Beach bus adventure: Tips and tricks for hitching a ride to this popular Lake Michigan lighthouse
admin
HAMLIN TOWNSHIP, MI – There are a few days every summer when you can hitch a ride to this iconic Lake Michigan lighthouse – skipping the 1.8-mile hike.
Perched on the big lake’s sandy shoreline, Big Sable Point Lighthouse is not the easiest place to visit. Those with mobility challenges, small children, or a large load of beach-day essentials may find the hike (1.8 miles each way) daunting.
That’s why Lakeshore Keepers partners with the Ludington Mass Transportation Authority (the local dial-a-ride) and Ludington State Park (which owns the lighthouse) to offer bus service on select days. There are usually five bus days each year.
The first one of 2025 was held on Saturday. Two buses brought visitors back and forth between the lighthouse and the park office.
The next bus day is scheduled for Thursday, July 24. There are three more after that.
Visitors headed to Big Sable Point Lighthouse on the Lake Michigan shoreline line up to ride a bus rather than hiking or biking a 1.8-mile sand-and-gravel trail at Ludington State Park, 8800 M-116 in Hamlin Township, Mich. On select summer days, buses take visitors to the lighthouse. The tower is open for climbing during the summer and fall. The lighthouse grounds include a sandy beach, restrooms, a gift shop, picnic tables, pathways and interpretive signage.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com
Getting there
To take advantage of bus days, head out early to Ludington State Park, 8800 M-116 in Hamlin Township. Be sure to pack a lunch, including water, and bring a camera.
A Michigan Recreation Passport is needed to enter the park. For residents, the annual pass is $19 at the toll booth. Non-residents can purchase a day pass for $11 or an annual pass for $41.
Buses run from noon to 4:30 p.m., but it’s prudent to get there closer to noon – or even before noon – if you want a good parking spot, plenty of time to explore the lighthouse grounds and a ride back.
Bus days are scheduled on the following dates:
Thursday, July 24
Saturday, Aug. 2
Thursday, Aug. 14
Saturday, Aug. 30
A sign directs visitors to the bus pick-up and drop-off area for trips to Big Sable Point Lighthouse on the Lake Michigan shoreline. It can be reached by hiking or biking a 1.8-mile sand-and-gravel trail at Ludington State Park, 8800 M-116 in Hamlin Township, Mich. On select summer days, buses take visitors to the lighthouse. The tower is open for climbing during the summer and fall. The lighthouse grounds include a sandy beach, restrooms, a gift shop, picnic tables, pathways and interpretive signage.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com
Once you arrive, the best place to park is the warming shelter lot, just north of the state park’s toll booth. There will be signs directing bus day visitors toward this parking lot. From there, head east (away from Lake Michigan) on foot and follow the signs to the park office where there will be a tent to purchase tickets and, likely, a line of people waiting for the next bus.
Round-trip bus tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for students 17 and younger. One-way tickets are $3 for adults and $2 for students. Cash and cards are accepted.
When the bus arrives, the driver will invite visitors aboard and ensure that all the seats and standing room are filled. The buses traverse the same sand-and-gravel trail that’s used for hiking and biking to the lighthouse, which are permitted on bus days.
RELATED: Challenging trail through sand dunes has big payoff with lighthouse on Lake Michigan beach
The 1.8-mile ride takes 10-12 minutes and ends a few hundred yards south of the lighthouse near a small restroom building.
For those using the bus for the return trip, get in line by 4:30 p.m. so you don’t miss the final ride.
Big Sable Point Lighthouse visitors walk toward the lighthouse on the Lake Michigan shoreline. It can be reached by hiking or biking a 1.8-mile sand-and-gravel trail at Ludington State Park, 8800 M-116 in Hamlin Township, Mich. On select summer days, buses take visitors to the lighthouse. The tower is open for climbing during the summer and fall. The lighthouse grounds include a sandy beach, restrooms, a gift shop, picnic tables, pathways and interpretive signage.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com
Visiting and climbing Big Sable Point Lighthouse
As you get off the bus, you’ll see Big Sable’s iconic black-and-white tower rising above the dunes. It’s a short walk to the building.
