Hamlin Lake Beach in the Ludington State Park
The Hamlin Lake Beach within the Ludington State Park is fun for the whole family! With a dedicated, weed-free swimming area and more!
Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography
Discover Hamlin Lake
Hamlin Lake is a beautiful 5,000 acre water paradise just north of Ludington in West Michigan.
If you’re looking for a fun, inexpensive family vacation, then Hamlin Lake is where you want to be. It offers terrific summer recreation, including swimming, boating, tubing, and fishing. At more than 12 miles long and 5,000 acres large, it is the largest inland man-made lake in Michigan. There’s more than enough space for everyone without feeling crowded. Hamlin Lake originated during the logging hey-day when lumbermen dammed the Big Sable River to make an enormous holding pond for trees felled upstream.
Located along the western shore of Hamlin Lake is the Ludington State Park. Within the park is the Hamlin Lake Dam, a great spot for catching salmon in the fall. The sandy shoreline of Hamlin Lake Beach is popular with swimmers and sunbathers. It features picnic lawns, concession stands, and restrooms. From here you can begin your walk on a hiking path, or rent a canoe or kayak and take a leisurely glide on marked paths that meander along the state park’s shoreline.
Hamlin Lake touches the Manistee National Forest on the north, towering dunes in the west and miles of undeveloped wilderness all around. The eastern shoreline of Hamlin Lake is filled with family-friendly resorts and cottages… many with marinas where you can launch your boat or rent one for the day.
Hamlin Lake Sand Dunes & Natural Beauty
Visitors can rent a boat, kayak, or other watercraft to visit the dunes, Ludington State Park, and more. | Todd & Brad Reed Photography
The northern shore of Lower Hamlin Lake is comprised of beautiful sand dunes. It’s a great place to anchor your boat just off shore and enjoy sunning or sandy-bottom swimming. Climb the dunes for a magnificent view of Hamlin Lake and Lake Michigan. Just to the west of the dunes, you can land your boat at the shoreline and follow a trail into the Ludington State Park and the Hamlin Lake dam.
Catch the Fun of Fishing on Hamlin Lake
Two fishermen cast their lines into Hamlin Lake. Hamlin is home to several types of panfish, walleye, perch, and more. | Todd & Brad Reed Photography
The fishing is great on Hamlin Lake! Whether you traverse the bayous or head for deeper waters, Hamlin Lake offers a smorgasbord of fish. Tiger muskie, northern pike, large and small mouth bass, perch, crappie, bluegill and over 600,000 walleye, planted several years ago, promise a superb catch. The fishing doesn’t cool down in winter either. Tip-ups and shanties dot the ice as fishermen pull in delicious panfish and walleye. There are many businesses around Hamlin Lake which serve boating and fishing enthusiasts. We offer a Hamlin Lake fishing map and fishing reports to help you get started.
Four Seasons of Fun!
Visitors can find an activity for the whole family any time of year. Ice-skating and cross-country skiing are popular during the winter months in the Ludington State Park. | Todd & Brad Reed Photography
Hamlin Lake is a wonderful destination during the warmer months, but winter is beautiful as well. During the winter, ice-shanties are scattered on the frozen lake and you can participate in a local ice-fishing tournament. Winter also means ice-skating and cross-country skiing on miles of groomed trails along Hamlin Lake and through Ludington State Park’s frozen wilderness, truly making Hamlin a lake for all seasons.
Discover Things to See and Do Around Hamlin Lake
Wilson Hill Park on Upper Hamlin Lake
Cast your line into Upper Hamlin Lake or enjoy a picnic, the playground, or watch Hamlin Lake’s Independence Fireworks at Wilson Hill Park.
History of Hamlin Lake
Read about the history of Hamlin Lake, when it was created, and the major role this lake played in the milling industry in Ludington.
Victory Township Park on Upper Hamlin Lake
Enjoy a picnic by Upper Hamlin Lake. With grills, a pavilion and picnic tables available, this park provides the perfect family setting.
South Bayou Park
Enjoy this small, relaxing park as an easy place to place your boat in the water or throw a line out to catch some pan fish for dinner.
Long Skinny Park
Long Skinny Park is located on Lower Hamlin Lake between the South and Middle bayous. Perfect for fishing or taking in the view.
Explore Hamlin Lake by Boat
Explore Hamlin Lake by boat, and you’ll see why Hamlin Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Michigan. Over 5,000 acres, pure enjoyment!
Hamlin Lake Canoe & Kayak Trails
Take a paddle down the Hamlin Lake Canoe Trail. Venture out on the trip yourself, or join a guided trip lead by Dune Grass Concessions.
Hamlin Lake Fishing Map
This Hamlin Lake Fishing Map details what kind of fish you might catch in various sections of the lake. Helpful for all anglers.
Hamlin Lake Sand Dunes
Small destinations within themselves, visitors of Hamlin Lake will go on an adventure to find their perfect dune.
Hamlin Lake Beaches and Parks
Hamlin Lake is home to several parks and numerous dunes for exploration and leisure. Pack a picnic, cast your line, and enjoy the sites.
Explore the Natural Beauty of Hamlin Lake
With some of the best fishing and boating around, Hamlin Lake brings much delight as well as some of the most beautiful, scenic backdrops.
Hamlin Lake Business Directory
Convenient and online, this Hamlin Lake Business Directory features businesses of interest in the Hamlin Lake area.
Fishing on Hamlin Lake
If there’s one thing that Hamlin Lake is known for, it’s excellent fishing. Catch crappie, bluegill, and more across thousands of acres.
Hamlin Lake
Hamlin Lake is where you want to be. It offers terrific summer recreation, including swimming, boating, tubing, and more!
Hamlin Lake Dam
The Hamlin Lake Dam controls the lake levels of Hamlin Lake, and the portion of Big Sable River which runs through the Ludington State Park.
Hamlin Lake Business Directory
Convenient and online, this Hamlin Lake Business Directory features businesses of interest in the Hamlin Lake area.
More Activities & Attractions in Ludington
Victory Township Park on Upper Hamlin Lake
Enjoy a picnic by Upper Hamlin Lake. With grills, a pavilion and picnic tables available, this park provides the perfect family setting.
Visit the Ludington State Park
One of the most popular state parks in the Midwest offers a vacation within itself. Enjoy beautiful natural resources and endless activities.
Historic White Pine Village
Discover small town life in the late 1800s and early 1900s at Historic White Pine Village in Ludington, overlooking Lake Michigan.
Ludington’s Pumped Storage Plant Generates Electricity
The Ludington Pumped Storage Plant and Lakewinds Energy Park are generating electricity for Ludington and West Michigan!
Father Jacques Marquette Shrine
The Father Jacques Marquette Shrine marks where Father Marquette died in 1675. It’s a peaceful setting on Pere Marquette Lake in Ludington.
Waterfront Park Sculptures
The bronzed sculptures in Ludington’s 5-acre Waterfront Park sets it apart from other parks. The park is situated on the Lake Michigan inlet.