Vintage photo by John Penrod
Little is known about the lost village of Hamlin, which was in existence for just over 50 years and was located where the Ludington State Park now stands.
In 1852, Charles Mears purchased land along the Big Sable River, in search of a mill location. The mouth of “Big Sable Lake,” with its narrow stream to Lake Michigan seemed the ideal location. Mears built the first wooden dam and established a sawmill in 1856. This dam was located a few hundred feet downstream from the present-day dam, and raised the lake 12-15 feet. A smaller, wooden dam in the lower Sable held back water to create a large holding pond for logs- thus the creation of Hamlin Lake.
In 1860, Mears renamed his Little Sable settlement Lincoln and the Big Sable settlement and lake Hamlin, in honor of Mears’ choice for president and vice president, Abraham Lincoln and Hannibal Hamlin.
Mears owned rights to more than 200 million feet of standing timber in Mason and Lake counties. Logs were cut in winter, stacked on the ice, and moved down into Hamlin Lake each spring. The Mud Hen was built in 1865 to move the logs about Hamlin Lake, and was the first steam-powered boat in the region, operating for over 50 years.
A Hamlin Lake tradition since the 40’s, the Wrens Roost burned down in 1977. These Images show Scotty’s Wrens Roost during days of its operation in the 1960s and 70s.
Near the dam, the water-powered shingle mill cut about 15 million shingles a year and employed 60 men. Mules pulled carts loaded with shingles along a narrow-gauge railway from the mill, along the river to the docks. Other logs floated downriver to the holding pond. The logs were then cut at the steam-powered mills near the Lake Michigan docks.
Hamlin was a bustling village in the 1870s, consisting of mills, boarding houses, sheds, stores, and a schoolhouse. Then in 1888, the wooden dam collapsed. A huge wall of water moved houses, buildings, and debris into Lake Michigan. A second dam was built, but in 1912, that one too, broke and washed away all remnants of the village of Hamlin. A few dwellings remained until the 1930s, but they were removed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in preparation for construction of the new state park.
Since the demise of the lumber industry, there was no need to build a functional dam. But along the Hamlin Lake shoreline (the former holding pond), businesses, homes, and resorts had begun to spring up, establishing what is now known as a beautiful vacation getaway, the Hamlin Lake area.
A new, concrete dam was completed in 1914, about 100 yards upstream from the original dam, within the Ludington State Park. And underneath Hamlin Lake lies a bit of Mason County history- a 50-year-old village that played an important part in the development of this region.
A piece of Hamlin history can be toured at Ludington’s Historic White Pine Village, as well. The relocation of a log cabin known as “Hamlin Lake Cottage” from Indian Pete Bayou to White Pine Village was completed in 2015. Thousands of man hours went into disassembling the cabin and reassembling it on a concrete slab within the village.
Dwight “Scotty” Scott bought the Wrens Roost Restaurant on Hamlin Lake in 1964.The Wrens Roost became a favorite restaurant for locals and Hamlin Lake tourists, made all the more popular by its waterfront views and parking for boats.
Unfortunately, the Wrens Roost burned to the ground in 1977 and rebuilding the restaurant at the same location wasn’t an option. Not to be deterred, Scott purchased the Swedish Coffee Pot on Ludington Avenue in 1977, renamed it “Scotty’s” and it quickly became known as an exceptional steak and seafood restaurant. Scotty’s restaurant is still serving today, under new ownership.
Hamlin Lake is a beautiful 5,000 acre water paradise just north of Ludington in West Michigan! Read the stories below or go to the Hamlin Lake destination page.
Enjoy a picnic by Upper Hamlin Lake. With grills, a pavilion and picnic tables available, this park provides the perfect family setting.
Long Skinny Park is located on Lower Hamlin Lake between the South and Middle bayous. Perfect for fishing or taking in the view.
Read about the history of Hamlin Lake, when it was created, and the major role this lake played in the milling industry in Ludington.
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.
Small destinations within themselves, visitors of Hamlin Lake will go on an adventure to find their perfect dune.
With some of the best fishing and boating around, Hamlin Lake brings much delight as well as some of the most beautiful, scenic backdrops.
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.
If there's one thing that Hamlin Lake is known for, it's excellent fishing. Catch crappie, bluegill, and more across thousands of acres.
Cast your line into Upper Hamlin Lake or enjoy a picnic, the playground, or watch Hamlin Lake's Independence Fireworks at Wilson Hill Park.
Just minutes away in Ludington proper, you will find more area history to enjoy. Check out these favorite attractions to immerse yourself in history:
The Mason County Lumber Heritage Trail
The Mason County Sculpture Trail
The Mason County Barn Quilt Trail
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Hamlin Lake is where you want to be. It offers terrific summer recreation, including swimming, boating, tubing, and more!
Small destinations within themselves, visitors of Hamlin Lake will go on an adventure to find their perfect dune.
Just blocks from the beach is the heart of downtown Ludington, where you can shop, dine, and enjoy summertime events.
The three accessible walkways installed at Stearns Park Beach in Ludington allow everyone to make their way to the water and sand.
Children can create, explore, and discover by playing with the numerous variety of exhibits of Sandcastles Children’s Museum.
Visit the new Value of Sports Museum located at Historic White Pine Village just a short drive from Ludington.
West Michigan weather – they say if you don’t like the weather in Ludington, wait a few minutes and it will change.
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.
There are many places for anglers to try their luck, and Ludington has such a great variety of fish. The area also has great charter captains.
Discover all of the different trails and tours that Ludington has to offer! Discover a water path, hiking trail, or an art work stop!
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