Ludington State Park and the Big Sable Point Light

Ludington State Park sits between Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake in Hamlin Township. The park brings a Lake Michigan beach, dunes, wooded trails, Hamlin Lake, and the Big Sable River into one place. That gives you several kinds of day out: swimming, paddling, fishing, hiking, or simply watching the lake.

Big Sable Point Lighthouse is farther into the park than the beach and campground areas. The sand-and-gravel Lighthouse Path is 1.8 miles each way and is open to walkers and cyclists. It has little shade, so water and sun protection matter on a warm day. The 112-foot black-and-white tower was built in 1867, covered with steel plates in 1900, and still serves as an active aid to navigation.

Lakeshore Keepers opens the lighthouse for seasonal visits and tower climbs. Track chairs are available through the park, and limited bus days may make the trip easier, though the lighthouse entrance and tower have stairs. Hours, fees, and bus dates can change, so Lakeshore Keepers posts the day’s details. The round trip on the Lighthouse Path is 3.6 miles before any time spent at the tower.