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!
Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography
The Ludington State Park will be closed until approximately July 1st, 2025 for enhancements and renovations.
Improvements include re-working traffic/pedestrian flow at the entrance, paving the park’s main road and the Hamlin Lake day-use area parking lot, and adding parking at the Lake Michigan Beach House and warming shelter areas. In addition, there are plans to renovate the Skyline Trail. The project is being funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) COVID relief funds.
While the majority of the park remains closed for enhancements through July 1st, 2025, visitors can still enjoy 2,000 acres of parkland and a beautiful 3-mile stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline south of the Big Sable River. Hiking trails and a boardwalk along the south side of the Big Sable River will remain accessible with roadside parking along M-116 and at Skyline Trail parking lot.
The majority of the park is closed through July 1st, 2025. The reopen date may change based on the progress of construction. The 2,000 acres of parkland and beautiful 3-mile stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline south of the Big Sable River, including the hiking trails and boardwalk, will remain open and accessible to the public via roadway parking along M-116.
This project will realign and repave the park’s entrance and exit near the entrance booth; expand and repave the Lake Michigan beach and warming shelter parking lots; repave the Hamlin Lake parking lots and entire main park road. To improve pedestrian safety and help vehicles circulate more efficiently, we will also add and improve pedestrian walkways around the entrance and into the beach parking lot. Additionally, the Skyline Trail will be renovated and other upgrades to park buildings and grounds will take place.
We are closing the majority of the park for safety reasons. This project entails a lot of heavy and large construction equipment coming and going. With all the construction activity, we need to ensure that visitors are not put in harm’s way and contractors can operate equipment more efficiently and safely, which will hopefully help us meet the July 1st, 2025 reopening.
These projects are funded by a massive $250 million investment made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act. The funding must be obligated by December 31st, 2024, and completed by December 31st, 2026. Bundling projects into one large enhancement project lessens overall project costs and keeps the impact limited to the one or two seasons (instead of spreading it out over multiple seasons). The reason we scheduled a closure in May and June is due to the operating season for asphalt plants.
A lot of construction is taking place in the Hamlin Lake day-use area. This area is closed to the public and boats are not allowed to moor. The dune and beach southeast of the dam, locally known as Rick’s Beach, remains open to the public. The dunes at the far north end of Hamlin Lake will also be open to the public.
Watch our facebook page for ongoing updates. Updates to the closure dates will be posted on this page and shared with local media. We will also be posting regular progress photos or videos throughout construction. In addition, you can visit the DNR’s closure page at Michigan.gov/DNRClosures or visit the park page at Michigan.gov/Ludington.
Planning a visit to the Ludington State Park area? Have questions about your trip? Here’s where you can find help:
Water fun in the Ludington State Park! Float down the Big Sable River, paddle Hamlin Lake water trails, launch a pleasure boat, or swim!
The Ludington State Park holds multiple events for the whole family during the summer months. Don’t miss the live music and presentations!
Friends of Ludington State Park is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting wise use and conservation of the 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.
The black-and-white striped, 112 foot lighthouse at the Ludington State Park stands proudly on the shores of Lake Michigan.
The Hamlin Lake Beach within the Ludington State Park is fun for the whole family! With a dedicated, weed-free swimming area and more!
Is your business located in Ludington? Contact us today to learn about advertising opportunities with VisitLudington.com.
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