Michigan Lighthouse Guide

Michigan is almost entirely covered by coastline. Not only does this mean there is a ton of water activities to fill your vacation, but this also means Michigan is teeming with lighthouses. In fact, Michigan has the most lighthouses of any state: 129!

Where the shore and waters of Lake Michigan meet, the lighthouses can make for an interesting day activity. But which one should you visit? When are the lighthouses open? Is there any that I should prioritize? If you aren't worried about time or putting miles on your car, stopping at as many lighthouses as possible can make for an excellent pastime on your Michigan vacation. You can take the perfect landscape picture on your lighthouse expedition.

The lighthouses listed below are only a small sample of the ones you can see in Michigan --- though they are the most popular stops. Don't be afraid to look for more of these shining structures. You may stumble upon one that takes your breath away.

Point Betsie Lighthouse

Address: 3701 Point Betsie Road

When is Point Betsie Lighthouse open?
Monday, Thursday-Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday: Noon - 5 p.m.
Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays

How far is Point Betsie Lighthouse from us?
27 minutes northwest

How much does Point Betsie Lighthouse cost?
Ticket Prices: For every half-hour time increment except 12:30 p.m.
Adults ($5)
Children 6-11 ($2)
Young Children are Free

Point Betsie Lighthouse Tour
Your first stop on the Michigan lighthouse tour could be Point Betsie Lighthouse. Not only is this building adorable, but you can receive a guided tour about its history for an extremely affordable price. Anyone who stands over 3'6" should be able to climb the tower and peer at the ocean. After you're done with the lighthouse, you have access to the Point Betsie Lighthouse Beach.

Little Sable Point Lighthouse

Address: 287 N Lighthouse Drive, Mears, MI

When is Little Sable Point Lighthouse open?
Tuesday - Sunday: 10a.m. - 5p.m.

How far is Little Sable Point Lighthouse from us?
1 hour, 43 minutes south

How much does Little Sable Point Lighthouse cost?
Ticket Prices:
Adults 18+ ($8)
Children 17 and under ($5)

Out of all the lighthouses mentioned here, Little Sable happens to be the furthest away from Mountain Valley Lodge. Little Sable towers over the sand dunes and evergreen trees. It's light brown color sets it apart from most lighthouses with their traditional white and black striped look. You can climb this lighthouse for an exhilarating ocean view.

Big Sable Point Lighthouse

Address: 5611 N Lighthouse Drive, Ludington, MI

When is Point Betsie Lighthouse open?
Tuesday-Sunday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

How far is Point Betsie Lighthouse from us?
1 hr. 18 minutes South

How much does Point Betsie Lighthouse cost?
Adults 18+ ($5)
Children 17 and under ($2)

You've visited Little Sable, now it's time for Big Sable! Connected to a little house, this lighthouse has gone through several renovations. You can walk on a two-mile trail to find it standing tall off the coast. Local bands come here to play instruments in the early afternoon (1 p.m. - 3 p.m.). Events run consistently throughout the day, so keep an eye on the website for updates.

Ludington Lighthouse

Address: 998 W Ludington Ave., Ludington, MI

When is Ludington Lighthouse open?
Tuesday-Sunday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

How far is Ludington Lighthouse from us?
1 hour, 13 minutes South

How much does Ludington Lighthouse cost?
Ticket Prices:
Adults 18+ ($8)
Children 17 and under ($5)

This is not a lighthouse you can climb. Instead you can look at its unique design and style as it sits out on the ocean. The Breakwater Light stands on the edge of a pier that you can walk to. It was originally built in 1924. It's totally worth the walk on the ocean!