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.

Guided Snowshoe Walks and Hikes

The guided snowshoe walks are typically scheduled during December, January, and February each year. Stay tuned for upcoming event dates.

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

Lantern Lit Snowshoeing

The lantern lit snowshoe walks are typically scheduled during December and January each year. Stay tuned for upcoming event dates.

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.

Snowshoe Making Classes

From 10am-4pm on Saturdays, December 10th and 17th & Sundays, December 11th and 18th; 2023

Instructors will guide you through the steps to making top-of-the-line traditional wooden snowshoes like how Native Americans crafted them for generations. These will get you through the deep snowfalls and will last for generations. 

Because this is an activity that requires concentration over long periods of time, participants must be age 16 and older. The cost is $190, which includes the preformed wooden frames, lacing, high-quality bindings and personal instruction. Class size is limited, and reservations are required. To register for this class, go to Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses and click on the “Purchase a license” button. Look for the Outdoor Skills Academy tab.

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

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

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