Big Sable Lighthouse, Ludington, LK. MI.

An all time favorite, Big Sable Lighthouse on Lake Michigan is nestled in the dunes and jack pines. It is a quick 2 mile walk on a beautiful trail. We enjoyed this walk on a Friday afternoon in October. The late autumn sun, breeze off the water and the smell of a campfire in the distance added to the scene and we turned the bend and there was this magnificent tall black and white lighthouse. We arrived after a 5 pm and could not go up in the tower, but after the walk, I was happy to sit on a bench by the base of the light and soak up the sunshine and listen to the waves.
The light was built in 1867 and is an active light. Standing 112 feet tall, this stunning iron-clad black and white lighthouse and adjacent keeper’s quarters dominate the shoreline. The light was automated in 1968. The Third Order Fresnel lens is on display in Ludington.
The list is located in Ludington State Park, 8 1/2 miles north of the City of Ludington, MI. On Lake Michigan. The state part does require a fee or pass to enter. The grounds and tower are open May-October and cared for by the SPIKA which is a group of citizens that have taken on the care of the Big Sable Light, the Ludington Breakwater light, Little Sable light and White River Light. To read about these lights go to www.spika.org find out the hours and how you can be a volunteer keeper and live on the 2nd floor of the keeper’s quarters. For more history go to www.lighthousefriends.com. For prints and cards go to my website: www.michiganlighthouseart.com