Big Red Lighthouse
Holland's iconic crimson beacon, a symbol of Michigan's lakeshore charm, offering stunning beach views and legendary sunsets.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning photos
Big Red Lighthouse
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Holland's iconic crimson beacon, a symbol of Michigan's lakeshore charm, offering stunning beach views and legendary sunsets.
"The Holland Harbor Lighthouse and Holland State Park are must-see stops on your trip."
Park Entry Fee
A day pass is ~$10 unless you have a MI license plate with a recreational passport .
Parking Strategy
Arrive early on weekends or holidays, especially during summer, as parking fills up fast .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Big Red Lighthouse
Holland State Park
Holland's iconic crimson beacon, a symbol of the lakeshore's charm. A must-see for photographers and sightseers.
Holland State Park Beach
Holland State Park
Expansive sandy shores perfect for relaxing, kite flying, or simply enjoying the vast blue waters of Lake Michigan.
Holland Channel Pier
Holland State Park
Stroll along the pier for incredible views of Lake Michigan, boats entering the channel, and the majestic Big Red Lighthouse.
Sunset Views
Holland State Park
Witness legendary sunsets where the fiery sky paints the water and the lighthouse in breathtaking hues.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Big Red
Best Time for Sunsets & Scenery
+1 For frozen beauty, visit in January or February. Summer months (June-August) offer ideal beach weather, but can be crowded.Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Park Entry Fee
A day pass is ~$10 unless you have a MI license plate with a recreational passport.
Parking Strategy
Arrive early on weekends or holidays, especially during summer, as parking fills up fast.
Sunset Spectacle
The lighthouse is a prime spot for sunset photography; don't miss the vibrant colors.
No Direct Lighthouse Access
You can't walk to Big Red; enjoy views from the state park beach and pier.
Tips
from all over the internet
Park Entry Fee
A day pass is ~$10 unless you have a MI license plate with a recreational passport.
Parking Strategy
Arrive early on weekends or holidays, especially during summer, as parking fills up fast.
Sunset Spectacle
The lighthouse is a prime spot for sunset photography; don't miss the vibrant colors.
No Direct Lighthouse Access
You can't walk to Big Red; enjoy views from the state park beach and pier.
Beach Day Essentials
Pack sunscreen, towels, and beach toys for a relaxing day on the sandy shores.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Big Red Lighthouse and Holland State Park for their stunning natural beauty, especially the iconic lighthouse and the expansive Lake Michigan beaches. The sunsets are frequently highlighted as a must-see experience. While direct access to the lighthouse is restricted, the views from the park are considered exceptional. Some visitors note that parking can be challenging during peak times and weekends.
"Really nice and cool beach/pier. We went after 6 or 7 pm and did not have to pay the entrance fee since it was so late in the day which was a nice surprise. It was an amazing spot to watch the sunset and eat a sweet treat. We did realize we couldn’t get to Big Red but it was still stunning."
Lindsay Norwalk
"This is Holland State park and known for its sandy beaches.
1. Red Lighthouse is on private property so you can’t get to it but see it from the beach. Michigan lake is amazing in summer and its blue waters are as they look in pictures. You can have a relaxed day at the beach, walk onto pier, or have a nice boat ride if you can rent one/ own one. Nice for kite flying too.
2. Recommended between June - Aug specially; May, Sept could vary; other months are cold. Jan/ Feb good time to see frozen lake shore :)
3. If you have MI LICENSE PLATE you are most likely covered for recreational passport. If not then you want to be ready to pay ~$10 for a day pass.
4. If you are going on long weekend or nice weather weekend, may be get there early. You never know if the parking gets full."
Gaurav Bolia
"The Holland Michigan Lighthouse is perched at the channel where Lake Macatawa flows into Lake Michigan and is better known as Big Red. It is one of Michigan’s most beloved landmarks. Its bright red color and unique design make it instantly recognizable, and it has become a symbol of both Holland and the state’s lakeshore charm.
Although the lighthouse itself is not open to the public, it remains one of the most photographed spots in the state. This video was taken from Holland State Park. The views from Holland State Park is the best. You can walk the long pier, lounge on sandy beaches, or watch boats slip through the channel at Holland State Park. Sunset here is legendary, with the fiery sky reflecting off both the water and the lighthouse’s crimson walls.
This was a great place for photography and a peaceful place to take in Lake Michigan’s vast horizon. The Holland Harbor Lighthouse and Holland State Park are must-see stop on your trip."
Nishchal Joshi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Big Red Lighthouse is located at Holland State Park. You can drive directly to the park, which offers parking facilities. Some visitors mention a longer drive due to bridge access issues.
Public transportation options to Holland State Park can be limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car. Check local transit schedules for Holland, MI, for the most up-to-date information.
From Chicago, it's about a 2.5-hour drive to Tunnel Park in Holland, MI, which offers access to the beach and views of Big Red Lighthouse. Some travelers note a longer drive time due to bridge access.
