Lakeshore Keepers, the nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing West Michigan’s historic lighthouses, is pleased to announce the release of its 2026 Lakeshore Keepers Calendar. And details for the lighthouse visiting season, including operating dates, special events, and membership opportunities.

Visit the Lights – May Through October

Lakeshore Keepers’ lighthouses are open to the public from May through October, with opening and closing dates varying by location. During operating hours, visitors can explore the grounds, climb the lighthouse towers, browse gift shops, and view archival displays that share the stories of each light. Go to LakeshoreKeepers.org/our-lights/ for tips on visiting and getting there. 

General Operating Hours

Opening Day through Labor Day

  • Mondays: 1–5 p.m.
     

  • Tuesday–Sunday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
     

Fall Hours: September 10 through Closing Day

  • Thursday–Sunday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
     

2026 Dates of Operation by Lighthouse

  • Manistee North Pierhead Light: May 25 – September 20
     

  • Big Sable Point Lighthouse: May 4 – October 25
     

  • Ludington North Breakwater Light: May 19 – September 27
     

  • Little Sable Point Lighthouse: May 11 – September 27
     

  • White River Light Station: May 12 – October 25
     

Special Events at the Lights in 2026

Bus Days at Big Sable Point Lighthouse
To improve accessibility, Lakeshore Keepers offers a limited number of bus days each year, allowing visitors to ride to Big Sable Point Lighthouse and bypass the four-mile round-trip walk.

2026 Bus Day Schedule

  • Saturday, June 27
     

  • Thursday, July 9
     

  • Thursday, July 16
     

  • Thursday, July 23
     

  • Thursday, August 13
     

  • Saturday, August 29
     

All bus days begin at 12 p.m., with the last bus departing the lighthouse at 4:45 p.m. sharp.

Night at the Lights at Little Sable Point
This popular summer concert series returns in 2026, offering free live music at the base of Little Sable Point Lighthouse. Guests are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket and enjoy an evening on the beach with Lake Michigan and the lighthouse as a stunning backdrop.

2026 Concert Schedule
Every other Wednesday at 7 p.m. from June 17 to August 26.

  • June 17
     

  • July 1
     

  • July 15
     

  • July 29
     

  • August 12
     

  • August 26
     

Winter at the Lights: Virtual Visits

Even when the lighthouses are closed for the winter, visitors can stay connected through 24-hour, year-round webcams at Big Sable Point Lighthouse and White River Light Station. The webcams offer views of waves, ice, snow, and wildlife along Lake Michigan throughout the winter season. Webcams can be found at LakeshoreKeepers.org.