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    South Haven Lighthouse Landmarks & Historical Buildings Photos

    Recommended Reviews - South Haven Lighthouse

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    Karen N.

    A South Haven landmark for over 100 years. It is easily accessible . The walk is not too long and surrounded by the beach and water. The lighthouse is located on Lake Michigan at the entrance of the Black River to Lake Michigan. There is something majestic about lighthouses and their history.

    South Haven Lighthouse
    Amanda L.

    Popped into South Haven on a end of March weekday around lunchtime and walked to and from the South Haven Lighthouse into downtown South Haven and back. The layout of the walk to the lighthouse and back is nearly identical to the one at Grand Haven where you have some parking options you can pull into as you're heading towards the beach with a walkway leading all the way to the lighthouse from these parking options, then a bigger parking lot at the beach, with the lighthouse to the right of the beach area. I'm not sure how much parking would've cost if we just pulled into the beach parking lot, but we pulled into one of the side spots before getting to the beach parking lot and had to pay via an app for parking. I'm assuming that the pricing was different in the off season than during the summer months, so we had to pay for a full day of parking, which cost $10. We weren't planning to stay for the full day, only a couple hours, so we hemmed and hawed over this for a bit, but ultimately paid it and I think it was worth it given how much we were able to explore, but it's just something to note and consider for when you visit! :) Granted, everything is just on a smaller scale here than at Grand Haven, the parking, the beach, the walkways, and even the lighthouse, but it is all still enjoyable! End of March weather this year was warm enough that there was no snow left and barely any ice. I saw a few remnants of bigger ice/snow chunks on their last leg in the middle of the walkways to the light house and a small line of it along the shoreline, but other than that, it was basically all gone. The walk to the lighthouse was enjoyable, albeit a little precarious given the windy weather, causing the waves to crest over and onto one side of the walk way and the wind to carry the spray across the entire walkway as well. There were no railings either and the walk way was more narrow than Grand Haven's, so it just made me a little bit nervous! There were also a couple places along the walk way that had broken cement or just a whole cement slab missing, so you definitely wanted to watch your step as you walked so as not to fall into one of these spots and twist/break your ankle. All in all though, it was very enjoyable and this lighthouse is a lot closer situated to the downtown area, so it was very easy to spend a couple hours exploring the lighthouse and downtown together! We had dogs with us, so we couldn't go onto the beach, where the dogs are not allowed, but they were allowed on the walkway to the lighthouse and in many stores downtown, so overall I'd say South Haven is very dog friendly! Loved our little trip into South Haven and how deserted it was, while also being open, cute, and welcoming during the off season! :)

    Elyse F.

    If you are looking for something to see while visiting South Haven, the lighthouse is one of those things. Being on the small side, and not being able to go inside, it is a rather quick visit. One spends more time walking out to the lighthouse than visiting the structure itself. That being said, it is a nice walk that gives a view of the beach from out on the water. Make sure to stop and read all the plaques starting back near the snack shack. They will give you information about the history of the lighthouse, as well as it's current historical status. (I uploaded pictures of the signs as well.)

    Harish V.

    Winter is not a good time to visit but This spot has been on mind quite sometime and finally decided tO tick it of my list as we are headed to kalamazoo and it is just 45 min from there. The boards says paid parking but there are no vending machine or no staff, probably they would collect during summer. The first lighthouse was made of wood and was built in 1871. The second was made of steel; it was built in 1903 and is still in use today. You can walk all the way to the 2 light houses which is pretty good. The color of water differs like blue,green andd black which gives a good background for pics. Pros: ------- Beautiful Beach Kids Play area 2 min to SOuth haven main street Good for photoshoots Cons: ------- None to me Note: The water was high and close to the walkway, but not rushing over.

    Lighthouse
    Don H.

    Wife and I went to South Haven for a 3 day getaway trip. No trip to South Haven is complete without a visit too the South Haven Lighthouse! Perfect day to watch the sunset!

    Ryan S.

    Coolest lighthouse along Big Blue. Great landmark for when out on the lake. Come walk the piers and see it.

    South Haven lighthouse.
    Penny B.

    The lighthouse and lake were beautiful! The beaches were very clean and not crowed. I would highly recommend a visit.

    South Haven Lighthouse
    Jennifer B.

    This is s gorgeous view. We were able to walk up to the lighthouse and speak with a fisherman prior to the rain setting in. It was neat seeing the lighthouse on the live cam but to see it in person, hearing the waves lap against the pier, while watching the ducks disappear.... Amazing!

    The beautiful lighthouse accessible from the pier or visible from South Beach.
    Christine B.

    I really love this lighthouse and the pier. It is such a majestic sight. The pier is a great place to walk for families, couples, friends and tourists. Standing on the pier looking out onto Lake Michigan, the Harbor and the beautiful city of South Haven. It is a must see when visiting the area

    Brian S.

