Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state in the country, with 129 along its Great Lakes shoreline. In Muskegon County, three historic lights can be explored along Lake Michigan and White Lake, making this a great destination for lighthouse viewing, photography, and maritime history.

Visitors participating in the United States Lighthouse Society Passport Program can collect three stamps in Muskegon at the Muskegon South Pierhead Light, Muskegon South Breakwater Light, and White River Light Station. Learn more about the Passport Program here.

National Lighthouse Day is celebrated each year on August 7, recognizing the importance of lighthouse preservation and public access. The observance was signed into public law in 1988, encouraging lighthouse grounds to be open to visitors where feasible.

Meet the Muskegon County Lights

Muskegon South Breakwater Light

Located at Pere Marquette Park, the Muskegon South Breakwater Light sits at the end of a 1,514-foot walkable pier that forms the south breakwater arm of the Muskegon Channel.

Built in 1931, this red, ironclad pyramidal tower stands 63 feet tall and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was never intended to be staffed, giving it a simple, functional design that reflects its role in guiding ships safely into the harbor.

Visitors can walk the pier for views of Lake Michigan, the breakwater, and passing ship traffic entering and exiting the channel.

Lighthouse Fun Fact: The lantern room in the Muskegon South Breakwater Light is 33 years older than the tower that supports it.

Muskegon South Pierhead Light

At the end of the north breakwater arm, the Muskegon South Pierhead Light  offers guided tours during the summer season. The 48-foot cylindrical ironclad tower was built in 1903 and features two spiral staircases and a shipman’s ladder leading to the lantern room.

From the top, visitors can take in panoramic views of Lake Michigan, Muskegon Lake, and the Muskegon Channel.

Lighthouse Fun Fact: In 1858, keeper William Monroe’s widow, Jemima Monroe, took over lighthouse duties after his passing. She served for ten years while raising her children and remains Muskegon’s only female lighthouse keeper. Michigan is known for having the highest number of female lighthouse keepers in the United States.

Open for tours: Memorial Day to Labor Day
Address: 1431 Beach St., Muskegon, MI 49441
Website: www.muskegonlights.org
To access the lighthouse, follow the visitor pathway at the NOAA Lake Michigan Field Station

brick light house and tower sits on grassy hill surrounded by green trees. flags fly on pole in front of it. black iron clad light tops tower.

White River Light Station & Museum

Built in 1875 by Captain William Robinson, the White River Light Station is one of the oldest preserved lighthouses on Lake Michigan. In 2025, it celebrated 150 years of service, marking a major milestone in West Michigan’s maritime history.

Today, the site operates as a museum where visitors can climb the spiral staircase to the top of the lighthouse tower and explore exhibits featuring historical photographs, nautical artifacts, and stories of lighthouse keepers who once lived and worked on the shoreline. From the lantern room, guests can take in sweeping views of Lake Michigan, much like keepers did over a century ago. Visitors can also access the White Lake channel walkway by descending the steps located in front of the light station.

The lighthouse grounds also feature a unique maritime artifact: a portion of a historic shipwreck spine now displayed on the lawn in front of the station. Visitors can view it up close during their visit. Initially believed to be part of the LC Woodruff, the Michigan Shipwreck Research Association later identified it as the vessel Contest, adding another layer of Great Lakes shipping history to the site. Watch our video of the shipwreck spine surfacing on the beach here.

Lighthouse Lore: Local legend says Captain William Robinson, who served as keeper for 47 years, and his wife Sarah may still be heard moving through the upper floors of the station. Read our "Whispers of Hauntings" blog here.

Open for tours: Memorial Day to Labor Day
Address: 6199 Murray St., Whitehall, MI 49461
Website: https://lakeshorekeepers.org/our-lights/ 

Don’t Miss:

  • “Ceremonial Washing of the Lighthouse” at the Muskegon South Pierhead Light, held Memorial Day Weekend, where the Muskegon County Sheriff Pumper Boat ceremonially washes the lighthouse to mark the start of the boating season.
  • “Children’s Day and Lighthouse Story Times” at the Muskegon South Pierhead Light, held on select Wednesdays in June and July at 3:00 p.m.
  • “Maritime Days: Free White River Light Station Tours,” held August 6–8, 2026.
  • “Trick or Treat at the Tower” at the Muskegon South Pierhead Light, held each October.

Traditions That Still Shine

Muskegon’s lighthouse traditions continue today through seasonal events and community programs that bring these historic sites to life.

Whether viewed from the shoreline, explored from the tower, or discovered through centuries of maritime history, Muskegon’s lighthouses continue to serve as guiding lights along Lake Michigan.

“I can think of no other edifice constructed by man as altruistic as a lighthouse. They were built only to serve.” ~ George Bernard Shaw