BIG RED stands 43 feet (13 meters) tall. Its focal height - the height of the light above water level - is 49 feet (15 meters).

The current structure dates back to 1907, erected as a fog signal building, though the first navigational beacon on the site was erected in 1870.

To learn more head to our history page!

BIG RED herself is not currently open to the public, but there are many ways to discover her history, lore, and preservation story. We recommend:

1. Start at the Holland Visitors Bureau to view a live feed of BIG RED, pick up maps, and get your passport stamped.

2. Discover the Holland Museum, where you can see BIG RED’s original Fresnel lens and explore Holland’s rich maritime history.

3. Head to Holland State Park for the best views and photo opportunities of BIG RED from the north side of the channel—sunset offers especially stunning views.

4. Explore the “Big Red Lighthouse” exhibit at the Pump House Museum to dive deeper into her history, stories, and legacy.

Want even more... Climb Mount Pisgah for sweeping views of the channel, or take a cruise on the Holland Princess Paddlewheel Cruise Line for a unique on‑the‑water perspective. For additional viewing locations, please visit the map on our homepage.

Our maritime historian, Valerie van Heest, has also written several excellent books on Michigan’s maritime history, lore, and BIG RED. The Big Red Lighthouse history book is available for purchase by contacting us here, or it can also be found at the Holland Museum and at Reader’s World Bookstore in downtown Holland.

There are many ways to experience BIG RED—whether you're looking for a photo op or more historic information. Operating hours and fees vary by season, so please check each organization’s website or local listings for the most up‑to‑date information.

BIG RED is surrounded by private land which makes it inaccessible to the public at the present. Be sure to join BIG RED's Light Keeper's newsletter list to stay abreast of this situation.

We have some great gifts and memorabilia in our shop here on the website! You can also head to downtown Holland where we recommend visiting Tin Ceiling, Fris' Office Supply, Carolyn Stitch Studio, and the Apothecary Gift Shop for unique BIG RED mugs, coasters, pillows, trinkets, ornaments, t-shirts, hoodies, and more.

Your donations help with the preservation and restoration of BIG RED for future generations.

$50–$100: Helps fund weatherproofing materials, general restoration, and sandpaper and paint

$250: Sponsors 1/4 of a window restoration

$500: Supports understructure stabilization and historic preservation.

$1,000: Sponsors a full window restoration

$5,000+: Recognized as a Lead Lighthouse Keeper Donor and key partner in Big Red’s preservation legacy.

CLICK HERE TO MAKE YOUR DONATION TODAY!

We’re grateful to the artists who help us celebrate Big Red’s legacy through their beautiful imagery. As a non-profit organization, we’ve been generously granted permission to feature their work on our website and social media platforms. However, since we do not hold the rights to distribute these images beyond that context, we kindly recommend that anyone interested in using them—especially for commercial or promotional purposes—reach out to the artists directly to request permission.

Yes! And there is a remedy. Maritime historian Valerie van Heest discovered several errors on the two historical markers commemorating Holland Harbor and the lighthouse while conducting research for the exhibit “BIG RED Lighthouse” for the Pump House Museum. In response, the Michigan Historical Commission initiated a plan and allocated funding to replace the signs, with corrected information beginning with the marker located on the north side of the channel at Holland State Park.