West Michigan’s Lighthouses and Specialty Ships

West Michigan’s lakeshore is home to a stunning collection of historic lighthouses and specialty ships that tell the story of the region’s rich maritime heritage. Whether you’re captivated by panoramic views from atop a lighthouse tower or love the serenity of a cruise along Lake Michigan, there’s a waterfront adventure waiting for you. Be sure to also check out the West Michigan Tourist Association’s 2025 Lake Michigan Lighthouse Map & Circle Tour online or request your FREE copy today.

Explore Iconic West Michigan Lighthouses

South Haven Lighthouse

• One of Michigan’s most beloved lighthouses, South Haven’s historic beacon has been guiding ships into the harbor since 1903. Located at the end of the South Pier, this scenic spot is ideal for sunset strolls and unforgettable Lake Michigan photos.

St. Joseph North Pier Inner & Outer Lights

• Tour the famous Inner Light, lit in 1839, and meet the Lighthouse Dockets team for stories of the area’s maritime past. These twin lighthouses remain among the most recognizable landmarks on the West Michigan lakeshore.

Ludington North Breakwater Light

• Just a short pier walk from Stearns Park Beach, this iconic lighthouse is a favorite for evening walks and Instagram-worthy views. Open for tours Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., it’s one of Ludington’s top lakefront attractions.

White River Light Station & Museum – Whitehall

• Celebrating its 150th anniversary, this historical gem is part of the Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association. Join the festivities on June 21 with live entertainment, lighthouse tower climbs, lawn games, and more.

Muskegon County’s Lighthouse Trio

• History buffs will love Muskegon’s three historic lighthouses. Climb the Muskegon South Pierhead Light for sweeping views, visit the South Breakwater Light via a scenic pier walk, and explore maritime history at the White River Light Station.

Holland’s Big Red Lighthouse

• Arguably Michigan’s most photographed lighthouse, Big Red in Holland is a must-see. For the best views, stroll the Black Lake Boardwalk at Holland State Park, take a scenic drive into the park, or hike Mt. Pisgah for a panoramic view. To elevate your experience, book a sunset cruise aboard the Holland Princess, a paddlewheel boat that glides past Big Red just as the sun sinks below the horizon. 

South Pier Lighthouses - Grand Haven

• No visit to West Michigan is complete without a walk along Grand Haven’s boardwalk to the beloved South Pier lighthouses. First established in 1839, these bright red beacons have guided vessels along the Grand River channel for generations. 

Tri-Cities Historical Museum - Grand Haven

• Located in Grand Haven, the Tri-Cities Historical Museum invites families to learn through play in its Maritime Exploration Space, designed especially for children ages 3 to 8. Kids can climb into a replica of the Grand Haven lighthouse, "fish" from the catwalk, and turn a crank to light up the beacon—igniting curiosity and creativity.

Charlevoix Lighthouse

• Located where Lake Michigan meets the Pine River Channel, the Charlevoix Lighthouse has stood as a coastal guardian for over 100 years. It’s a picturesque stop during a day exploring Northern Michigan.

Mission Point Lighthouse – Traverse City

• Step back in time with a visit to Mission Point. Open nearly every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., visitors can climb to the top, tour the second-floor museum, and learn about life as a lighthouse keeper around the turn of the century.

Manistee North Pier Lighthouse - Manistee

• The Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse, a 39-foot cast iron tower built in 1927, stands at Lake Michigan's edge. Its rare steel catwalk and enduring light honor Manistee’s maritime legacy. Restoration efforts aim to open it for public tours by 2026.

Frankfort North Breakwater Light - Frankfort

• The Frankfort North Breakwater Light, located on Lake Michigan, is a striking white steel lighthouse guiding boats into Betsie Bay. Originally built in 1912, it’s a popular spot for sunset views, fishing, and scenic walks along the pier.

North Manitou Shoal Light Station - Leland

• The North Manitou Shoal Light Station, known as “The Crib,” stands in Lake Michigan near the Manitou Islands. Built in 1935, it guided mariners through treacherous waters and remains an iconic offshore lighthouse with historic and navigational significance.

Point Betsie Lighthouse - Frankfort

• Located near Crystal Lake in Frankfort, the Point Betsie Lighthouse is one of West Michigan’s most photographed landmarks. This historic lighthouse offers breathtaking Lake Michigan views, perfect for scenic drives and lakeshore adventures in West Michigan.

Whitefish Point Light Station & Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum

• Located in Paradise on Lake Superior’s rugged coast, this is the oldest active lighthouse on the lake. Don’t miss the museum’s 15-minute film about Edmund Fitzgerald, the historic Surfboat House, and the incredible gift shop.

