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
Ludington State Park Offers Great Winter Activities
There’s a winter wonderland awaiting you once the snow covers the ground at the Ludington State Park. Dressed in winter white, the scenic natural beauty at the park becomes even more pristine and peaceful. The park remains open year-round for hiking and snowshoeing, plus there are scheduled activities and events to give those who love winter something fun to look forward to!
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 $12 Recreation Passport when they renew their Michigan license plate at the Secretary of State office or through the Michigan e-store at michigan.gov/estore.
Free Guided Snowshoe Walks and Hikes
The guided snowshoe walks are typically scheduled during December, January, and February each year. Stay tuned for event dates for 2023.
These guided programs will take you past some of the most beautiful State Park scenery, through woods and snow-covered sand dunes. All walks begin and end at the Warming Shelter, located next to the parking lot at the park’s entrance. The park loans out 60 pairs of snowshoes that fit ages 8 and up on a first-come, first-served basis, and all walks are free.
Lantern Lit Snowshoeing
The lantern lit snowshoe walks are typically scheduled during December and January each year. Stay tuned for event dates for 2023.
The Friends of the Ludington State Park, park staff, and park interpreter Alan Wernette work together to groom a trail for walking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing. The walk begins at the Warming Shelter and has approximately 1 mile of lighted trails.
There are bonfires at both the Warming Shelter and the Amphitheater, along with free warm beverages at the Amphitheater.
Snowshoe Making Classes
Instructors will guide you through the steps to making top-of-the-line traditional wooden snowshoes that will get you through the deep snowfalls, and will last for generations. For more information on snowshoe walks or snowshoe making classes, visit our Ludington State Park Events page!
No reservations are needed for winter events at the Ludington State Park and all are free!
Ludington State Park Contact Info:
Camping Reservations (Michigan DNR) or 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
Experience Ludington State Park
More Activities & Attractions
More About the Ludington State Park
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.
Aerial View of Big Sable Point
The aerial view of Big Sable Point features Hamlin Lake, Ludington State Park, and Big Sable Point Lighthouse on Lake Michigan.
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.
Ludington State Park Events
The Ludington State Park holds events year-round. There’s something for the whole family to enjoy at Michigan’s most popular state park!
Visit Dune Grass Concessions in the Ludington State Park
Dune Grass Concessions offers watercraft & bike rentals, concession food, ice cream, convenience items, State Park & Hamlin Lake souvenirs!
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.
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.
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.
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.