Lighthouse Workshop I & II
Our day will begin in the historic town of Benton Harbor where the 1894 Baushke automobile, America's first car was built as an experimental investment idea. This lighthouse was established in 1907.
From there it is up the coast to the quaint coastal town of South Haven, first founded in 1787 by Ottawa, Miami and Pottawattamie Native American tribes who named the land, "Ni-Ko-Nong," or "beautiful sunsets." Once known as the Catskills of the Midwest South Haven is now the home of the Blueberry Festival. This lighthouse was established in 1907.
Now we travel up the coast to Holland, home of "Big Red", the most photographed lighthouse in Michigan. Holland was settled by Dutch immigrants and still holds firmly onto those traditions to this day, celebrating Tulip Time, a huge, city-wide festival every spring. Time permitting we may even be able to visit Windmill Island and the imported windmill "De Zwaan" (meaning graceful bird).
Further up the coast is Grand Haven, home of the infamous musical fountain and probably the second most photographed lighthouse in Michigan. This is where the first day of the tour ends as it is a great place to enjoy a fine dinner, a gorgeous sunset and a spectacular water fountain display thrown in as a bonus.
(This would conclude the one day workshop)
Day Two
Morning would take us up the coast to Muskegon where we are treated to not one, but two lighthouses, the South Pierhead and the breakwater light. Also, if time permit we can visit the U.S.S. Silversides, which is in the immediate area.
From here we travel to the quaint villages of Montague and Whitehall, home of the White River lighthouse. The ghost of Captain William Robinson is said to still "keep" this lighthouse. This lighthouse is also a museum and tourable lighthouse with an active keeper living on the grounds.
On to Mears and Little Point Sable. Nestled between Silver lake and Lake Michigan, the lighthouse stands as sentinel amongst the golden dunes.
The trip will come to it's conclusion in the bustling, yet still quaint community of Ludington where there are two, yes TWO lighthouses. The Ludington North Pierhead and Big Sable lighthouse nestled in gorgeous Ludington State Park. (Be warned Big Sable is a 1 1/2 mile hike). Ludington State Park has a very nice interpretive center and nature walk which is worth an hour side trip if time permits. And of course our last sunset together. Ludington State Park has wonderful camping facilities if that is your forte.
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