Distance: 39.6 miles
Travel Time: 1 hour, 9 minutes
Lake Michigan, for all its beauty and serenity it has imparted to people over the years, also has a treacherous history. The area between these Little Sable Point Lighthouse near Silver Lake Sand Dunes and Big Sable Point Lighthouse is known as the “Graveyard of Ships,” as there were more than 70 ships that went down in this area between 1848 and 1940. These lighthouses were essential for guiding ships along Michigan’s western coastline, regardless of the forecast. Today, as yesterday, these historic lights watch over the beaches and waters on the sunset side of the state. This driving tour takes you from one to the other, with some sights scattered in between.
Begin your tour at Little Sable Point Lighthouse, located within Silver Lake State Park* and near the town of Mears. Little Sable Lighthouse is a 107-foot cinnamon-colored tower that can be accessed for a small fee. It offers a beautiful view of Lake Michigan as well as the 2,000 acres of sand dunes below. Silver Lake Sand Dunes has plenty of diversions and it’s easy to spend a lot of time here. You can hike the dunes, roll out the ATV or jeep and drive them over the dunes yourself in the 450-acre OTV area, or take a 45-minute ride via Mac Wood’s Dune Rides, the only tour company permitted within the dunes.
After your share of adventure, drive 16 miles north to the village of Pentwater. Despite how busy Pentwater can be during the high season, however, it retains its Up North casual and assuming character. People come here to relax – and to enjoy the picturesque views. Pentwater is situated between Lake Michigan and Pentwater Lake. A channel connects the two bodies of water. The big lake is ideal for sunbathing and swimming while the smaller inland lake is fantastic for shore fishing. Boating, of course, is an option for either and public boat launches are navigable if you bring along your own watercraft.
Park near the Village Green, which is a central gathering place for outdoor concerts, events, and festivals. The white gazebo overlooks Pentwater Lake. Walk north into town and pop your head in to whatever storefront you desire. If you adore antiques, stop at Silver Hills Antiques, which is three stories tall and located in a historic building that used to house Gustafson’s. Another popular spot, one the kids will surely enjoy, is the Cosmic Candy Company. If candy is too sweet, check out their lineup of gourmet popcorn.
A two-minute walk from the downtown area is Mears State Park*, which has a wonderful public beach and fishing pier. It’s well-known for its stunning sunsets. (If you happen to be in the area July 20 through August 31, the Pentwater Patch (https://gtebos.wixsite.com/thepentwaterpatch) is a family friendly u-pick blueberry farm on the north end of the village.)
Continue on your way north for 30 minutes, travel through the town of Ludington, and find Big Sable Point Lighthouse, one of the tallest and most photographed lighthouses in the state. Located within Ludington State Park*, this black-and-white tower is open for tours for a small fee, and it’s well worth the climb to the top. Note that the main park entrance is at the end of M-116, not along Piney Ridge Road. Piney Ridge Road cannot accommodate large vehicles. You may wish to take the 1.8-mile-long (one way) sand-and-gravel pathway, which has little shade but offers a beautiful walk to the lighthouse. There are two track chairs available at the park as well. After you spend some time outdoors and in the sun (maybe take a dip in Lake Michigan), walk to the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum (https://ludingtonmaritimemuseum.org/) and then pay a visit to the House of Flavors (featured in the Guinness Book of World Records) for some delicious and well-deserved ice cream.
*Additional Note: Recreation Passport is required for vehicle access to state parks and recreation areas, state-managed boating access sites, state forest campgrounds, thousands of miles of trails and other outdoor spaces – all year long! Learn how to get it, where it can take you and what it supports at Michigan.gov/RecreationPassport.