Ludington Light

Ludington Light stands at the northern end of the breakwater in Ludington, Michigan, marking the entrance to Pere Marquette Harbor on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. The lighthouse marks the point where the harbor’s channel meets the lake, guiding vessels along this stretch of water.

The tower is a square‑pyramidal structure built of steel and reinforced concrete. It is painted white with a black lantern at its top. The tower rises 57 ft tall, and the light’s focal plane is 16.8 m above the water. Its green isophase characteristic displays a steady 6‑second cycle, visible for 5 nmi. Originally equipped with a fifth‑order Fresnel lens, the lantern now houses a 300 mm acrylic optic manufactured by Tideland Signal.

The station was first established in 1871, and the present tower was first lit in 1924. Automation arrived in 1972, converting the light to unmanned operation. The historic Fresnel lens was removed on 17 October 1995 and replaced by the current acrylic lens; the original optic is displayed in the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum as part of its lighthouse exhibit.

Today the lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation, operating with its modern acrylic optic. Its distinctive shape and markings make it a recognizable landmark on the breakwater, and the historic lens can be viewed at the nearby maritime museum.

Light and tower

It lies on Lake Michigan. The light has a focal height of 16.8 metres. It was automated in 1972. Its recorded status is active.