Marquette Harbor Lighthouse

• One of Lake Superior’s most historic navigational beacons, this lighthouse helped guide ships through iron ore trade routes in the mid-19th century. It remains a must-visit site for maritime history lovers.

Keweenaw Peninsula & Isle Royale Lighthouses

• Discover 15 historic lighthouses across the Keweenaw Peninsula and Isle Royale National Park. These self-guided tours offer a peek into the remote and rugged beauty of Michigan’s northernmost shores.

Want a spooky spin?

• Explore local legends with books like Michigan’s Haunted Lighthouses and Death & Lighthouses on the Great Lakes, perfect for fans of the paranormal or true crime. Order your autographed copies – and find out where Dianna from Promote Michigan will speak about these and other topics here.

Set Sail on a West Michigan Cruise or Specialty Ship

Star of Saugatuck – Saugatuck/Douglas

• This double-decker sternwheeler paddleboat offers leisurely cruises along the Kalamazoo River and Lake Michigan. Narrated tours, refreshments, and sunset views make this a favorite experience on the West Michigan waterfront.

Friends Good Will – South Haven

• Set sail on a tall ship replica operated by the Michigan Maritime Museum. South Haven also offers sunset sails, fishing charters, and a wide variety of small craft rentals.

S.S. Badger – Ludington to Wisconsin

• The last coal-fired passenger steamship on the Great Lakes, the S.S. Badger offers daily crossings and evening shoreline cruises. Enjoy onboard dining, live music, Badger BINGO, and scenic views across Lake Michigan.

Lake Express High-Speed Ferry - Muskegon

• The Lake Express High-Speed Ferry offers a swift and scenic 2.5-hour journey across Lake Michigan, connecting Muskegon to Milwaukee. Operating from May through October, this ferry provides a convenient alternative to the lengthy drive around the lake, making it an ideal choice for travelers exploring West Michigan's lakeshore destinations.

Aquastar Cruises – Muskegon

• Cruise past historic ships, lighthouses, and state park beauty aboard the two-deck Aquastar. Choose from scenic, sunset, or themed cruises while enjoying a full-service bar and comfortable lounge spaces.

S.S. City of Milwaukee - Manistee

• Docked in Manistee, the S.S. City of Milwaukee is a National Historic Landmark and maritime museum. This unique West Michigan attraction offers guided tours, showcasing Great Lakes history along the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline.

Big Blue - Grand Haven

• For a relaxing ride on the water, hop aboard Big Blue, a historic passenger vessel departing daily from Chinook Pier in downtown Grand Haven. This 55-passenger boat tours the Grand River, Spring Lake, and the nearshore waters of Lake Michigan. Choose from a 2-hour afternoon outing or a serene sunset cruise, with alternate routes available if lake conditions are rough.

Beaver Island Ferry Company – Charlevoix

• Ferry to Beaver Island, Michigan’s Emerald Isle. This remote gem, 32 miles into Lake Michigan, offers forested trails, sandy beaches, and true island charm. The two-hour cruise is part of the adventure.

Little Traverse Bay Ferry - Petoskey

• ​​Looking for a unique way to experience the waters of northern West Michigan? The Little Traverse Bay Ferry Co. offers scenic transportation between Petoskey, Bay Harbor, and Harbor Springs with one-way, round-trip, and port hopper options. Their larger vessel, the Harbor Princess, hosts sunset cruises and special fireworks cruises for July 3rd and 4th—perfect for celebrating Independence Day on the water.

Mackinac Island Excursions

• From private boat charters and sunset cruises to kayak tours to Round Island Lighthouse, Mackinac Island is a paradise for water lovers. It’s the perfect launch point for exploring Michigan’s majestic straits.

Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry Company - St. Ignace & Mackinaw City

• Shepler's Lighthouse Cruises offer you a front row seat to the magnificent lighthouses in the Straits of Mackinac, with 5 different routes. While onboard you will hear maritime history and stories from the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association. Your Lighthouse Cruise adventure awaits, so order your tickets online today.

Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours – Sault Ste. Marie

• Take a 90-minute educational cruise through the world-famous Soo Locks. See freighters up close and discover how the locks connect Lake Huron and Lake Superior. Lighthouse-themed tours are also available in summer.

Arnold Transit Company - St. Ignace & Mackinaw City

• The Arnold Transit Company offers classic ferry service to Mackinac Island, providing a scenic and relaxing way to explore Northern West Michigan. Enjoy stunning views, smooth rides, and easy access to this iconic West Michigan destination.

Pictured Rocks Boat Cruises - Munising

• Experience the breathtaking beauty of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore with Pictured Rocks Boat Cruises, a must-do West Michigan adventure. Departing from Munising, these cruises reveal towering cliffs, waterfalls, and vibrant shoreline colors along Lake Superior.