Located 8 miles north of Ludington among the sand dunes, Big Sable Point Lighthouse (Grand Point Au Sable) was built in 1867 when the Lighthouse Board determined that a light was required between Point Betsie to the north and Muskegon to the south. Deterioration of the brickwork was a problem from the beginning, requiring the tower to be repointed in 1880. The problem was permanently resolved in 1900, when the tower (up to the watchroom) was encased in steel plates.
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After the new plates were applied, the space between the brick and plates was filled with concrete. The watchroom was also steel encased in 1905. The 112 foot tall tower featured a 3rd order Fresnel lens, but was automated with a modern lens in 1968. The station sat in disrepair for many years until the Big Sable Lighthouse Keeper's Association stepped in to save the light. Reaching the light requires a 1 1/2 mile walk among the sand dunes. The tower is open to the public for climbing.
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