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, along with 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. to 5 p.m.
Fall Hours: September 10 through Closing Day
Thursday–Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2026 Dates of Operation by Lighthouse
• Big Sable Point Lighthouse: May 4 – October 25
• Little Sable Point Lighthouse: May 11 – September 27
• White River Light Station: May 12 – October 25
• Ludington North Breakwater Light: May 19 – September 27
• Manistee North Pierhead Light: May 25 – September 20
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 noon, 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.
