Big Sable Point Lighthouse

Big Sable is sort of the "Big Sister" if you will of Little Sable light. Big Sable light has one of the prettiest walks, hikes, bikes out to a light of any that I've been to. It's a sandy/paved trail leading from the Ludington State Park campground out to the light. The keepers dwelling is still attached, and has been renovated, and used as a gift shop. Tours are given daily in the summer. We didn't venture to this light until just a few years ago, but we've now camped there twice, and visted the light three times. Ethan loved putting his toes in the water on this trip!

Construction on this light began in 1867 and only cost about $35,000! Additions were made to the original building in 1909 when a second keepers position was approved. Due to its remote location at the time, access to the light was limited and in 1935 a road to the light was constructed.

Big Sable holds the distinction of being the last Great Lakes light to become electrified in 1949. However, electrification was always a double-edged-sword, in that it paved the way for automation, and the eventual elimination of the need for a keeper in 1968.

In 1983 the light was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The Big Sable Point Lighthouse Keepers Association formed in 1987, and together the two organizations have worked to restore the station to its original glory.