Hike to the Lighthouses

Rise early and begin your drive to "up north" Michigan. You'll stop to grab coffee and pastries from delicious coffeehouses on the way, and then begin your coastal trip on the sandy scenic beaches in Ludington, Michigan.

Take a driving break and grab coffee at Strange Matter Coffee in Lansing, Michigan, a buzzy, trendy coffee shop that offers artisan coffee, housemade donuts, and vegan options. They're committed to community and inclusion and showcase rotating art.
Note the coffeehouse is closed on Mondays.

Stop off to pick up lunch at Two Beards in downtown Grand Rapids, a deli offering more the 90 different sandwich creations named after celebrities, TV characters, former presidents, and notable figures. Local favorites include the Ulysses S Grant — a sandwich filled with roast beef, red peppers, gouda, and turkey served on a pretzel bun — and The Andre 3000, which includes tofu, avocado, caramelized onions, and banana peppers. If you're not hungry yet, pack your lunch for the road.

On your way out of town, if you are in need of a coffee, grab a brew or espresso from Madcap Coffee Company, which is known for its carefully selected and sustainably sourced beans from all over the world, zero-waste shops, and impressive craft coffee.

For the first scenic stop of the day, walk the scenic sandy beaches at Ludington State Park Beach. On the shore, the park has miles of sand dunes to hike and explore. Dip your toes in the water and walk the dunes before beginning your hike to the Big Sable Point Lighthouse. There is a parking lot at this entrance for you to park before beginning your journey.

Walk north from where you parked to take the two-mile hike up to the iconic Big Sable Point Lighthouse, one of the tallest lighthouses on Lake Michigan standing tall at over 100 feet. You can climb the lighthouse and take in the view from 112-feet-up. It is a trek, but the views are arguably the best on the lake. Visit the gift shop when you are finished, located in the original Keeper’s Quarters.
The lighthouse is open for tours daily 10am-5pm from May 27th to October 30th.

Walk out to this lighthouse for a quick stop on your drive up the coast. First built in 1869, it burned in a fire and a new one was constructed in 1872. The North Pierhead Lighthouse is one of the only lighthouses with a walkable catwalk to the lighthouse, as many were demolished when lighthouses became electrified. You can walk out to the lighthouse to enjoy the majestic view and capture the perfect photo.
There is plenty of free parking and there are restrooms on-site.

For dinner, eat at Iron Fish Distillery, a field-to-glass craft distillery with wood-fired oven cuisine. A little off the beaten path, this hidden oasis is well worth the visit to learn about Michigan's first farm-based distillery, eat tasty pizza, and drink barrel-aged spirits.
From Thursday-Saturday, you can book a distillery tour that will teach you about the history of the farm dating to the 1890s and show you the entire soil-to-spirit process on the farm and in the barrelhouse. The tour ends with a tasting flight of four spirits or a special tasting flight of farm barrel maple syrups and honey for non-drinkers and those under 21. Note that this location is closed Monday to Wednesday. If closed, we recommend choosing a restaurant near Betsie Lake.
Hours Monday to Wednesday: Closed Thursday to Friday: 3-8pm Saturday: 12-8pm Sunday: 12-5pm

Spend the evening exploring the shores of the Arcadia Dunes, which offers 3,600 acres of natural habitat, including two miles of unspoiled beach and nearly six square miles of hardwood forest. The preserve is a haven for wildlife, wildflowers, and wilderness.
You can take the popular Overlook Trail, a wheelchair-accessible trail that leaves from the Baldy parking lot and takes you to a stunning overlook of Lake Michigan. Click here for a map of the trail and parking zone. Or you can park your car at the Arcadia Scenic Turnout, where you will climb 120 steps to a viewing platform of Lake Michigan called Inspiration Point. Here, watch the sunset overlooking the lake for unforgettable memories and views.

Stay the night at Hotel Frankfort, a nearly century-old boutique hotel sitting on Frankfort's historic Main Street, just two blocks away from the water. There is a restaurant open at 8am for breakfast on the weekends.