The History
The Original lighthouse built at the Holland Harbor location was a small, square wooden structure built in 1870. In 1880 the Lighthouse Service installed a new light atop a metal pole in a protective cage. The old lantern was lowered by pulleys for service.
The Seasons
Big Red® has stood tall in the Holland Harbor for nearly 100 years. Through rain and shine, through blistering summer days to cool autumn evenings. From the Icy austerity of Winter's relentless march as it gives way to the promise of Spring.
The Heritage
The work of the Holland Historical Lighthouse Commission has enlisted the hours and the dedication of both local and seasonal residents whose love for the majesty and history of this iconic structure spans generations.
Please enjoy this video of Big Red® "A Beacon of Hope" featuring our Historical Lighthouse Commissioner and unofficial Big Red "Lightkeeper" neighbor John Gronberg also featuring local artist Mary Westrate.
John's lineage of dedication to this treasured Holland icon traces back to the day his father proposed to his mother here. Having grown up in its shadow, and with a cottage just a few hundred yards across the beach, it's good to know that a dedicated neighbor is keeping watch on Holland and Lake Macatawa's official port of entry.
Please be aware that, regrettably, there is currently no walkway access to Big Red®. Please take into account that private property completely surrounds the pedestrian access points to this historical treasure.
We, the Holland Historical Lighthouse Commission, apologize for this current visitation status in what had previously been a "limited, restricted" access to our local landmark on Lake Michigan.
Great views are still accessible from the north side of the channel and by boat from the beach adjacent to Big Red®. We are working to have access resolved and "reserved" visitation restored for the benefit of all local residents and visitors in the not-too-distant future. The Lighthouse Commission thanks you for your patience...
Restoration of this national treasure remains ongoing. Most recently in May of '25, the signature flagpole was damaged by high winds and storms (see image at right column). A temporary repair was completed as we await a more permanent solution to maintaining the flagpole and accessing the flag itself.
Please consider supporting the work the Lighthouse Commission is doing to maintain this historic structure by clicking on the "Contact Us" page and donating to the Community Foundation. You may also support our restoration efforts through the purchasse of "Big Red Lighthouse: The Illustrated History of Holland, Michigan's Famous Icon." This carefully curated document is a wonderful compilation of photos, illustrations, and memorabilia by Valerie Van Heest, local author and Great Lakes historian. Please reach out to John Gronberg via the "Contact Us" page of this website for your copy priced at $24.95. All proceeds from this book benefit the restoration of Big Red®
Please check the the red "Donate Here!" button at the right hand column to be directed to the donation page at the community foundation. >
We greatly appreciate the ongoing support of all followers and supporters of Big Red® — one of the most iconic lighthouses in America — standing tall among the 129 lighthouses dotted along the vast shorelines of Michigan.
*Image of Big Red® at Night
Courtesy of Shelly Leigh @ Michigan Milky Way
