Ludington Area Festival of Lights
The Ludington Area Festival of Lights is a dazzling drive-thru light display that runs from Thanksgiving until the last weekend of December.
Photo by Craig Sterken Photography
The Beach House has a long history of weathering the changing Michigan seasons within the Ludington State Park. This landmark has now received a makeover, and it’s a real showplace for the state park system. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935, the Lake Michigan Beach at 116 ft. long and 35 ft. wide, has been a familiar sight for visitors to Lake Michigan within the State Park. Though it has held up well, it was time for some changes and structural work. Since the demise of the old Visitors Center due to heavy snow, park officials felt they should relocate to the Beach House, where people congregate during the summer. As the crowds head to and from the beach, they can stop into the Beach House, catch a weekly event or view the interactive exhibits.
Thanks to a $160,000 Great Lakes Fishery Trust Fund Grant, the upper level of the beach house has been turned into an interpretive and interactive area. You’ll find two large aquariums, one for salmon and one for lamprey. The picnic tables on the second floor will have customized graphics installed to give visitors additional information as they eat their lunches. There will also be reader rails on the outside, so visitors can be on the veranda and read text to help better understand Lake Michigan. Two movable pedestals have been installed that contain electronic video displays about Hamlin Lake, the park, and Great Lakes Fisheries. Plans are also in place for a large touch screen television to be installed.
During the winter and spring of 2013, renovations were made to the beach house, which included a new roof and the replacement of the outer layer of bricks. The building was stained using the color from the 1935 Beach House. The second floor, which was once subdivided into two different areas is now one large room, complete with hardwood flooring. At the south end, a fireplace is surrounded by new chairs built by a local ranger, making it a cozy spot to sit and read. There are doors on three sides that lead out onto the veranda, which was also restored. Possibilities include a counter with bar stools so people have a place to sit, read, have a cup of coffee- all while listening to the waves splash on shore. Visitor Services occupy this floor, with both permanent and seasonal exhibits that depict the Park’s natural and cultural history. The main focus will be on Lake Michigan’s geology and ecology. The upper level is accessible by a new staircase on the north end. The Lake Michigan Beach House will be open during the spring, summer and fall, depending on weather.
The lower level has new windows which will provide lots of natural light. Concessions occupy the north side, with an improved kitchen and dining area. All restrooms were updated to provide access to all. The center of the basement will be kept open for programming by Park Interpreter Alan Wernette. A new outdoor patio has been built, looking over the lake- perfect for outdoor seating and scheduled programs. Outside there are some picnic tables, which have been sanded and clear-stained.
The north shore of the Big Sable River has had some bank stabilization work done, providing erosion control. The walkways provide fishing access and allow those with physical disabilities to use the walkways. Other areas of the park that received upgrades were the water system and electrical system for the campgrounds, as well as moving the RV dump station about a mile south of the park on M-116. A new accessible walkway from the Lake Michigan Beach House to the edge of Lake Michigan was also installed- the cost of the project was split with the Friends of Ludington State Park, which works tirelessly on events and repairs within the park. There are also three beach chairs that are available for the public’s use.
The Lake Michigan Beach House is unique in nature due to the fact it is the only Arts-and-Craft inspired design bathhouse found on the shores of Lake Michigan. Also of significance is the role the CCC played in its construction–from architect Ralph B. Herrick to all the CCC workers who built the Beach House from recycled brick and pressed mortar. This style has not been found at any other state park in Michigan…and it is the largest and most intact of the CCC-built structures within the Ludington State Park.
The Ludington State Park gets 900,000 visitors each year and is almost 100 percent full every summer. In addition to the campgrounds, there is a tent loop for those who wish to camp in more solitude away from the RVs.
Planning a visit to the Ludington State Park area? Have questions about your trip? Here’s where you can find help:
The Ludington Area Festival of Lights is a dazzling drive-thru light display that runs from Thanksgiving until the last weekend of December.
Downtown Ludington hosts an annual lighted ball drop on New Year’s Eve along with live music, beer tent, and fireworks.
Ludington hosts many events and activities that are geared toward kids and families, that’s part of what makes the area so great!
The Michigan DNR has announced that Ludington State Park will be closed from September 3rd, 2024-July 1st, 2025 for improvements.
Friends of Ludington State Park is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting wise use and conservation of 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!
The Ludington State Park holds multiple events for the whole family during the summer months. Don’t miss the live music and presentations!
The black-and-white striped, 112 foot lighthouse at the Ludington State Park stands proudly on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Dune Grass Concessions offers watercraft & bike rentals, concession food, ice cream, convenience items, State Park & Hamlin Lake souvenirs!
Is your business located in Ludington? Contact us today to learn about advertising opportunities with VisitLudington.com.
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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.