    South Haven Lighthouse is one of the most photogaphed lighthouses in the country. It's a strange little lighthouse, at least by my Northeast perspective. It's only 35 feet tall and stands at the end of a long pier. A catwalk, preached on long legs leads out to the light. The purpose of the catwalk becomes very obvious in nasty weather. The light was first built in 1872 and rebuilt in 1903. It originally had a 5th order Fresnel Lens but I'm not sure where the lens is now. It's funny how many of these huge, priceless lens manage to disappear. I'm sure there are some that have been sitting in ancient garages for decades, covered in bird poop, just waiting to be discovered. The whole area around the light is absolutely gorgeous. A small beach is nearby for swimming and a park and playground is located on the premises. Nice place to hike or bike. The great part is that you can walk all the way out on the pier to the light. You're not allowed on the catwalk but just walking on the pier gives a fantastic experience. Unfortunately I was out here on a a calm summer day. I have seen heavy weather pictures of huge waves sweeping over the pier and hammering the lighthouse and in those conditions even walking up on the high catwalk would be a challenge. I bet it would be fun trying though. Other common motifs show the pier illuminated by it's many lights in the dark or silhouetted against the setting sun. Incredible pictures taken in the winter show the entire structure covered in thick ice. This small light has a very photographic personality and numerous artists have taken advantage of this fact. We even bought a cool photograph of huge waves sweeping over the pier and light in very nasty weather. One more lighthouse pic we have find a place for when we get home.

    Standing on the frozen Lake Michigan.
    Amanda B.

    This place is pretty cool. Quite literally. My husband and I are from Texas where the most snow we see in a year is maybe a max of 2ins. When we got out to the Lighthouse yesterday (2/13/14), the whole beach was covered in at least a foot of snow and the Lake it self was FROZEN! From what I understand, over 80% frozen. There were several people walking around and out on the lake, many of which were locals that were just as surprised with the lake's conditions as we were. We walked out on the lake all the way down to just below the Lighthouse and even into the jetty. It was a very cool sight to see and an awesome experience. Now I can check off "Walk on Water" from my bucket list. :) P.S. - During the winter, there was no charge for parking although there were signs up that said otherwise. Maybe during the summer (peak season) there is a charge to park.

    Swimming lessons in the lake
    Patrick F.

    Bulldogs + beach + lake = heaven. Took our bullies to the beach approx 2 times per day on our visit to South Haven. They loved the early morning and late night strolls. Our oldest especially liked the swimming lessons on the sand bar. But as far as beaches go it was great but a little rocky. Also a decent amount of seaweed in places. However the scenery and condition of the beach is great and would head back.

    January in South Haven
    Kristin C.

    Loved walking out to the pier to see this lighthouse. Of course, we didn't walk too far because it is winter and it was windy and freezing! You've seen this lighthouse in a million photos, so it is neat to see it in person. Loved watching the waves crash into the pier. This is obviously a must see when you are visiting South Haven!

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    It was beautiful in all the ways but it was not what I expected. The lighthouse itself was actually much smaller than I imagined.

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    Ask the Community - South Haven Lighthouse

    Review Highlights - South Haven Lighthouse

    We even bought a cool photograph of huge waves sweeping over the pier and light in very nasty weather.

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    Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum

    Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum

    5.0(1 review)
    1.4 mi

    I may be biased, but I love this place. It's a great community of dedicated folks working to keep…read moreL. H. Bailey's vision for a better world alive. They do great kids' programming in the summers as well as stimulating adult programs on topics ranging from gardening to sustainable food systems to the history of science, all relating in some way to the polymath that was Bailey. They also have hosted music in the gardens, a local foods dinner, and other fun events. Liberty Hyde Bailey was an agrarian philosopher, horticultural scientist (and reformer of the field), country-life advocate (placed by President Theodore Roosevelt as Chair of his national Commission on Country-Life), naturalist, poet, nature-study advocate in the primary schools, early Dean of the College of Agriculture at Cornell University and visionary behind the early land-grant university and extension systems, and even an impressive photographer. The Bailey Museum manages to cover all this vast history, while keeping a focus on the influence that Bailey's young life in South Haven had on the rest of his career. Outside, it features interpretive garden spaces as well as a small nature trail through a stand of woods that used to be part of the Bailey farm. The building, a Greek-Revival farm house that was Bailey's birthplace and childhood home, is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a gem of a museum in southwestern Michigan, and one much worth checking out.

    South Haven Memorial Library - South Haven Memorial Library entrance on Broadway St.

