West Michigan Lighthouses
Many of the wonders that this area has to offer is our many unique and beautiful west Michigan lighthouses that dot across the Lake Michigan shoreline. With most of the lighthouses dating back to the 1800s, taking the time to see these historical maritime gems is something that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
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Cover photo provided by Farmer’s Fotos.
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Big Sable Point Lighthouse
First up on this list of West Michigan Lighthouses is Big Sable Point Lighthouse, honored in 2013 as Featured Lighthouse of the Year, which stands 112 feet tall on the shore of Lake Michigan. This black-and-white striped tower was erected after several ships were wrecked along the shoreline. The Lighthouse Board deemed in 1865, that is was “the most important point on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan between Pointe Betsie and Muskegon.”
Construction on the building began in 1866 and consisted of a watch room, gallery, and lantern room. Attached to the tower were the keeper’s quarters which connected to the tower by a covered 14-foot passageway. In 1908 a brick fog signal building was added and work began on expanding the keeper’s dwelling to house a second assistant. 20 head keepers and many more first and second assistants ran the tower during its time.
From May to October visitors can trek the almost 2-mile hike and climb 130 steps to the top of the tower. The beautiful views make the journey worthwhile and you can pick up a souvenir at the gift shop, located in the old keeper’s quarters. Tours are available daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and include an $8 donation fee to climb the tower for adults and $5 for children who are 17 and under. For an additional fee, on select summer days between noon and 5 p.m., transportation can be taken from the Ludington State Park to the lighthouse.
White River Light Station
This historic lighthouse was built in 1875 by Captain William Robinson. The lighthouse sits between two parallel piers at the mouth of the White River. The tower has gone through multiple elevation extensions. Following the extension in 1880, the beacon was moved 100 feet lakeward. A brick oil house was added to the station in 1902 and the color changed in 1917 from white to red.
The main light was changed to an electric light in 1918. This led to the 87-year-old keeper, Robinson, being forced to retire. His grandson, William Bush, who had trained under Robinson as his assistant, took charge of the light. Though his grandson took over, Keeper Robinson loved his home in the tower and stayed another 40 years until he died. A newspaper clipping stated, “On the final day of his stay at the lighthouse he died, peaceably and quietly.” The locals deemed Keeper Robinson an “institution” and honored his death along with his wife, Sarah, and their 13 children. The tower saw a few keepers following that, including Leo Wuori and Frances Marshall.
In 1960 this west Michigan lighthouse was deactivated and was later opened as a museum. Visitors can now enjoy the rich history of the tower in the White River Light Station Museum. Summer museum hours are Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The admission fee is $8 for adults and $5 for children, 17 and under. Visitors are able to climb the tower if they meet the 40 inches height requirement.
Muskegon South Pier & Breakwater Lights
Located at Pere Marquette Park in Muskegon, Michigan, this tower stands at the end of a walkable 1,514-foot pier. The red tower, built in 1931 was never manned or occupied and this is reflected in its design. One unique piece of history about this lighthouse is, Jemima Monroe, the widow of William Monroe the original keeper, took over his duties after his passing and maintained the tower while raising her two children. She resigned after 10 years and, to this day, is Muskegon’s only female lighthouse keeper.
Visitors can walk the pier and enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. Knowledgeable volunteer-led tours of the 48 foot tall light are available and include two spiral staircases and a shipman’s ladder. Follow along while they share the rich history of the lighthouses and other important maritime areas and information. Prices for tours are $2 for kids 11 and under, $3 for military and veterans, $4 for 12 year olds and up. All lighthouse visitors must be at least three feet tall and sturdy shoes are recommended.
Grand Haven South Pierhead
Grand Haven South Pier boasts two towers, the inner light, and the outer light. Established in 1839, the stone dwelling and lighthouse were constructed by Rogers and Burnett of Milwaukee. Both are accessible via a boardwalk that borders the Grand River Channel and are connected by a lighted catwalk. Nehemiah Merrit was the light’s first keeper from 1839 to 1847. Twelve head keepers followed along with many more first and second assistants.
The lighthouses do not allow tours at this time, but you can enjoy their beauty and the views at Grand Haven State Park. Visitors can also find more information at the Grand Haven Lighthouse Conservatory.
Holland Big Red Lighthouse
This beloved and well-known Lake Michigan lighthouse located in Holland, Michigan can be found on the south side of the Holland Channel and dates back to 1870. To get the best view of Big Red, stroll along the boardwalk at Holland State Park or from Mt. Pisgah, 157 feet above sea level.
The first lighthouse was built with $4,000 of federal funds. The small wooden structure stood on an open platform and had a lantern deck on top with a ten-window lantern room. The lighthouse keeper carried the lighted oil lamp along the catwalk from the shore where he lived. When the fog made the light difficult or impossible to view, the lighthouse keeper would signal the boats by blowing an 18-inch fish horn.
After the turn of the twentieth century, the steel tower was built to withstand the severe weather more effectively and was also easier for incoming vessels to spot. It was painted pale yellow until 1956, when it was sandblasted and painted the bright red color we see today. Its well-known name, Big Red, has been a staple ever since.
The first lighthouse keeper was Melgert van Regenmorter, appointed in 1870 with a yearly salary of $540. He served until 1908 and left right before the steam fog signal went into operation, saying he wanted no part of the new technology. Three different keepers tended the light between 1908 and 1912. The last active lighthouse keeper was Joseph M. Boshka beginning in 1912 and serving for 15 years.
For more information, visit this website.
Kalamazoo River Light, Saugatuck
Located in Saugatuck, Michigan, this station sits at the mouth of Kalamazoo River and Lake Michigan. The first lighthouse was built in 1839 and remained until 1858 when it fell over due to the foundation eroding. Following that, in 1859 the new lighthouse was built and was in operation until 1914 when it was deactivated. Unfortunately, in 1956, the abandoned tower was destroyed 1956 by tornados in the area. During its existence, the lighthouse had a total of two keepers.
Though the original west Michigan lighthouse is no longer able to be visited, a replica was built in 2002 on the south shore of Kalamazoo Lake.
Find out other things to do on the West Michigan Lakeshore by clicking here!
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