Lighthouses to remain closed in 2020; events cancelled. 

Lighthouses to remain closed in 2020; events cancelled. 

LUDINGTON — The Sable Point Lighthouse Keepers Association has made the decision to not open its lighthouse towers and cancel several events for the 2020 season, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Towers at Big Sable Point Lighthouse, Little Point Sable Point Lighthouse and Ludington North Breakwater Lighthouse will remain closed. Several events have also been cancelled including bus days to Big Sable Point Lighthouse, Night at The Lights Concert series at Little Sable Point Lighthouse, and special events at the White River Light Station.
Executive Director Peter Manting said the SPLKA Board of Directors is hopeful that the gift shops at Big Sable Point and White River Light Station and Museum will be open Fridays through Sundays; Big Sable, beginning July 3 and White River, beginning June 15.

Opening dates are contingent on the State of Michigan opening up Mason, Muskegon and Oceana counties, Manting.

“This was not an easy decision for our organization to make,” Manting said. “We know that our lighthouses are a destination location for many of the summer visitors to our area. It was with the safety of our visitors and our resident volunteer keepers in mind that these hard decisions had to be made.” SPLKA will be looking for local volunteers to help keep Big Sable gift shop open on the weekends and to work at the White River Light Station.”

Interested volunteers may call the SPLKA office after June 1 or email  Rachel Bendele at splkaoperations@gmail.com.

“The Sable Point Lighthouse Keepers mission is to preserve, promote and educate the public and to make our lighthouses accessible to all,” Manting said. “Closing our towers and lights this season will also have a major impact on how our non-profit is funded. As our mission states SPLKA is committed to our area’s wonderful lighthouses and we need your help. Please visit our web site to make a financial gift to SPLKA, buy a walkway board which will be placed out at the light of your choosing or purchasing lighthouse merchandise from SPLKA’s on- line gift store.”

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