An unforgettable lighthouse experience will help make future lighthouse experiences free for kids. Lakeshore Keepers is inviting the community to Tour & Give Back at Big Sable on Saturday, September 26, with a special afternoon fundraiser supporting free tower climbs for children throughout the 2027 season—the 160th anniversary year of Big Sable Point Lighthouse.
The event will take place at the Beach House at Ludington State Park and will combine an exclusive behind-the-scenes lighthouse experience with food, drinks, a silent auction, and a raffle. Lakeshore Keepers has set a $30,000 fundraising goal for the event.
Guests will begin the afternoon with a behind-the-scenes tour of Big Sable Point Lighthouse between 2 and 4 p.m. Attendees will be bused to and from the lighthouse for a special opportunity to explore the historic keepers’ quarters and climb the tower.
Following the tour, guests will gather at the Beach House from 3:30–6 p.m. for appetizers, drinks, a silent auction, and a raffle featuring a variety of unique experiences and local offerings.
Auction and raffle items include:
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A stay at the Big Sable Suite
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A reservation at a Ludington restaurant
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A bed and breakfast stay in Ludington
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Be the first to win Big Sable's 160th Anniversary bottle of Bourbon from Iron Fish Distillery. Only 160 bottles in total will be released to the public starting November 20th. This event is your opportunity to be the first to own a bottle. For every 10 raffle tickets sold, one bottle will be added to the raffle (a max of 10) on September 26, increasing your odds of winning. Raffle participants must be 21 years of age.
“Big Sable has inspired generations of visitors, and we want to make sure that experience is accessible to the next generation,” said Lakeshore Keepers. “Our goal is to raise $30,000 so kids can climb the tower for free throughout Big Sable’s 160th anniversary season in 2027. This event gives people a chance to experience the lighthouse while directly helping make that goal possible.”
Event Details
Tour & Give Back at Big Sable
Saturday, September 26, 2026
Beach House at Ludington State Park
Behind-the-Scenes Lighthouse Tour: 2–4 p.m.
Fundraiser at the Beach House: 3:30–6 p.m.
Tickets: $100 per person
Tickets include transportation to and from Big Sable Point Lighthouse, the exclusive behind-the-scenes tour and tower climb, and appetizers at the Beach House. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in the silent auction and raffle.
Proceeds from the event will support Lakeshore Keepers’ goal of providing free Big Sable Point Lighthouse tower climbs for kids throughout the 2027 season, when the historic lighthouse celebrates its 160th anniversary.
“Whether you’re a longtime Big Sable fan or have never experienced the lighthouse from this perspective, we hope you’ll join us,” said Lakeshore Keepers. “It’s an afternoon to explore, celebrate and give back—and help make sure kids have the chance to climb, explore and be inspired by Big Sable for years to come.”
Tickets and event information are available at lakeshorekeepers.org/
