Compete for 2-night stay at lighthouse

Big Point Sable Lighthouse

Looking for a good reason to get outdoors this summer? Look no further than the Live Well Lighthouse Challenge.

Individuals who complete the challenge could win a two-night stay at Big Sable Lighthouse.

This new summer program encourages people to visit four lighthouses operated and maintained by the Sable Point Lighthouse Keepers Association (SPLKA).

The challenge takes place May 30 through June 30, and includes:

• Big Sable Lighthouse (Mason County-Ludington State Park)
• Ludington North Breakwater Light (Mason County)
• Little Point Sable Lighthouse (Oceana County-Silver Lake State Park)
• White River Light Station (Muskegon County)

To complete in the challenge, participants must take pictures of themselves (“selfies”) with each lighthouse in the background and post them to their Facebook page with the hashtag #LiveWellLighthouseChallenge.

Instead of using Facebook, participants can also purchase a SPLKA “All Access Pass” for $15 and have it signed by a volunteer at each lighthouse, and then turn in the signed pass to the Mason County District Health Department.

The challenge begins with a kick-off event at Ludington State Park Saturday, May 30, at 2 p.m. Participants will receive health and wellness information including the viewing of a brief clip from the HBO documentary,“Weight of the Nation,” presented by District Health Department #10. Following this presentation, will be a scenic two-mile hike out to Big Sable Lighthouse.

“This is a very exciting challenge for Mason County, as well as the Live Well Campaign,” said Nicole Smith, health educator at District Health Department #10. “It is our goal to get our community members active and enjoying all that our local parks have to offer. Hiking out to our local lighthouses is just the cherry on top.”

This first-ever lighthouse challenge is a partnership between Michigan Department of Natural Resources, District Health Department #10 and SPLKA. This program is also part of the MI Big Green Gym partnership (started by the DNR, the Michigan Recreation and Park Association and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan), which promotes healthy lifestyles through recreation and outdoor activity. Learn more at www.mibiggreengym.org.

“From parks and beaches to trails and waterways, Michigan’s outdoor spaces are great places for people to get active,” said Michigan DNR Recreation Programmer Elissa Buck. “Healthy living programs like the Live Well Lighthouse Challenge just give people an extra reason to take advantage and experience all that Michigan has to offer.”

In addition to the health benefits of getting active in the outdoors, lighthouses also expose visitors to a historical and cultural experience.

“We are excited to partner in the Live Well Lighthouse Challenge as we strive to preserve, promote, educate the public and make our lighthouses accessible to all,” said  SPLKA Executive Director Peter Manting.

There is no charge to participate in the challenge, but a recreation passport is required for vehicle entry to Ludington State Park and Silver Lake State Park. SPLKA will charge regular entry and tour fees to view the inside of the lighthouses. These lighthouse fees help support lighthouse renovation efforts. Standard admission rates are $5 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under. The All Access Pass provides a discounted rate of $15 ($5 for children) to climb all four towers.

Live Well 4 Health is District Health Department #10’s campaign for healthy living, in coordination with MI Healthier Tomorrow. Learn more and like the Live Well Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Livewell4health.

For more information about the challenge, visit www.livewell4health.org. For more information about SPLKA lighthouses, visit www.splka.org or call 231-845-7417. Questions can be directed to Nicole Smith at 231-316-8578 or nsmith@dhd10.org.

A recreation passport grants vehicle access to any Michigan state park, launch, state forest campground or non-motorized state trailhead parking. Residents can purchase the passport for just $11 ($5 for motorcycles) at the time of Michigan license plate renewal through Secretary of State. Forgot to check “YES” during renewal? Residents and nonresidents can purchase a recreation passport window sticker during regular business hours at state parks. Learn more about how the recreation passport supports state parks and local outdoor recreation opportunities at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.