    South Haven Memorial Library

    3.8(4 reviews)
    0.9 mi

    As a newer resident to South Haven I was excited to finally have the renovated library finished…read more When visiting for my first time I was very put off and surprised at the lack of awareness from the front desk staff, Heidi and Kim S. Their loud speaking volume to one another as well as the volume they spoke to others was very inconsiderate and distracting. When visiting a library, it is expected to be a quieter atmosphere. Patrons are studying, working or just trying to get away from the other noisy establishments in the area. Maybe an enclosed quiet room is necessary for those looking to find less distraction. This has been a good place for me to work as a virtual professor so far this summer. I'm disappointed though by how LOUD the staff speak, not only amongst themselves but to visitors as well. It is very disruptive even with wearing noise canceling AirPods. Several front desk clerks make no effort to lower their voices whatsoever. I would highly recommend that there be some retraining here. I've never been to a library where the staff seem to have complete disregard of this. Otherwise, it's a good size library with clean bathrooms.

    This has been a good place for me to work as a virtual professor so far this summer. I'm…read moredisappointed though by how LOUD the staff speak, not only amongst themselves but to visitors as well. It is very disruptive even with wearing noise canceling AirPods. Several front desk clerks make no effort to lower their voices whatsoever. I would highly recommend that there be some retraining here. I've never been to a library where the staff seem to have complete disregard of this. Otherwise, it's a good size library with clean bathrooms.

    South Haven Visitors Bureau - Outside South Haven/Van Buren County Convention and Visitor's Bureau

    South Haven Visitors Bureau

    1.0(1 review)
    0.8 mi

    No welcome here! I have been coming up to the South Haven…read morearea for years since my family had a cottage up here. Now that country home is my full time home. Today was the first time I stopped at the visitors bureau and it will be my last. I had dropped my car off to get detailed at Bodfish-N-Sons and those folks had graciously dropped me off in downtown South Haven where I had breakfast at Phoenix Street Cafe and then did some shopping. Then I noticed that my iPhone battery was almost dead and I needed the phone so Bodfish could call and let me know when my car was finished. I was right by the South Haven Visitors Bureau so I stopped to see if I could plug in my phone for a bit - "Oh no!" said the unfriendly young man at the desk. "That is not allowed - maybe you can go to a coffee shop and they'll let you..." Then a woman walked in from off the street and she suggested the library. I agreed that would work. "Where is library?" I asked the young man. "It's over that way," he replied waving vaguely toward the east. Well I went to the east and never did find the library. Fortunately, I stopped at Fifth Third Bank where Emily, the officer who helped transfer my account from Chicago to my new address said, "Sure! And have a cup of coffee while you're waiting." I can understand that the Visitors Bureau wouldn't have the facilities to help out with this specific problem - but the lackadaisical attitude I encountered can not bode well for anyone coming to them for help or information about South Haven.

    From the owner: A quaint visitor information office with a warm, welcoming, and informative staff. Come on in, we…read moreare waiting for you!

    Photos
    South Haven Visitors Bureau - South Haven is sunset central. With our iconic lighthouse as a backdrop each and every evening.

    South Haven is sunset central. With our iconic lighthouse as a backdrop each and every evening.

    South Haven Visitors Bureau - Outside South Haven/Van Buren County Convention and Visitor's Bureau

    Outside South Haven/Van Buren County Convention and Visitor's Bureau

    South Haven Visitors Bureau - View of our harbor, where the Black River meets the big blue Lake Michigan.

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    View of our harbor, where the Black River meets the big blue Lake Michigan.

    South Haven Center For the Arts

    South Haven Center For the Arts

    5.0(1 review)
    0.9 mi

    Stopped in for the Mistletoe Market 2024. There were probably 40 different artists. There was a…read morevariety of Christmas items. jewelry, pottery, paintings and other items. Majority of the items were made by local Michigan artists. The items were unique and displayed in a nice way. Everyone was very helpful.

    From the owner: The South Haven Center for the Arts provides low-cost office, rehearsal, performance and meeting…read more space. The success of our project has begun to increase awareness in the community and nationwide of the value and possibilities inherent in old buildings, even those originally built for industrial purposes. We have also proved that a private initiative can be as successful as, and more efficient than, a public one. Many shared-use facilities have successfully used our formulas in planning their guidelines and strategies. The South Haven Center for the Arts has gained attention as one of the best examples of adaptive reuse and of public/private partnership. Our long-term goals are to stabilize the South Haven Center for the Arts financially, and gradually expand the services we offer to the arts community as we identify areas which are relevant to our mission and purpose. The South Haven Center for the Arts has been developed to provide our community with resources and a facility for aspiring artists to hold rehearsals, workshops and conferences in pursuit of their craft. We continue as a shaping force in the recognition and development of new talent, we must provide a permanent environment conducive to the achievement of this goal.

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    South Haven Center For the Arts

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    South Haven Lighthouse - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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