No, you cannot walk directly to Big Red Lighthouse as it is on private property. The best viewing points are from Holland State Park's beach and pier.
Yes, the Holland Princess Dinner Cruise offers tours through Lake Macatawa, passing by Big Red Lighthouse.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Holland State Park. If you have a Michigan license plate, you might be covered by the recreational passport. Otherwise, expect to pay around $10 for a day pass.
Some visitors have reported not having to pay the entrance fee if they arrive after 6 or 7 PM, especially outside of peak hours. However, this is not guaranteed and may depend on the season and park management.
Holland State Park is generally open year-round, but specific facilities like restrooms and visitor centers may have seasonal hours. The beach and pier are accessible during daylight hours.
Advance ticket booking for Holland State Park is typically not required. Payment is usually made at the entrance gate upon arrival.
There is no separate fee to walk on the pier at Holland State Park. The park entrance fee covers access to the pier and beach areas.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hour' around sunrise and sunset offers the most dramatic lighting for photographing Big Red Lighthouse.
The most popular and accessible photo spots are from the sandy beach and the pier at Holland State Park. You can also capture it from Tunnel Park.
Drone usage is subject to FAA regulations and park rules. It's essential to check the specific regulations for Holland State Park and the surrounding airspace before flying a drone.
While the lighthouse itself is on private property, photography from public areas like Holland State Park is generally permitted. Be mindful of other visitors and respect any posted signage.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the lighthouse and the expansive beach. A telephoto lens can be useful for details or distant shots. A tripod is highly recommended for sunset and low-light photography.
🎫 🏖️ Beach & Activities
You can relax on the sandy beach, swim in Lake Michigan, walk the pier, fly kites, and watch boats navigate the channel. Magnet fishing is also a popular activity in the area.
Swimming in Lake Michigan is generally safe during the summer months, but always be aware of water conditions, currents, and weather. Lifeguards are often present during peak season.
There are several dining options in Holland, MI, and near Holland State Park. You can also pack a picnic to enjoy on the beach. Some visitors enjoy sunset treats after 6 or 7 PM.
The Mt. Pisgah Challenge involves climbing a steep dune with numerous stairs, offering panoramic views of Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan from the top. It's a popular physical activity for visitors.
Rental options for kayaks, paddleboards, and other water sports equipment may be available in the Holland area, particularly during the summer season. It's advisable to check with local rental shops in advance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers & Sunset Chasers
+1 Plan your visit for the late afternoon to capture the golden hour and the vibrant colors of the sky reflecting on the water. The pier provides excellent vantage points, but exploring the beach can offer unique perspectives. Be prepared for crowds during peak sunset times on weekends.🚗 Day-Trippers from Chicago
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Big Red
The current iconic red structure was built in 1907 and has since become a beloved landmark and a symbol of Holland, Michigan, and the state's picturesque lakeshore. Its bright red color and distinctive design make it instantly recognizable, drawing photographers and visitors from far and wide.While the lighthouse itself is not open to the public for tours, its presence is a significant draw for Holland State Park. It stands proudly on the south side of the Holland Channel, marking the entrance where Lake Macatawa meets the vast expanse of Lake Michigan. The lighthouse has witnessed countless storms and seasons, embodying the resilience and beauty of the Great Lakes region.
Beyond its historical significance, Big Red serves as a functional aid to navigation, guiding vessels safely into the harbor. Its enduring presence adds to the romantic and nostalgic atmosphere of the area, evoking a sense of maritime heritage. The lighthouse is more than just a structure; it's a piece of Michigan's identity and a testament to the enduring allure of its coastline.
Experiencing Holland State Park
A highlight of the park is the long pier that extends into Lake Michigan. Walking along the pier offers breathtaking views of the lake, the channel, and of course, the iconic Big Red Lighthouse. It's a popular spot to watch boats as they enter and exit the harbor, creating a dynamic and engaging scene. The pier also provides a unique vantage point for capturing stunning photographs of the lighthouse and the surrounding landscape.
Beyond the beach and pier, Holland State Park offers other activities. The Mt. Pisgah Challenge is a popular dune climb with stairs that rewards climbers with panoramic views of Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan.
The park truly offers a diverse range of experiences for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.Capturing Big Red: Photography Tips
+1 Many visitors recommend arriving early to secure a good spot on the beach or pier to capture these breathtaking moments.For landscape photographers, a wide-angle lens is ideal for encompassing the lighthouse, the beach, and the vastness of Lake Michigan in a single frame. A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing details of the lighthouse or distant boats. Given the often dynamic lighting conditions, especially during sunset, a tripod is highly recommended to ensure sharp images and allow for longer exposures. Consider experimenting with different angles from the beach and the pier to find unique compositions.
Beyond the typical sunset shots, consider visiting during the winter months. The lighthouse can be dramatically framed by ice formations and snow, offering a completely different, yet equally stunning, photographic experience.
Remember that while the lighthouse is a popular subject, it is on private property, so all photography should be done from public access areas like Holland State Park. Respecting other visitors and the natural environment will enhance your photographic experience.
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