Enjoy Winter Activities in the Ludington State Park
The Ludington State Park offers winter activities. With snowshoeing tours, cross country skiing, and natural beauty, it’s a winter paradise!
Photos by Todd & Brad Reed Photography
Explore 5,300 Acres of Beauty in the Ludington State Park
Known as the most popular state park in Michigan for its abundant natural resources and endless activities, the Ludington State Park offers a vacation within itself.
On This Page
Ludington has so much to offer its residents and visitors, but our most popular draw is the 5,300 acres that lie just north of town, known as the Ludington State Park. This wonderful area of land is not just for camping–it’s a haven for hikers, fishermen, bikers, or anyone who loves what nature has to offer. Here you’ll discover sand dunes with spectacular views, hardwood forests, marshlands, and nearly seven miles of Lake Michigan shoreline.
Park Entrance Permits
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 annual Recreation Passport when they renew their Michigan license plate at the Secretary of State office.
Hiking Trails
Enjoy a hike on one of the eight marked trails that cover 18 miles, and take note of the variety of trail markers and information kiosks along the way which provide some fascinating historical and natural facts about the Ludington State Park. A description of the individual trails – and the estimated walking time for each – is detailed on the Ludington State Park Trails page. This web page includes a printable PDF of the trail map to carry along with you on your hike.
The park is also well known for its unique and picturesque marked canoe pathway. Launch your canoe at the Hamlin Lake Beach and meander along the eastern shore of Hamlin Lake through shallow bayous rich with wildlife and waterfowl. The time required to travel the pathway is about one to three hours, depending upon your skill level and preferred pace. Canoes are available to rent from the Hamlin Lake Concession Stand, where you can also rent paddleboats, rowboats, and kayaks.
Did You Know?
The park opened on August 15, 1936, and celebrated its 80th birthday in 2016.
Beaches
Families especially appreciate the park’s Hamlin Lake Beach for its calm waters, sandy shore, playground, picnic shelter, restrooms, and concessions. From here, it’s just a short stroll to the Hamlin Lake Dam, which was constructed during the logging era when lumbermen dammed the Big Sable River to make a holding pond for felled trees. The other beach stretches for miles along Lake Michigan, perfect for sunning, swimming, and jumping in the waves on a windy day! There is now an accessible walkway that starts at the Lake Michigan Beach House and ends near the shoreline. There are also three beach chairs that are available for the public’s use. Don’t forget to check out some of the nations best sand dunes right here in West Michigan. Ludington State Park has miles of dunes to explore, and if that isn’t enough, more dunes are just a short drive in either direction.
Big Sable Point Lighthouse
Within the Ludington State Park, you will find the Big Sable Point Lighthouse – a favorite hiking destination for visitors. The black-and-white striped, 112 foot lighthouse at the Ludington State Park stands proudly on the shores of Lake Michigan and remains a testament to lighthouse keepers of the past. Big Sable Point Lighthouse was honored as the 2013 Featured Lighthouse of the Year for the Great Lakes Lighthouse Festival. The Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association maintains the Big Sable Point Lighthouse, north of Ludington State Park. The lighthouse is open for tours daily 10am-5pm from May 1 to October 31. You can climb to the top, or visit the gift shop, located in the original Keeper’s Quarters.
Fishing
The Ludington State Park is a fisherman’s paradise, where anglers will discover an abundance of Hamlin Lake walleye, bass, northern pike, perch, and bluegill. A boat launch provides easy access into the lake for boats up to 22 feet, with convenient parking for trailers. During the fall salmon run, when the fish attempt to jump over the dam on their way upstream, spectators and anglers line the Sable River Boardwalk to capture the thrill of this fishing season highlight.
State Park Events
Summer Performances
After a busy day enjoying all the park’s activities, head over to the Amphitheater on select nights at 7pm and take in a fun and enjoyable performance. Most are folk music, but some feature animals and even a magic show.
Outdoor Amphitheater Rental
The outdoor amphitheater is available to rent for open-air weddings and other events. The rental fee includes reserved parking, exclusive use of the amphitheater facility, electrical and nearby restrooms. For details and reservations, call (231) 843-2423.
Winter Activities
So many people are familiar with all that the park offers during summer, but in the quieter seasons of spring, fall and winter, the Ludington State Park’s beauty is magnified by serenity. When winter blankets the landscape with a pristine white hush, snow lovers can cross country ski on eight miles of trails- three of which are groomed. Snowshoeing is another great winter activity that’s growing in popularity and you can burn up to 700 calories per hour of moderate walking! Guided snowshoe walks are held throughout the winter. You can bring your own snowshoes or borrow one of 40 pairs available on a first-come first-served basis at the state park. All walks begin and end at the warming shelter complete with picnic tables and plenty of heat! The Ludington State Park also offers annual snowshoe making classes during November and December.
Camping at the Ludington State Park
While the Ludington State Park boasts so much in the way of things to do, it is most associated with camping, and the four campgrounds within the park generally fill up by the beginning of spring for the following summer. The park has modern and primitive sites, all surrounded by natural woodlands, water and dunes. There are a total of 355 sites among all the campgrounds, including three mini-cabins. Find more information about the campgrounds at the Ludington State Park here.
Campsite Reservation Info
Due to the popularity of the park, campsites fill up very fast, so we encourage you to reserve your campsite as early as possible. For Michigan State Parks, you may check for availability and make your reservations at the Michigan.gov/DNR website. You may also call the Department of Natural Resources at 1-800-447-2757.
If there are no campsites available for your preferred dates, there are many more campgrounds in the Ludington area.
Contact Ludington State Park
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
Directions to the Ludington State Park
This drive along the Lake Michigan shoreline takes you through the dunes to one of the most beautiful destinations anywhere. It’s especially memorable at sunset.
Advertisement – Please scroll below for more local business information.
More About the Ludington State Park
Ludington State Park Water Trails
Water fun in the Ludington State Park! Float down the Big Sable River, paddle Hamlin Lake water trails, launch a pleasure boat, or swim!
Camping at Ludington State Park
One of the most popular state parks in the Midwest! Ludington State Park has four campgrounds, hundreds of sites for your camping pleasure.
Visit the Lake Michigan Beach House in Ludington State Park
The beautiful Lake Michigan Beach House in the Ludington State Park is a two-story shelter with visitor exhibits, lounging, and concessions.
Meet the Friends of Ludington State Park
Friends of Ludington State Park is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting wise use and conservation of the Ludington State Park.
Ludington State Park Summer Events
The Ludington State Park holds multiple events for the whole family during the summer months. Don’t miss the live music and presentations!
Trail Guide for Ludington State Park
The Ludington State Park trails are as varied as they are beautiful. Hike or bike 18 miles of eight marked trails with information kiosks.
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!
Big Sable Point Lighthouse at Ludington State Park
The black-and-white striped, 112 foot lighthouse at the Ludington State Park stands proudly on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Dune Grass Concessions
Dune Grass Concessions offers watercraft & bike rentals, concession food, ice cream, convenience items, State Park & Hamlin Lake souvenirs!