On the lighthouse grounds, there’s a gift shop, interpretive signage, picnic tables, restrooms and a sandy beach.
The Big Sable Point Lighthouse gift shop offers apparel and other souvenirs. The lighthouse, on the Lake Michigan shoreline, can be reached by hiking or biking a 1.8-mile sand-and-gravel trail at Ludington State Park, 8800 M-116 in Hamlin Township, Mich. On select summer days, buses take visitors to the lighthouse. The tower is open for climbing during the summer and fall. The lighthouse grounds include a sandy beach, restrooms, a gift shop, picnic tables, pathways and interpretive signage.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com
The light is open for tower climbs. Tickets can be purchased in the gift shop; cash and cards are accepted. Fees to climb the tower are $8 for adults and $5 for students 17 and younger. Active military personnel and veterans can climb for free.
Children must be at least 40 inches tall to climb – there’s a ruler on a wall to check. For safety reasons, children may not be carried up the 130-step spiral staircase, which includes two low hatches.
Visitors take photos from the balcony atop Big Sable Point Lighthouse on the Lake Michigan shoreline. It can be reached by hiking or biking a 1.8-mile sand-and-gravel trail at Ludington State Park, 8800 M-116 in Hamlin Township, Mich. On select summer days, buses take visitors to the lighthouse. The tower is open for climbing during the summer and fall. The lighthouse grounds include a sandy beach, restrooms, a gift shop, picnic tables, pathways and interpretive signage.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com
While Ludington State Park does have track chairs to enhance the accessibility of its beaches, climbing the lighthouse is not universally accessible.
See tower climb hours below.
Summer hours (through Sept. 7):
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday
Fall hours (Sept. 11 to Oct. 26):
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Sunday
A small room filled with historic artifacts and benches is used as a waiting area when the the tower is at capacity. There’s even a video about the tower’s history.
Big Sable Point Lighthouse on the Lake Michigan shoreline can be reached by hiking or biking a 1.8-mile sand-and-gravel trail at Ludington State Park, 8800 M-116 in Hamlin Township, Mich. On select summer days, buses take visitors to the lighthouse. The tower is open for climbing during the summer and fall. The lighthouse grounds include a sandy beach, restrooms, a gift shop, picnic tables, pathways and interpretive signage.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com
Big Sable Point Lighthouse was built in 1867. Originally, it was built with a cream-colored brick, which quickly began to erode. By 1900, the tower was encased in steel, which was eventually painted white with a black stripe in the middle.
In 1966, the light became fully automated. Today, it continues to be an active navigational aid with an LED beacon atop the tower.
A view of the sandy Lake Michigan beach at Big Sable Point Lighthouse from a porthole window in the tower. It can be reached by hiking or biking a 1.8-mile sand-and-gravel trail at Ludington State Park, 8800 M-116 in Hamlin Township, Mich. On select summer days, buses take visitors to the lighthouse. The tower is open for climbing during the summer and fall. The lighthouse grounds include a sandy beach, restrooms, a gift shop, picnic tables, pathways and interpretive signage.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com
Those who climb the tower can peek through porthole windows on the way up, glimpsing views of Lake Michigan, the shoreline and dunes.
After 130 steps, the staircase opens to the balcony that encircles the top of the tower, just below the lantern room. Visitors are welcome to take their time and enjoy the view from all sides.
Big Sable Point Lighthouse on the Lake Michigan shoreline can be reached by hiking or biking a 1.8-mile sand-and-gravel trail at Ludington State Park, 8800 M-116 in Hamlin Township, Mich. On select summer days, buses take visitors to the lighthouse. The tower is open for climbing during the summer and fall. The lighthouse grounds include a sandy beach, restrooms, a gift shop, picnic tables, pathways and interpretive signage.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com
For some visitors, the climb can be unsettling due to the open-riser staircase. Even adults sometimes make the return journey by scooting down on their backsides.
Not everyone wants to or can make the climb. For those people, Lakeshore Keepers, which manages the lighthouse, recently added a live webcam west-facing fisheye view from the top of the tower.
