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Nov 15, 2023

How to catch a bus to one of Northern Michigan’s busiest lighthouses

The Big Sable Point Lighthouse is seen here at sunset on Sept. 29, 2015 at

The Big Sable Point Lighthouse is seen here at sunset on Sept. 29, 2015 at Ludington State Park in Ludington, Mich. The Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association will offer six bus days to the lighthouse this summer; it's normally only accessible by hiking up the beach or through the woods. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com) MLive.com

HAMLIN TOWNSHIP, MI – Most days, lighthouse enthusiasts must take a hike to see this popular Lake Michigan lighthouse, but there will be six days this summer when you can catch a bus instead.

The series of busing days to Big Sable Point Lighthouse begins this weekend at Ludington State Park. Provided by the Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association, one-way and round trips will be available from noon to 5 p.m. on bus days. Here's the schedule:

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Riders can park in the main parking lot at the entrance of Ludington State Park (a Recreation Passport of one-day pass is needed to enter the park) and then follow signs to the park office where there will be a tent. Riders can purchase their tickets and wait for the bus at the tent.

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Tickets are $6 for an adult round trip and $3 for one-way; and $4 for a student (17 and under) round trip and $2 for one-way.

Riders can bring beach chairs and other gear on the bus as long as it fits in the seat with them.

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The bus ticket does not include a ticket to climb the lighthouse; those can be purchased separately at the lighthouse.

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The lighthouse keepers association offers these events in the interest of accessibility. Those who are able (and willing) can hike one mile up the beach (two miles round trip) to get to the lighthouse. Another 1.5-mile dirt trail is also available to access the lighthouse.

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