To the Lighthouse . . . But Only on Tuesdays and Thursdays

Visit Tuesday or Thursday Only

Beginning Memorial Day weekend, access to Big Red Lighthouse will be restricted, according to the Holland Sentinel.  Residents will only be able to access the lighthouse from the south side on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  New housing is being erected, and it seems that there are concerns about trespassing and security.

So, for all of you avid bikers and hikers, all of you that enjoy walking your dogs, all of you lovers who enjoy a Lake Michigan sunset over our iconic Holland landmark . . . make sure you consult your calendars before heading out to Big Red.  Oh . . . and one more thing: make sure you don't plan on staying for longer than one hour.

The National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000 governs the current policies pertaining to the running of Big Red, since the transfer of the property to the non-profit organization, Holland Harbor Lighthouse Historical Commission. The following excerpt, concerning accessibility to the Lighthouse, is quoted verbatim from the actual Preservation Act of 2000:

 “NHLPA recognizes the cultural, recreational, and educational value associated with historic light station properties by allowing these to be transferred at no cost to federal agencies, state and local governments, nonprofit corporations, educational agencies, and community development organizations. These entities must agree to comply with conditions set forth in NHLPA, and be financially able to maintain the historic light station. The eligible entity to which the historic light station is conveyed must make the station available for education, park, recreation, cultural or historic preservation purposes for the general public at reasonable times and under reasonable conditions.”

It begs the question, what is reasonable?  If you would like to sign a petition that seeks to reinstate less restrictive, perhaps more reasonable, public access to Big Red, sign here.