Photo by: Todd & Brad Reed Photography 

Ludington State Park Offers Great Winter Activities

The Ludington State Park is currently closed until July 1st, 2025 for renovations. Some areas of the park are still accessible, however. Check out more options for Ludington area camping and activites below.

There’s a winter wonderland awaiting you once the snow covers the ground at the Ludington State Park. Dressed in winter white, the scenic natural beauty at the park becomes even more pristine and peaceful. The park remains open year-round for hiking and snowshoeing, plus there are scheduled activities and events to give those who love winter something fun to look forward to!

A Michigan State Park Recreation Passport is required to enter the park and may be purchased at the park. Residents may also now purchase the $13 Recreation Passport when they renew their Michigan license plate at the Secretary of State office.

Special Lantern Lit Events in 2025

January 4th & 18th and February 1st & 15th, 2025, from 6-8pm

Despite much of Ludington State Park being closed for construction until summer 2025, the park and Friends of the Ludington State Park will host four lantern-lit events this coming winter using the trail along the south side of the Big Sable River on the open southern portion of the park. The route will be marked with lit lanterns and there will be a bonfire at the amphitheater. Parking will be in the lot at the end of the Amphitheater road adjacent to the Skyline Trail.

Snowshoe Making Classes

Returning October & November 2025

Instructors will guide you through the steps to making top-of-the-line traditional wooden snowshoes like how Native Americans crafted them for generations. These will get you through the deep snowfalls and will last for generations. 

Because this is an activity that requires concentration over long periods of time, participants must be age 16 and older. The cost is $190, which includes the preformed wooden frames, lacing, high-quality bindings and personal instruction. Class size is limited to 8 participants, and reservations are required. Click here to register for this class.

A group treks through the Ludington State Park while wearing snowshoes. | Advantage Marketing Photo

Lantern Lit Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing, or Hiking

Returning December 2025

The Friends of the Ludington State Park, park staff, and park interpreter Alan Wernette work together to groom a trail for walking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing. The walk begins at the Warming Shelter and has approximately 1 mile of lighted trails. 

There are bonfires at both the Warming Shelter and the Amphitheater, along with free warm beverages at the Amphitheater. No registration is needed and lantern lit walks are free.

Guided Snowshoe Walks and Hikes

Returning January & February 2026

These guided programs will take you past some of the most beautiful State Park scenery, through woods and snow-covered sand dunes. All walks begin and end at the Warming Shelter, located next to the parking lot at the park’s entrance. The park loans out 60 pairs of snowshoes that fit ages 8 and up on a first-come, first-served basis. No registration is needed and snowshoe rental and hikes are free.

Contact Ludington State Park

Planning a visit to the Ludington State Park area? Have questions about your trip? Here’s where you can find help: 

  • Michigan DNR reservations
    (800) 447-2757
  • Ludington State Park Local Office
    (231) 843-2423
  • Concessions & Watercraft Rental
    (231) 843-1888
  • Snowshoe Class Reservations & Special Programs
    (231) 843-9261

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Ludington State Park

Temporary Park Closure

The Ludington State Park is currently closed for renovations. The park is slated to reopen on July 1st, 2025. Improvements include parking lot repaving and expansion, plus upgrades to warming shelters and traffic areas. There are parts of the park that are still accessible. Read about the details here.