Ludington State Park

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37 Ludington State Park

wildlife viewing | directions and facility information

Ludington State Park is like an island,
nestled between Lake Michigan
and Hamlin Lake. Click for larger
image. Photo: MI DNR

Ludington State Park is practically an island, as it sits nestled between Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake, lower Michigan’s largest artificial impoundment.

Photo: MI DNR

The park boasts over 6 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Here you will find lofty sand dunes, virgin stands of evergreen and hardwood trees, soft, sandy beaches, and an extensive network of hiking, skiing, biking, and canoe trails.

Ludington has about 350 campsites that are heavily used from May through mid-October. The Great Lakes Visitor Center is a very popular attraction that offers interpretive displays, slide and video presentations, and live programs that can give you a better appreciation of the wildlife, geology, and history of this unique area.

Wildlife Viewing

view of dunes and forest - click for full image

Take a walk on Ludington State Park’s Skyline Trail for spectacular views of Lake Michigan
and the surrounding sand dunes. Click vistas for larger image. Photos: © Phil Seng

This site offers wonderful wildlife viewing opportunities from its extensive trail system. There are more than 18 miles of hiking trails, with an additional 12 miles of cross-country ski trails. Walk the Skyline Trail for some spectacular views of high dune ridges and Lake Michigan. Hike the Lighthouse Trail to Big Sable Point Lighthouse to sample a bit of Michigan’s maritime history.

The canoe trail at Ludington is relaxing and beautiful, and is an excellent way to discover the park’s wildlife, especially at early morning and late evening. A trail brochure is available at the park office. Photos: © Phil Seng

Perhaps the most unique trail here is the canoe trail. Brochures at the visitor center show you how to make a unique passage along the bayous and inlets of Hamlin Lake’s shoreline. Slip silently down this trail early in the morning for a high probability of viewing herons, egrets, waterfowl, deer, and other animals along the water’s edge. The Sable River, which flows from Hamlin Lake to Lake Michigan, has some open water year-round. This makes it very attractive to waterfowl from November through January.

Portions of this area are open to public hunting. Contact the park headquarters for seasons and locations.

Directions

Travel west on US-10 into Ludington. Turn right (north) onto Lakeshore Drive/M-116 and proceed about 8 miles to the park entrance.

Map of Ludington State Park (Adobe Acrobat required)

Ownership: Michigan Department of Natural Resources (231) 843-2423

Size: 5,300 acres

Closest Town: Ludington

Weather and Driving Directions for Ludington

Plan Your Trip with travel.michigan.org!

Photo: MI DNR

Facilities and Opportunities

Restrooms – Three improved facilities (Hamlin Lake, Lake Michigan, and Visitor Center); 3 pit toilets (1 at entrance; 2 at Hamlin Dam).
Trails – 18 miles of trails (moderate difficulty).
Picnic – Two primary picnic areas (Sable River and Hamlin Lake). Hamlin Lake picnic area has playground.
Camping – 344 campsites plus 3 mini-cabins. All have hook-ups and all are very popular. Call ahead for fees and reservations. Make camping reservations here.
Visitor Center – Open 7 days a week, Memorial Day to Labor Day. Open weekends in May, September, and October. Small gift shop available.
Cross-country Skiing – 16 miles of moderate difficulty trails. No rental equipment available.
Boat Ramp – 1 ramp on Hamlin Lake.
Drinking Water – Available at all campgrounds and day-use areas. During winter, get water at the park office.
Fishing – Very popular at the Sable River, Hamlin Lake, and Lake Michigan. Bait available at the park store from Mid-May through late October. Boat rentals available.
Hunting – Public hunting is allowed in most areas of the park. Check with MIDNR for rules and regulations.
Entry Fee - Michigan State Park Motor Vehicle Permit required for entry.
Bicycling – 1.5-mile paved bike path through main park area. 1.5-mile gravel road to lighthouse. Special bike lane on shoulder of highway entering the park. Bike rentals available.
Barrier free – 1.5-mile bike trail, quarter-mile section of Lost Lake Trail, half-mile section of Sable River trail, half-mile boardwalk and pathway to Hamlin Dam, Hamlin Beach changing and concessions building, certain campsites and all restroom buildings in the Pines and Middle Beechwood campgrounds..

Additional Information:
Ludington State Park

Conservation Efforts:
To volunteer for local conservation efforts, go to Friends of Ludington State Park

Video clip: White-tailed deer are common throughout the park. Some have become accustomed to humans and will let you get quite close. Please do not feed the deer! © Phil Seng

Video clip: The beach is a very inviting place to spend a summer afternoon. Ludington boasts over six miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. © Phil Seng

Video clip: The Sable River flows from Hamlin Lake to Lake Michigan. The outlet remains open even in winter, attracting many kinds of waterfowl. © Phil Seng

Video clip: A boardwalk trail leads from the beach along a portion of Hamlin Lake. Watch for fish, frogs, and other aquatic wildlife.

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