Ludington State Park Has Beautiful Dunes
There’s no place I’d rather be than at Ludington State Park.
Soft sand between my toes. The sound of the cold, clear Lake Michigan waves crashing on the beach. Relaxing along the coast with the sand dunes behind me.
Doesn’t get any better than this. Truly a paradise.
The City of Ludington is on the western coast of Michigan, situated about halfway up the mitten.
Ludington State Park lies between Lake Michigan and the 5,000-acre Hamlin Lake, at the end of State Route M-116. The park has four campgrounds, 21 miles of hiking trails, a one mile stretch of the Big Sable River, and one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the state. Ludington State Park | Michigan
No matter how long I spend in this peaceful park, it is never enough time. There are endless outdoor activities at Ludington State Park, and here are my favorites.
Climb Big Sable Point Light
Not my first lighthouse, but Big Sable Point is my beloved. The stunning black and white striped lighthouse, built in 1867, is 112 feet tall, according to Lakeshore Keepers (formerly known as Sable Point Lighthouse Keepers Association). Big Sable Point : Our Lights : What We Do : Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association
It was the last Great Lakes lighthouse to be electrified in 1949. Big Sable Point Lighthouse at Ludington State Park – Visit Ludington
In season, walk up the 130 steps to see fabulous views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding sand dunes. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, you will see bald eagles fly out to the lake.
To access the lighthouse, walk on the beach about 1.8 miles from the parking lot at the state park. You can also ride a bicycle or walk on the sandy gravel trail that runs parallel to the coastline but in between the dunes.
The Lakeshore Keepers provide educational tours for a fee. Bus rides are available specific times of the year. For more information, go to https://splka.org.
Originally the Big Sable Point Lighthouse Keepers Association formed in 1987 to preserve the unmanned lighthouse. The association restored the seawall, replaced the original Fresnel lens, painted the tower, and refinished the floor. Big Sable Point Lighthouse at Ludington State Park – Visit Ludington
The association’s name changed a couple of times to Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association when the organization picked up nearby Little Sable Point, Ludington North Breakwater, and White River Light Station. Home : Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association
The name changed to Lakeshore Keepers this year when the association picked up the Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse. Mission & History : Who We Are : Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association
Kayak in the park
If you like to kayak or canoe, I can’t think of a more relaxing place to paddle. Kayaking in Lost Lake or along the northwestern or southwestern shoreline of Hamlin Lake are popular spots for parkgoers.
Lost Lake is a fantastic way to start out kayaking as the water tends to be calmer than Lake Hamlin.
There is a sandy beach on the north end of Lost Lake that is a popular spot to take a swim. Children like to snorkel here and look for snail shells. Parents enjoy the warmer water temperature, compared to Lake Michigan. The whole peacefulness of it all is what I like. Truly a paradise.
The water is so clear you can see fish and turtles swimming below in the sea grass as you kayak. Lily pads close to the shore are a suitable place to see wildlife.
Kayaking on the Big Sable River which flows from Hamlin Dam to Lake Michigan is another great option. You can continue kayaking on Lake Michigan up and down the coast.
You can rent kayaks at the concession stand at the Hamlin Lake Beach House.
Float down the Big Sable River
Floating down the river in a blow-up raft or inner tube is always a fan favorite. On a summer afternoon, you’ll see groups of inner tubes, rafts, and kayaks floating together enjoying the summer sun. Plan to get out into the water to swim and/or walk on days with little current.
You can put in rafts on the river downstream from the dam and paddle or float to Lake Michigan.
Either way, the scenery is beautiful, and the experience is calming and relaxing. You might even see a turtle or two.
Fish around the park
Along the Big Sable River and up near Hamlin Dam are popular spots to fly fish or cast. There are fishing piers both upstream and downstream of the dam.
The boardwalk at Beechwood Campground is a family-favorite place to learn to fish.
Fishing in Ludington State Park, Lake Michigan, and Lake Hamlin is a year-round activity. Anglers fish for crappies, pikes, bluegills, and small mouth bass in May through August. Fishing on Hamlin Lake – Visit Ludington
In October, you can fish for steelhead and salmon, according to the VisitLudington.Com website. During the Salmon Run, you can see fish jumping over the dam, while anglers line the banks of the Big Sable River, according to the website.
Ice fishing for bluegill and walleye can start in December, while northern pike ice fishing begins in January. February and March bring crappies, perch, walleye, and bluegill. Then, late April kicks off walleye, northern pike and muskie season. Fishing on Hamlin Lake – Visit Ludington
Hike the Ludington State Park trails
If you love to hike, like I do, there are 21 miles of marked trails to see the dunes, forest, water, and wildlife throughout the park.
