Lighthouse in Holland Michigan

"Big Red" Holland Lighthouse

Holland Michigan

Big Red lighthouse is a very unique lighthouse. It is set apart from other lighthouses by it's bright "fire engine" red color and it's distinctive Dutch archictecture. I was delighted to see this unusual lighthouse on my visit to Holland, Michigan.

On this page I will showcase some of the photographs I took of "Big Red" and provide information to some of the attractions available in Holland, Michigan.

photos by Mary Beth Granger

Big Red in the Fall - Holland, Michigans' Lighthouse

I was able to photograph Big Red in October when the leaves were beginning to turn colors. This photo was taken from the sand dunes in Holland Park across from the lighthouse.

Holland Lighthouse

Holland has much to Offer

Wonderful Dutch Theme

Our visit to the lighthouse was the culmination of a great visit to a very interesting town. Holland, Michigan has a lot to offer the visitor. Although we visited in the fall, I am told it has a great tulip festival each May with over 6 million tulips in bloom.

The town also boasts a 240 foot windmill that was brought from the Netherlands. It can be seen on Windmill Isand. There is a Dutch Village Theme Park that has lots of great shops with products from the Netherlands. We were able to watch wooden shoes being made and even to try on some of the finished product. It was great fun to try to walk in wooden shoes!

There was some wonderful pottery from the only Delft factory outside of Holland. I had visited the factory in Delft, Holland so I was curious to see what the American factory was like. Although much smaller, it did have many of the same pieces.

Another view of the Lighthouse. - wonderful dutch architecture

The first lighthouse in Holland was constructed in 1872. The current lighthouse, shown in this photo, was errected in 1934. It is covered with metal plates to protect it from the weather and waves.

Closeup Photo of Big Red

This photo was taken from the edge of the pier in the park across from the lighthouse.

Big Red from the Pier

Here are some Zazzle gifts made from my photographs.

Big Red Lighthouse Keepsake Boxes by lighthouseenthusiast
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Big Red Lighthouse Classic White Coffee Mug by lighthouseenthusiast
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Grand Haven Lighthouse on Lake Michigan

Grand Haven Lighthouses-Lake Michigan

Enjoying a walk out to the Lights

I love to be able to see a lighthouse up close. The lights at Grand Haven provide this opportunity!

I was delighted to find two lights connected to the beach by a long stone pier and a raised catwalk to connect the two lights. My friends and I took the opportunity to walk out on the catwalk and see the lighthouses up close It was a chlly fall day on Lake Michigan, but the slight discomfort was well worth the pleasure of photographing the lighthouses from a variety of angles.

On this page I will show you the photographs that I was able to take and give you a little insight into the lighthouses at Grand Haven. Enjoy

Photographs by myself, mbgphoto

View from Beach

This photo was taken when we first arrived at the lighthouse. It was taken from the beach area as we approached the lighthouse. There are several small sand dunes near the pier where this photo was taken. I walked around the area to find the best view of the lights with the sand dunes and grasses in the foreground.

Long View of Pier and both Lights - Grand Haven South Pierhead and Inner Lighthouse

The Grand Haven Lights consist of two lights and an elevated catwalk that connects the two. The south pierhead light is a red conical steel plate tower that was constructed in 1905. The inner lighthouse is barn shaped and was originally built in 1875. It was moved to the end of the breakwater in 1905.

The two lights stand several hundred feet apart on the long pier.

Memorial Marker - To those whose lives were lost

This marker is seen just as you enter the Pier. It honors those who lost their lives off this pier.

Sign as you enter Pier

Warnings are posted at the entrance to the Pier. The weather can get quite rough on Lake Michigan, particularly in the winter so it is important to heed the warnings.

Closer Views of Grand Haven Lights - Bright Red Lights

Like many of the lighthouses on Lake Michigan, the Grand Haven lights are maintained by the Coast Guard.

Pier makes great place for a stroll - Visitors can walk out on Pier

My friends and I enjoyed a wonderful walk out on the pier. It was great to see the lighthouses up close.

Scenic shot of the Lighthouses - Through the Sand Dunes

Grand Haven Lights on a clear Fall Day

Grand Haven Lighthouses Greeting Card by lighthouseenthusiast
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Here is a great little replica of the lights at Grand Haven.

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