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A beacon of Light
Over The Dunes
ork began on the Little Sable Point Lighthouse in April
Wof 1873. It was built very similarly to the Big Sable Point
Lighthouse near Ludington, and was completed in
1874. The distinctive conical, red brick tower
stands 115 feet tall, and is topped off by a
black, cast iron parapet. 139 steps lead up to
the lantern room, which houses a thirdorder
Fresnel lens. At one time, the lighthouse
parcel also contained a one
and a half story, brick Keeper’s
house, a barn, and a boat landing
and boathouse. In 1890 the
tower was painted white after
mariners indicated that the
red brick could not be seen
during daylight hours.
In 1902, access to the
The Little Sable Point
Lighthouse is open daily
for tours from May 24
to September 30
lighthouse by land was
finally achieved. A
trail was created, and
wooden boardwalks
made it possible to
bring in supplies. In 1911, a third floor
was added to the Keeper’s house. In
1954, electricity was finally brought in,
and the light went from kerosene to a
250 watt electrical light. Sadly, in 1955,
all but the tower were torn down.
The white paint was sandblasted off
in 1974, and the tower appears much
as it did 130 years ago. Thanks to
the Sable Point Lighthouse Keepers
Association visitors are now able to
tour the tower, and receive a telling
of its history from one of the many
volunteers available daily from
Memorial weekend through the end
of September.
Little Sable
point Lighthouse