West Michigan Lighthouses
Lighthouses symbolize safety, a fascinating maritime history—and have a romantic nature about them. Our area of West Michigan has its share of these wonderful structures, from Manistee’s North Pierhead Lighthouse down to Little Sable Point Lighthouse at Silver Lake. Most were constructed in the late 1800’s, when the lumber industry was at its peak. The lighthouses were especially useful in the mid-1900’s, when Ludington’s harbor was home to a large carferry fleet.
Today, thanks to organizations that are dedicated to preserving these lighthouses, they proudly stand on the shores of a sometimes turbulent Lake Michigan, opening their doors to visitors, and continue to guide vessels into port.
Ludington's North Breakwater Lighthouse Follow US-10 west as it turns into Ludington Avenue, turn right onto M-116 , go four blocks, then turn left into Stearns Park. Go to the end of the park, then walk the breakwall out to the lighthouse. |
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Ludington State Park's Big Sable Point Lighthouse Follow US-10 west as it turns into Ludington Avenue, turn right onto M-116 and drive north up to the Ludington State Park. Walk 1.8 miles to reach the lighthouse. |
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Silver Lake's Little Sable Point Lighthouse Take US-31 to the Hart exit, take Polk Road, west to 56th, south on Fox, west to 34th, south through Silver Lake past the State Park, then follow signs to the lighthouse. |
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Pentwater's Pierhead Lighthouse Take US-31 into Pentwater. Turn west on Lowell Street at the north end of town, and head ½ mile to Charles Mears State Park. There you can walk the beach to the lighthouse. |
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Manistee's North Pierhead Lighthouse From Highway 31 in Manistee, take Memorial Drive, the first street north of the Manistee River, west towards Lake Michigan. Memorial Drive will become 5th Avenue. Take 5th Avenue to John Red Szymarek Park at the corner of 5th and Monroe. Turn right and follow Monroe to a traffic circle whose center piece is a lighthouse. Go 3/4 of the way around the circle and turn right on Lakeshore Drive. You can either park in the 4th Avenue beach parking lot or continue on a bit and possibly park near the Coast Guard Station, from where you can walk the breakwater to reach the Manistee Lighthouse. |
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