Posted on June 1, 2023
Start your lighthouse adventure in Grand Haven, dubbed Coast Guard City USA. Take a stroll on the boardwalk that runs along the Grand River channel and leads you to the picturesque Grand Haven South Pier and Lighthouse. The lighthouse, one of the most photographed in the Midwest, us one of two lights on the pier. If you're lucky enough to catch the sunset out on the pier, linger a little longer and enjoy a magical walk back along the lighted catwalk that connects the two.
Of course, in West Michigan, you're never far from a sandy beach, and the award-winning Grand Haven area beaches do not disappoint. Right downtown, you'll have a great view of the South Pier and Lighthouse in the distance as you soak up the sun at Grand Haven City Beach. This relaxing afternoon won't cost you a thing: There's no entry fee, no cost for parking and restrooms are available.
When it's time to eat, don't miss the Toasted Pickle, where you can grab a handcrafted sandwich that promises to "put a smile on your face, a hop in your step, and a tingle on your tongue." If you'd like to couple your sandwich with a local craft brew, carry your meal over to family-friendly Oddside Ales, a taproom and brewery located in a historic piano factory. If a bigger sit-down meal is more your style, book a table at the Paisley Pig Gastropub, featuring fresh ingredients from local farms.
Hotels aren't just for sleeping, so be sure to choose lodging that's part of the adventure. You can't miss with Holiday Inn Grand Haven Spring Lake. This full-service hotel, completely renovated in 2019, sits right on the Grand River. Watch the boats come and go while you float in the outdoor or glass-enclosed indoor pool or soak in the hot tub. Then, toast to a great day at the seasonal on-site tiki bar.
Welcome to Ludington! This bustling town is sure to please, with its popular downtown beach and a lighthouse of its own.
Named one of the Best Beaches in the World by Travel Addicts in 2020, Stearns Park Beach is 2,500 feet of sandy shoreline with something for everyone, including a grassy area with plenty of picnic tables and grills, an epic playground for kids, mini golf, shuffleboard and more. Walk the pier out to the North Breakwater Light for a great view up and down the shoreline.
But what you're really here to see - and tour - is the Big Sable Point Lighthouse, nestled inside Ludington State Park at the end of 1.8-mile sand and gravel trail. Go inside to see the keeper's quarters (now a gift shop) and talk to the volunteer lighthouse keepers in residence who offer tours. For a small fee, get a brief history lesson before you climb the winding stairs to survey Lake Michigan from the top of the lighthouse, towering more than 100 feet above the crashing waves.
Ludington does not disappoint when it comes to food, and no visit is complete without hitting the famed House of Flavors Restaurant, a sure kid-pleaser. It has a full menu, but the big draw is the locally churned ice cream; it even holds a Guinness World Record for Longest Ice Cream Dessert.
Another dining option is Ludington Bay Brewing Co. Pair a burger and Michigan-made salt and pepper potato chips with one of its craft brews. If you've brought your four-legged friend, you can even dine outside on the covered patio, and you might catch some live music depending on the night.
Tired yet? It's OK, we've got you covered. Find all the comforts of home with a vacation rental from Ludington Beach House, located right across from Stearns Park Beach and just blocks from downtown Ludington. Choose the setup that's right for you, from a studio with refrigerator and microwave to a three-bedroom penthouse with full kitchen.
The end of the line is Frankfort, voted the "Most Beautiful Place in America" on ABC's "Good Morning America." The area includes the sweeping Sleeping Bear Dunes Lakeshore and the opportunity to visit three more lighthouses.
The first if the Frankfort North Breakwater Lighthouse, rich with history. Long a symbol of the city's maritime heritage, a likeness of the lighthouse was even built into the gateway arch built in 1925 to welcome visitors to Frankfort. You can reach is by walking the breakwater, and you may ever feel some spray from the lapping waves.
Also not to be miss is Point Betsie Lighthouse, which has been operating continuously since 1858. If you're looking for more than just a great view, this destination has it all: the original lighthouse, keeper's residence, fog signal building and Boathouse Museum. Budget time for the 30-minute tour to learn about daily life as a lighthouse keeper, including the keeper's daily routines, and even feel the danger of a Lake Michigan rescue.
Sleeping Bear Dunes is 65 miles of stunning shoreline marked by 400-foot bluffs towering over Lake Michigan. It also includes North Manitou and South Manitou islands, and that's where you'll find your final lighthouse of the trip. The South Manitou Island Lighthouse is accessible by ferry and a half-mile walk. Tours are available, and you can climb the 117 steps of the circular staircase to the light station 104 feet above the ground for a unique view of the Manitou Passage and the island.
You have many dining options in the area, but if you want to round out your trip with a nautical theme, try Dinghy's Restaurant & Bar. It's known for its smoked meats, but the local favorite is twice baked potato soup.
If you're looking to sneak in one more craft brew sampling, try Stormcloud Brewing Company. Snack on specialty popcorn and enjoy a flatbread pizza with one of 16 beverages on tap. Many ingredients are seasonally sourced from Michigan farms that the company's own StormGarden.
For a stunning end to your adventure, book a stay at the Harbor Lights Resort. Choose from motel rooms, suites and one-, two- or three-bedroom condominiums just steps away from the beach and downtown Frankfort.
Now it's time to head home, with visions of lighthouses dancing in your head as you dream of returning to the mesmerizing shores of Lake Michigan.
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