RELATED: This breathtaking Lake Michigan lighthouse view is now available without the long hike
The nonprofit also manages the Ludington North Breakwater Light at Stearns Park in Ludington; White River Light Station in Whitehall; Little Sable Point Lighthouse in Mears; and the Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse at Fifth Avenue Beach in Manistee.
RELATED: Restoration of 98-year-old Lake Michigan lighthouse begins this week
A view of the Lake Michigan shoreline from the balcony at the top of Big Sable Point Lighthouse. It can be reached by hiking or biking a 1.8-mile sand-and-gravel trail at Ludington State Park, 8800 M-116 in Hamlin Township, Mich. On select summer days, buses take visitors to the lighthouse. The tower is open for climbing during the summer and fall. The lighthouse grounds include a sandy beach, restrooms, a gift shop, picnic tables, pathways and interpretive signage.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com
Ludington State Park
The 5,300-acre Ludington State Park is situated between Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake. It is known for its seven miles of sandy Lake Michigan beaches, popular with visitors and locals. Other popular features include Big Sable Point Lighthouse and a one-mile stretch of Big Sable River. The park also features 21 miles of marked trails through wetlands, marshes, dunes and forests, plus two water trails. Hamlin Lake and the river are popular for recreation, including boating, hiking, fishing, paddling, tubing and swimming.
RELATED: Lake Michigan state park’s summer series to include live music, birds of prey and more
The park recently reopened after a 10-month, $2.6 million construction project that involved repaving roads and streamlining pedestrian flow.
RELATED: Sneak peek: Ludington State Park unveils first look at $2.6M renovation, new pedestrian pathways
See more photos below of Big Sable Point Lighthouse and the grounds.
A view of dunes from the balcony at the top of Big Sable Point Lighthouse. It can be reached by hiking or biking a 1.8-mile sand-and-gravel trail at Ludington State Park, 8800 M-116 in Hamlin Township, Mich. On select summer days, buses take visitors to the lighthouse. The tower is open for climbing during the summer and fall. The lighthouse grounds include a sandy beach, restrooms, a gift shop, picnic tables, pathways and interpretive signage.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com
A view of the sandy Lake Michigan beach at Big Sable Point Lighthouse from a porthole window in the tower. It can be reached by hiking or biking a 1.8-mile sand-and-gravel trail at Ludington State Park, 8800 M-116 in Hamlin Township, Mich. On select summer days, buses take visitors to the lighthouse. The tower is open for climbing during the summer and fall. The lighthouse grounds include a sandy beach, restrooms, a gift shop, picnic tables, pathways and interpretive signage.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com
A view of the Lake Michigan shoreline from the balcony at the top of Big Sable Point Lighthouse. It can be reached by hiking or biking a 1.8-mile sand-and-gravel trail at Ludington State Park, 8800 M-116 in Hamlin Township, Mich. On select summer days, buses take visitors to the lighthouse. The tower is open for climbing during the summer and fall. The lighthouse grounds include a sandy beach, restrooms, a gift shop, picnic tables, pathways and interpretive signage.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com
A view of the Lake Michigan shoreline on the grounds of Big Sable Point Lighthouse. It can be reached by hiking or biking a 1.8-mile sand-and-gravel trail at Ludington State Park, 8800 M-116 in Hamlin Township, Mich. On select summer days, buses take visitors to the lighthouse. The tower is open for climbing during the summer and fall. The lighthouse grounds include a sandy beach, restrooms, a gift shop, picnic tables, pathways and interpretive signage.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com
A view of the Lake Michigan shoreline on the grounds of Big Sable Point Lighthouse. It can be reached by hiking or biking a 1.8-mile sand-and-gravel trail at Ludington State Park, 8800 M-116 in Hamlin Township, Mich. On select summer days, buses take visitors to the lighthouse. The tower is open for climbing during the summer and fall. The lighthouse grounds include a sandy beach, restrooms, a gift shop, picnic tables, pathways and interpretive signage.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com
