Visit the Ludington State Park of West Michigan
![](https://amsitemag.com/slideshows/visitludingtonstatepark_slideshow/images/1.jpg)
Known as the most popular state park in Michigan for its abundant natural resources and endless activities, the Ludington State Park offers a vacation within itself.
Ludington has so much to offer its residents and visitors, but our most popular draw is the 5,300 acres that lie just north of town, known as the Ludington State Park. The park opened on August 15, 1936, and is celebrating its 80th birthday in 2016. This wonderful area of land is not just for camping--it's a haven for hikers, fishermen, bikers, or anyone who loves what nature has to offer. Here you'll discover sand dunes with spectacular views, hardwood forests, marshlands, and nearly seven miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. The state park is a vacation within itself, with special programs offered in the summer.
Reservations & Park Entrance Permits
For Camp Reservations, Call 1-800-447-2757, or go to www.michigan.gov/dnr. Campsites fill fast so call early in the season. 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 $11 Recreation Passport when they renew their Michigan license plate at the Secretary of State office or through the Michigan e-store at www.michigan.gov/estore.Ludington State Park Trails
![Hamlin](https://amsitemag.com/images/story_images/Midwest/1929/2.jpg)
Photos by ToddAndBradReed.com
The park is also well known for its unique and picturesque marked canoe pathway. Launch your canoe at the Hamlin Lake Beach and meander along the eastern shore of Hamlin Lake through shallow bayous rich with wildlife and waterfowl. The time required to travel the pathway is about one to three hours, depending upon your skill level and preferred pace. Canoes are available to rent from the Hamlin Lake Concession Stand, where you can also rent paddleboats, rowboats, and kayaks.
Summer Performances at Ludington State Park
After a busy day enjoying all the park's activities, head over to the Amphitheater on select nights at 7pm and take in a fun and enjoyable performance. Most are folk music, but some feature animals and even a magic show. Click here to see the 2016 schedule.advertisement
Ludington State Park Beaches
Families especially appreciate the park's Hamlin Lake Beach for its calm waters, sandy shore, playground, picnic shelter, restrooms, and concessions. From here, it's just a short stroll to the Hamlin Lake Dam, which was constructed during the logging era when lumbermen dammed the Big Sable River to make a holding pond for felled trees. The other beach stretches for miles along Lake Michigan, perfect for sunning, swimming, and jumping in the waves on a windy day! There is now an accessible walkway that starts at the Lake Michigan Beach House and ends near the shoreline. There are also three beach chairs that are available for the public's use. Don't forget to check out some of the nations best sand dunes right here in West Michigan. Ludington State Park has miles of dunes to explore, and if that isn't enough, more dunes are just a short drive in either direction.Big Sable Point Lighthouse
![Big Sable](https://amsitemag.com/images/story_images/Midwest/1929/3.jpg)
Canoeing, Kayaking & Tubing within the Ludington State Park
![Tubing](https://amsitemag.com/images/story_images/Midwest/1929/1.jpg)
Fishing
![Fishing](https://amsitemag.com/images/story_images/Midwest/1929/5.jpg)
Winter at the Ludington State Park
![showshoe](https://amsitemag.com/images/story_images/Midwest/1929/4.jpg)
Directions to the Ludington State Park
Coming through downtown Ludington, follow Ludington Avenue to the end, and turn right onto N. Lakeshore Drive. Follow this until the fork in the road, and keep left onto M-116. This takes you along Lake Michigan and out to the State Park.Discover the beauty--experience the fun--at VisitLudingtonStatePark.com.
Contact Ludington State Park
- ALL Camping Reservations (Michigan DNR): (800) 447-2757 or Michigan DNR, Ludington State Park
- Main Office (Local): (231) 843-2423
- Concessions & Watercraft Rental (231) 843-1888
- Snowshoe Class Reservations/Special Programs (Local): (231) 843-9261
advertisement