White River Light Station | Lake Michigan Destinations photo
Discover the White River Light Station
Built in 1875, the White River Light Station is one of four lights operated by Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association. Located in Whitehall, Michigan (about 40 minutes south of Ludington), the Light Station is situated between Lake Michigan and White Lake.
White River Light Station History & Facts
Back in the lumbering days, a channel was dug between these two bodies of water to allow schooners to access the sawmills, adjacent to pine forests. Later, passengers arrived from Chicago on steamships to enjoy summer activities on White Lake.
White River Light Station’s first keeper was Captain William Robinson. He and his wife Sarah and their thirteen children spent 47 years at the Light. Many qualified people followed, including Frances Marshall, the last female lighthouse keeper in Michigan.
The light station was decommissioned in 1960 and became a museum in 1970. Here, you can climb the spiral staircase to the top of the tower or view the original Fourth Order Fresnel lens. There is a $5 donation for adults and $2 for children 11 & under to climb the tower.
Directions to the White River Light Station
Take US-31 to White Lake Dr exit. Turn right on South Shore Drive. Turn left and continue following museum signs to the end of Murray Road.
Central West Michigan Lighthouses
Check out the iconic lighthouses in Central West Michigan.
Pentwater Pierhead Lights
Photo by Todd and Brad Reed Photography
View Lighthouses in Central West Michigan
- Holland Harbor Lighthouse, Holland
- Grand Haven Lighthouse, Grand Haven
- South Pierhead Light, Muskegon
- White River Light Station, Whitehall
- Little Sable Point Lighthouse, Silver Lake/Mears
- Pentwater Pierhead Lights, Pentwater
More Lighthouses Around Lake Michigan
Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse
The North Pierhead Lighthouse in Manistee was first built in 1869. Then it burned in the Great Fire and a new one was constructed in 1872.
Algoma Pierhead Lighthouse
The Algoma Light, is a red, steel structure overlooking Lake Michigan. In 1932, the lighthouse that is in place today was relocated to Algoma.
Manitowoc Breakwater Light
Built in 1918, the Manitowoc Breakwater Light has undergone multiple upgrades. The lighthouse is still operational today.
Little Traverse Lighthouse
The Little Traverse Lighthouse, also called the Harbor Springs Lighthouse or Harbor Point Lighthouse, was first lit in 1884.
Point Betsie Lighthouse
Standing tall and proud along the shores of Lake Michigan, Point Betsie marks the southern entrance to the Manitou Passage.
Lake Michigan Lighthouses
Lake Michigan has over 50 beautiful lights, with the majority in Michigan and Wisconsin, and more along the Illinois and Indiana lakeshore.