Visitors headed to Big Sable Point Lighthouse on the Lake Michigan shoreline line up to ride a bus rather than hiking or biking a 1.8-mile sand-and-gravel trail at Ludington State Park, 8800 M-116 in Hamlin Township, Mich. On select summer days, buses take visitors to the lighthouse. The tower is open for climbing during the summer and fall. The lighthouse grounds include a sandy beach, restrooms, a gift shop, picnic tables, pathways and interpretive signage.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com
Big Sable Point Lighthouse on the Lake Michigan shoreline can be reached by hiking or biking a 1.8-mile sand-and-gravel trail at Ludington State Park, 8800 M-116 in Hamlin Township, Mich. On select summer days, buses take visitors to the lighthouse. The tower is open for climbing during the summer and fall. The lighthouse grounds include a sandy beach, restrooms, a gift shop, picnic tables, pathways and interpretive signage.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com
Big Sable Point Lighthouse on the Lake Michigan shoreline can be reached by hiking or biking a 1.8-mile sand-and-gravel trail at Ludington State Park, 8800 M-116 in Hamlin Township, Mich. On select summer days, buses take visitors to the lighthouse. The tower is open for climbing during the summer and fall. The lighthouse grounds include a sandy beach, restrooms, a gift shop, picnic tables, pathways and interpretive signage.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com
A view of dunes from the balcony at the top of Big Sable Point Lighthouse on the Lake Michigan shoreline. It can be reached by hiking or biking a 1.8-mile sand-and-gravel trail at Ludington State Park, 8800 M-116 in Hamlin Township, Mich. On select summer days, buses take visitors to the lighthouse. The tower is open for climbing during the summer and fall. The lighthouse grounds include a sandy beach, restrooms, a gift shop, picnic tables, pathways and interpretive signage.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com
The number “20” marks the 20th step up to the top of the Big Sable Point Lighthouse on the Lake Michigan shoreline. There are 130 steps in the 112-foot tower. It can be reached by hiking or biking a 1.8-mile sand-and-gravel trail at Ludington State Park, 8800 M-116 in Hamlin Township, Mich. On select summer days, buses take visitors to the lighthouse. The tower is open for climbing during the summer and fall. The lighthouse grounds include a sandy beach, restrooms, a gift shop, picnic tables, pathways and interpretive signage.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com
A view of the Lake Michigan shoreline from the balcony at the top of Big Sable Point Lighthouse. It can be reached by hiking or biking a 1.8-mile sand-and-gravel trail at Ludington State Park, 8800 M-116 in Hamlin Township, Mich. On select summer days, buses take visitors to the lighthouse. The tower is open for climbing during the summer and fall. The lighthouse grounds include a sandy beach, restrooms, a gift shop, picnic tables, pathways and interpretive signage.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com
A view of the sandy Lake Michigan beach at Big Sable Point Lighthouse from a porthole window in the tower. It can be reached by hiking or biking a 1.8-mile sand-and-gravel trail at Ludington State Park, 8800 M-116 in Hamlin Township, Mich. On select summer days, buses take visitors to the lighthouse. The tower is open for climbing during the summer and fall. The lighthouse grounds include a sandy beach, restrooms, a gift shop, picnic tables, pathways and interpretive signage.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com
A view of the sandy beach at Big Sable Point Lighthouse on the Lake Michigan shoreline. It can be reached by hiking or biking a 1.8-mile sand-and-gravel trail at Ludington State Park, 8800 M-116 in Hamlin Township, Mich. On select summer days, buses take visitors to the lighthouse. The tower is open for climbing during the summer and fall. The lighthouse grounds include a sandy beach, restrooms, a gift shop, picnic tables, pathways and interpretive signage.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com
A view of the sandy Lake Michigan beach at Big Sable Point Lighthouse from a porthole window in the tower. It can be reached by hiking or biking a 1.8-mile sand-and-gravel trail at Ludington State Park, 8800 M-116 in Hamlin Township, Mich. On select summer days, buses take visitors to the lighthouse. The tower is open for climbing during the summer and fall. The lighthouse grounds include a sandy beach, restrooms, a gift shop, picnic tables, pathways and interpretive signage.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
