Photo by: Todd & Brad Reed Photography 

Ludington State Park Offers Great Winter Activities

The Ludington State Park is Open!

After a major upgrade, the Ludington State Park is open to campers and day-use visitors. Read our story to see what’s new!

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 $13 Recreation Passport when they renew their Michigan license plate at the Secretary of State office.

Lantern Lit Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing, or Hiking

December 13th, 2025; January 10th & 24th, February 7th & 21st, and March 7th; 2026 from 6-8pm

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. No registration is needed and lantern lit walks are free.

Guided Snowshoe Walks and Hikes

December 13th, 2025 from 2-3:30pm

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. No registration is needed and snowshoe rental and hikes are free.

A group treks through the Ludington State Park while wearing snowshoes. | Advantage Marketing Photo

Also, check out the great programming offered by the Ludington State Park during the summer months!

Contact Ludington State Park

Planning a visit to the Ludington State Park area? Have questions about your trip? Here’s where you can find help: 

  • Michigan DNR reservations
    (800) 447-2757
  • Ludington State Park Local Office
    (231) 843-2423
  • Concessions & Watercraft Rental
    (231) 843-1888
  • Special Programs
    (231) 843-9261

Current Events

Family Friendly Events

Ludington hosts many events and activities that are geared toward kids and families, that’s part of what makes the area so great!

Visit with Santa

Find all the places where the kids and pets can visit and have pictures taken with Santa (and sometimes Mrs. Claus) in Ludington.

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.

Performances in West Michigan

Everyone enjoys a good play or concert, and Ludington blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us all year ’round.

Events Happening Soon

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.

Scroll below for more articles about the Ludington State Park area.
 

Experience the Ludington State Park!

Big Sable Point Lighthouse

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!

Ludington State Park Sand Dunes

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.