Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography

Ludington Has Two Lighthouses!

Ludington is known for many things but visitors flock to the area to view our two majestic lighthouses, the North Breakwater Light and Big Sable Point Lighthouse. Once used primarily as a way to guide ships into port, these are now historic structures that are beautiful backdrops to our Lake Michigan shoreline. Both lights are owned and maintained by the Sable Point Lighthouse Keepers Association and volunteers staff the lights during the busy summer season. There is a $8 donation fee for adults to tour the lights, and $5 for youth age 17 & under.

If you are within 200 yards of any Michigan lighthouse you can activate the foghorn. Just turn your marine radio to channel 79, then click five times in rapid succession.

Ludington's North Breakwater Light

Located at Stearns Park Beach, the North Breakwater Light is ranked as the #1 Michigan lighthouse to visit, and it’s a great place to watch the sunset or wave at the S.S. Badger carferry as it cruises out onto Lake Michigan. The breakwall leading out to the light is a popular venue for fishermen and those who enjoy walking the mile-long round trip. Originally built in 1871 and replaced in 1924, the light shines across nearly 20 miles of water, and its familiar horn warns boaters of impending bad weather. While at Stearns Park, enjoy the Skate Park, mini-golf, playground, shaded picnic area, and concessions.

2025 North Breakwater Light Tour Hours: 10am-5pm, Tuesday-Sunday from May 21st-September 28th.

Big Sable Point Lighthouse

The Big Sable Point Lighthouse stands proudly at the tip that juts out into Lake Michigan within the Ludington State Park. The black-and-white striped tower is listed on both the state and national registers of historic places. Take a tour of the lighthouse and visit the gift shop that is located in the original keeper’s quarters. The Ludington State Park was named the #1 state park in the Midwest and offers camping, hiking and biking trails, a dam, two beaches, and seasonal programs. Tube down the Sable River or take a relaxing canoe ride along the shoreline. The wildlife and natural habitat at the park are spectacular, and even when there are thousands of visitors, you can find a quiet trail to escape the crowds.

2025 Big Sable Point Lighthouse Tour Hours: from 10am-5pm, Tuesday-Sunday from July 1st-October 26th.

Ludington Lighthouses & Stunning Sunsets

One of the best times to visit the lighthouses may be in the evening. We have some of the most gorgeous sunsets you’ll find anywhere. In fact, many people make sure they’re down at the beach to witness the golden orb sink into Lake Michigan. Check for the sunset times by viewing the sunset schedule.

Watching the Car Ferry from the Lighthouse

Where's the most popular place in Ludington to watch the car ferry?

You guessed it! The most popular place to watch the S.S. Badger car ferry is from the North Breakwater Pier and the North Breakwater Lighthouse. The 410′ S.S. Badger is the largest car ferry to sail the Great Lakes. It travels at roughly 18 mph to make the four-hour trip between Ludington, Michigan and Manitowoc, Wisconsin. It’s the best cruise across Lake Michigan from mid-May through mid-October. Watching the car ferry pass by while visiting the North Breakwater pier and lighthouse symbolic to Ludington, and a beloved sight to behold, especially at sunset, or an early morning moon-rise.