South Haven Lighthouses
South Haven Lighthouses
South Haven Lighthouses
4.5
Full view
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
692 reviews
Excellent
429
Very good
208
Average
47
Poor
5
Terrible
3
Previa1994
Chicago, IL6,020 contributions
Jul 2021
South Haven Lighthouse is a prime and can't be missed attraction on a visit to South Haven. I was there on a nice weekday afternoon at the end of July and the place was busy with visitors. I was lucky to find free street parking in downtown, and then walked to the lighthouse (less than a mile) mostly downhill. The pier is within a short walk from the South Beach parking area, but the parking lot has a hefty fee. I took the path of the Maritime District Harborwalk from downtown; the path has interesting plaques about South Haven history posted frequently along. It was a very enjoyable and scenic walk. The historic lighthouse sits at the end of a long concrete pier, and during my visit the lake waves were pouring water onto the pier. But, still it was an enjoyable walk. One striking observation is indeed how 'blackish' the Black River water is from the blue lake water. No access was open to go to the top of the lighthouse.
The views of Black River, Lake Michigan and the beaches (North & South beaches) make the Lighthouse a must do in South Haven, and really, it can't be missed.
The views of Black River, Lake Michigan and the beaches (North & South beaches) make the Lighthouse a must do in South Haven, and really, it can't be missed.
Written August 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
toledoautismmom@gmail.com
23 contributions
Sep 2022 • Family
I have wanted to see this lighthouse for years and after having been nearby many times, we finally made South Haven a destination. What a gorgeous lighthouse and great town. We went to South Beach, where the lighthouse is located, our first night in town. There was sustained wind and the waves were huge. We enjoyed watching all the surfers on their boards taking advantage of the huge waves. The pier was closed because of the weather. It was awesome watching the gorgeous sunset over the water with the sun hitting the lighthouse. When we went back out in the morning, it was like a completely different place. It was so calm and quiet. The pier was open and we got to walk right up to the lighthouse and touch it. There are many benches from which to sit and look at the lake and lighthouse. There is nice playground equipment for kids. I recommend visiting if you can.
Written October 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Devon B
Lansing, MI213 contributions
Apr 2021 • Solo
I arrived in Southhaven early and was able to find a parking place right downtown. And I walk to the lighthouse which was about a mile round trip. Really nice Beach area. The lighthouse is at the end of the boat Marina so it was fun to watch the boats go through the channel. The town itself was full of restaurants and little beach shops. Once you get out of the lighthouse area the rest of the town is pretty run down. So the concentrated area where it would be considered the tourist area is very small parking is definitely at a premium.
Written April 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
lithlith
Michigan769 contributions
Sep 2020
The Lighthouse in South Haven, MI is a short downhill walk from the downtown area. You'll have great views as you stroll from the downtown area to the lighthouse. Once at the pier, you'll have to decide if it's too windy and wet to walk down to reach the actual lighthouse. You'll have excellent views of boats on the water as well as overall people watching around this area. The South Haven beaches are great too!
Written September 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wendy O
40 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
South Haven is one of our favorite western Michigan places to spend some time. We always walk out to the lighthouse, watch the boats come in and out of the Kalamazoo River channel and take a good look at the big lake. Great beach with crystal clear and just cool enough to swim this visit. Dogs can walk out the pier to the lighthouse but the beaches do not allow them :(.
Written June 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
kamcarthur
Saint Louis, MO33 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
Definitely a top site for South Haven the lighthouse is awesome because it has great parking with easy walking access (without even stepping on the sand if you don’t want). It’s fun to walk out and explore, though there are no railings and small children should be watched very closely. We watched the sunset each night and the lighthouse was a fixture in most of my pictures. A must see for anyone visiting South Haven.
Written August 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LoveNewExperiences
Bartlesville, OK1,090 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
Our campground suggested we go to the pier where the lighthouse is located to see the sunset. The Sunday night we went was overcast because a storm was blowing in but it was still very pretty. We were amazed at the number of people on the pier and in the water. I walked down the pier to the lighthouse. Warning..... be very careful as the walkway can get VERY slick in certain places. In fact, I fell hard in one spot. Still, a good place to watch the sunset.
Written July 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jenn Watts
McAllen, TX193 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
A relaxing and beautiful spot to enjoy the water, and a gorgeous sunset. The paid parking is a little confusing, and it would be helpful if the rates and how to pay had more clarity. All in all, it was beautiful spot to see for the first time, and revisit many times.
Written July 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Katie S
Carmel, Indiana, United States45 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
This south Haven icon lives up to its hype.
Beautiful day or night. You can walk all the way to the edge. It is accessible from the state park . There is parking and benches near by to sit and watch the boats and sun set
Beautiful day or night. You can walk all the way to the edge. It is accessible from the state park . There is parking and benches near by to sit and watch the boats and sun set
Written August 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kelly D
Deerbrook, United States52 contributions
Mar 2022
What a picture perfect sight. We visited it 3 times during our short stay in South Haven. The first time we stopped we came in from the dunes when the waves and wind were crazy. We enjoyed seeing the waves and ice formations. We came back a few days later and watched an amazing sunset. We returned to see it even later with the lights on the walkway.
Written April 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
occams-razor
Antioch, IL89 contributions
Is the TA pin on the map incorrect? It seems too far inland. Thanks!
CathyA
Dayton, OH4 contributions
The light house walkway juts out from the south beach side, in Lake Michigan. The TA pin is too far inland. You can easily walk out to the lighthouse from parking areas on the south beach side. It is not handicapped assessable though.
Carla C
3 contributions
any recommendation for pace to stay close to the light house?
trueindigo
Chicago139 contributions
There are cottages and condos (check VRBO) within walking distance of the light, but I think hotels might be a short drive away. You can use the free parking in downtown South Haven and enjoy a walk past the Marina down to the lighthouse.
occams-razor
Antioch, IL89 contributions
where can you park in order to walk out to the lighthouse? is it free?
Barbara I
Indianapolis, IN103 contributions
When we went, we parked on a side street that had meters. However, we got there right about 5pm, when they stopped charging at the meters.
ECfromTA
Champaign, IL237 contributions
Can you actually go into the lighthouse or just see it from the outside?
BSJ3258
Chicago, IL2,269 contributions
I am not aware that you can go in. There is a door but it is locked. I would assume no general public entrance. It is a VERY small lighthouse so there would not be a lot to see anyway.
South Haven Lighthouses - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about South Haven Lighthouses
- Hotels near South Haven Lighthouses:
- (0.03 mi) Quaker Street #4 - Located in the heart of downtown South Haven!
- (0.04 mi) Perched On A Bluff Above The Harbor With A View Of Lake Michigan
- (0.08 mi) South Beach- 4 Bdrm/2 Bath, Sleeps 12- Great Location- Walk To Beach & Downtown
- (0.10 mi) ADORABLE APARTMENT STEPS FROM BEAUTIFUL NORTH BEACH
- (0.04 mi) Overlook South Haven Harbor steps from South Beach and Downtown
- Restaurants near South Haven Lighthouses:
- (0.20 mi) Taste
- (0.21 mi) Black River Tavern
- (0.27 mi) Maria's
- (0.22 mi) The Golden Brown Bakery Cafe
- (0.29 mi) Clementines