Big Sable Point Light Station

President James Buchanan approved a site for the area known by early French explorers as Grande Point au Sable in 1858. In 1865, the Lighthouse Board recommended a beacon be placed here in Ludington. A year later, Congress appropriated $35,000 for construction of Big Sable Point Lighthouse.

In 1867, 112-foot tower, constructed of Milwaukee cream city brick, was erected near the edge of the sandy point. The third-order fixed Fresnel optic lens was first illuminated November 1, 1867. That night, mariners as far away as 19 miles out on the lake saw for the first time a constant white light.

Workers also built a brick keeper's dwelling, large enough to accommodate two families. The dwelling included a full basement. The home was connected to the tower by an enclosed passageway in which the keeper's office was located. In 1908, a fog signal building and brick oil house were constructed nearby.

The lake climate took its toll on the tower's brickwork. In 1898, the District Inspector reported that the brick used in constructing the tower was found to be flaking. By the early 1900, the tower had deteriorated so terribly that it was encased in iron plates and cement was poured between the plates and brick. The project, including materials and labor, cost $4,925. It was at this time that the black and white daymark was introduced. In 1905, the watchroom was similarly encased to prevent further deterioration.

In 1949, Big Sable became the last Great Lakes light to be electrified, with power from a diesel generator. In 1953, electrical power lines were finally extended to the light station. Automation of the light eventually eliminated the need for a keeper and the last civilian keeper retired in 1969. However, the light station continued to be staffed by the U.S. Coast Guard until 1972.

Erosion of the shoreline has always been a problem at Big Sable Point. By the early 1940s, the lake was so close that a fog-signal building washed away. In 1943, a seawall was built to help control the problem. But after the station was automated, the unmanned and virtually abandoned property deteriorated further. In 1977, the seawall was breached and waves came within four feet of the tower before the seawall could be replaced. The original seawall constructed in the 1940s was repaired and extended both to the north and the south. Rip-rap is still placed periodically on the outside of the seawall to slow further erosion.

The Foundation for Behavioral Research was granted a 25-year lease on the station in 1986 and a year later the Big Sable Point Lighthouse Keepers Association was formed. The two groups made shore protection and lighthouse restoration their primary focuses. During restoration, the roof color was returned to the reddish-brown used on all light stations during the 1950s, 60s and 70s.

The original Fresnel lens was removed due to vandalism in 1985. It was restored and is now on exhibit at the nearby Historic White Pine Village. The Fresnel lens at the lighthouse was replaced with a 300mm plastic lantern which still shines proudly across the Lake Michigan shoreline.

The Keepers:
There have been 15 keepers at Big Sable Point. Their names and years of tenure are as follows:
Alanzo Hyde Sr. 1867-1869
Alanzo Hyde 1869-1871
Newton Bird 1871-1873
Burr Caswell 1874-1882
Hans Hansen 1882-1887
James Rich 1887-1888
Thomas Bailey 1889-1893
George Blake 1899-1905
Samuel Gagnon 1905-1922
Joseph Kimmes 1922-1923
Lewellyn Vanatter 1923-1936
George Rogan 1936-1949
David Sauers 1949-1954
Henry Vavrina 1955-1965
Homer Meverden 1965-1968

Today, Big Sable is owned by the U.S. Coast Guard and is part of the Ludington State Park. Members of the Big Sable Point Lighthouse Keepers Association volunteer to staff the site and give tours on a two-week basis throughout the summer. The Detroit Free Press ranked Big Sable Point the best two-week lighthouse WORKING vacation.

The lighthouse is open every day from May 1 through the last weekend in October from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors enjoy a 1.5 mile walk to the lighthouse through the Ludington State Park. Three times each summer, transportation is provided from the state park. In 2001, those dates are June 16, July 28 and September 15. Buses depart from the nature Center at Ludington State Park and run all day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost for the round trip bus ride is $1.50 per person. Adult visitors can climb the tower for a $2 donation, children ages 6-13 are $1 and children under five are free. Credit cards are accepted. There is a gift shop, as well as historical photos and materials, in the lighthouse keeper's dwelling.

Directions: Follow US 31 north to Ludington, which is the very last exit on 31. Go west on 10 through Ludington to the lake shore. Turn right (north) on 116 and follow the signs to Ludington State Park. From parking areas in the state park, either follow the beach north 1.5 miles to the lighthouse or take the 1.5 mile service road which is accessed in the Pines campground. Bicycles are permitted on the service road, but it is not paved.

Big Sable Point Lighthouse Keepers Association: 231-845-7343
Ludington Area CVB: 800-542-4600
West Michigan Tourist Association: 800-442-2084
Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association: 313-436-9150

Reprinted with permission from the Big Sable Point Lighthouse Keepers Association website, www.bigsablelighthouse.org.