 Season	OPENING DATE	CLOSING DATE
Big Sable Point	May 4	Oct 25
Little Sable Point	May 11	Sept 27
White River Light Station	May 12	Oct 25
Ludington North Breakwater	May 19	Sept 27
Manistee North Pierhead	May 25	Sept 20

What to Expect on a Visit

While all of our lights have differences, there are several things you can expect when visiting each.

Friendly volunteers to greet you and answer any questions you may have.
A glimpse into the past when standing in the historic structures.
An epic view of Lake Michigan and the shoreline from atop each of their towers.
Lighthouse Stamps. They’re available at all the lights, and you can collect them all in a Lighthouse Passport, available in the gift shops.
To climb the lighthouse towers, individuals need to be at least 40 inches tall. However, those not meeting the requirement can still visit the grounds and gift shop.
Due to the historic nature of the lights, they are limited in accessibility and lack wheelchair access. To increase accessibility, we have implemented webcams on our towers and provide educational materials, such as activity books for children, throughout the community.

What To Bring When Visiting a Light

Shoes - Footwear with a back around the heel is required to climb the lighthouse towers for safety reasons. If you are wearing flip flops, you will need to climb barefoot.
Money (card or cash) - There’s a fee to climb the lighthouse towers ($8 for adults; $5 for people 17 years and under; free for active military and veterans), and there’s a gift shop at each location.
Camera - Capture the epic views for your memories.
Water - Stay hydrated on your visit.
Sunscreen - Even if you’re planning for a short visit, the grounds at each of our lights are beautiful, and you may find yourself staying for longer than anticipated.

Tips for Manistee North Pierhead Light Visits

Manistee North Pierhead is an approximate quarter-mile walk from the Fifth Beach Avenue parking lot.
Tickets for tower climbs are available in the gift shop on the first floor of the light.
There are bathrooms at the Fifth Avenue Beach concession stand, but none at the light.

Tips for Big Sable Point Lighthouse Visits

Big Sable Point is accessible from Ludington State Park via a one-way, out-and-back 1.8-mile access trail. You can hike or bike the trail, or hike out along the beach.
There are bike racks at the lighthouse.
You’ll need a state park sticker to enter Ludington State Park or purchase a day pass upon arrival.
Four to six bus days are offered throughout the season to provide access without having to hike or bike. On these days, you can purchase a shuttle bus ticket to get to Big Sable Point. See the event calendar for the schedule.
Tickets for tower climbs are available in the gift shop on the first floor of the lighthouse.
Bottled water is sold at the Big Sable Point gift shop.
There are rustic bathrooms located near the lighthouse, and additional bathrooms near the beginning of the trail in the state park by the day parking lot.

Tips for Ludington North Breakwater Light Visits

Ludington North Breakwater sits at the end of a half-mile pier, which can be accessed from the Stearns Beach parking lot in Ludington, Michigan.
If the American flag is flying at the top of the tower, it means we’re open. Due to the narrow pier, this location occasionally closes because of wind and wave action.
Tickets for tower climbs are available in the gift shop on the first floor of the light.
There’s a bathhouse on Stearns Beach, but none at the light.

Tips for Little Sable Point Lighthouse Visits

Little Sable Point is approximately a 100-foot walk from a parking lot. The sight is in Silver Lake State Park, so you’ll need a state park sticker to enter or purchase a day pass upon arrival.
Tickets for tower climbs are available in the gift shop, located next to the parking lot on the left side of the path to the lighthouse.
There are rustic toilets by the parking lot’s guard station.

Tips for White River Light Station Visits

The White River Light Station is located approximately 50 feet from a parking lot, which also provides access to the White Lake channel and pier.
Tickets for tower climbs and the museum are available for purchase in the gift shop on the first floor of the light station.
There are rustic bathrooms in the parking lot.

General Policies

We follow strict safety rules at all of our lights when it comes to tower climbs. In addition, there are a few general rules for the comfort and safety of all our visitors to note.

Pets aren’t allowed in our lighthouses except for dogs that are service animals.
Please follow the posted pet rules at the state parks and on piers.
The light’s towers may close during operating hours due to lightning, wind, or severe weather.