My favorite hike is the 1.5-mile Lost Lake Trail that begins and ends at the Hamlin Lake Beach House. You can enjoy the same scenic views of Lost Lake the kayakers enjoy, but from a different angle. It is also a great trail to watch the sunrise. Ludington-Hiking Trails | Michigan
The 2-mile Island Trail connects Lost Lake and Hamlin Lake. This trail allows you to see sand dunes, aquatic wildlife and plant life, and various species of birds.
Along the mile-long Sable River Trail, hunt for turtles sunning on the rocks. This is near the dam, and you will surely see people fishing along the banks of the river. Wintertime brings migratory waterfowl and river otters, according to the Visit Ludington website.
There are educational signs along the way explaining the 200-year-old history and wildlife of the area. Trail Guide for Ludington State Park – Visit Ludington
The 2-mile Logging Trail goes through the lowlands and winds through the hills and woods. It begins at the Pines Campground and continues through the former White Pine Forest (cut down 150 years ago). Be sure to wear bug spray on this hike. Ludington-Hiking Trails | Michigan
The longest hike is the 2.7-mile Ridge Trail on top of the tall, wooded sand dunes. This winds through the wooded area and begins at Cedar Campground.
The 1.5-mile Coast Guard Trail connects Beechwood Campground to the other campgrounds, Cedar, Pines, and Jack Pine. It begins at Hamlin Lake, goes through the wooded dune area and marsh to Lake Michigan. Ludington-Hiking Trails | Michigan
View the dunes from Skyline Trail
Another favorite hike is the Skyline Trail. You can see Lake Michigan from the top of the Skyline Trail, way out in the distance. An elevated boardwalk, with observation platforms, provides spectacular panoramic views of the dunes.
On a clear, sunny day, you can see the Village of Pentwater 17 miles away, according to a park sign.
Educational signs posted explain the ecology of the dune zone, from the back dunes near Hamlin Lake to the interdunal ponds and troughs, to the foredune, then the beach to Lake Michigan.
There are a lot of stairs on this walk, but there are also benches for rest. Pick up the stairs to the Skyline Trail off the Sable River Trail that runs along Hamlin Dam and Sable River.
Swim and relax at the beach
You really can’t go wrong picking a beach.
The most popular area is near Lake Michigan Beach House. There are usually people playing volleyball, throwing frisbees and footballs, flying kites, or riding the waves on a boogie board.
You’ll be amazed how late people will stay on the beach—sometimes we are there until after dinner and we are never the last ones. It’s also a spectacular place to watch the sunset.
But if you like seclusion, you might want to try a beach along the stretch of M-116 just before the park entrance booth but still part of the state park. Sometimes you can get lucky and have a section of this beach to yourself. But that won’t be the case on a warm, sunny, summer day.
The beach heading to Big Sable Point is also amazing. You really can’t go wrong anywhere along Lake Michigan throughout Ludington State Park.
There’s also a beach at the Hamlin Lake Beach House, popular with families. You can kayak or boat to beaches all along the Lake Hamlin coastline.
Stop by Lake Michigan Beach House
The iconic Ludington State Park Lake Michigan Beach House has changed a bit over the years. Currently, it has nature exhibits, restrooms, changing rooms, and concessions. In addition to ice cream, snacks, and drinks, beach equipment like towels and sand toys are available. There are also rentals for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards.
The park staff hosts educational talks, nature hikes, night astronomy, and animal touch-and-see events here.
The park offers track chairs for those who need a wheelchair to access the beach. The off-road, electronic track chairs handle trails, sand, and up to eight inches of water. Track chairs To reserve, call the park office at 231-843-2423, ext. 0.
Look for wildlife
There are multiple types of turtles throughout the park, according to a park sign. While fishing, kayaking, or hiking, you might spot a common map turtle like the one sitting on the log in the picture below.
Other turtles common in the Hamlin Lake, Big Sable River, and other waterways around the park include eastern painted, spiny softshell, common snapping, Blanding’s wood, and musk turtles. A park sign notes that certain species are in jeopardy of disappearing due to illegal collections and loss of wetlands. Heavy predation by raccoons, skunks and other wildlife are also reducing the turtle population, as well, states the park sign.
You might even see deer and other wildlife in the woods while hiking the Logging, Ridge, or Skyline trails.
Bike around Ludington State Park
The nice, moderate weather at Ludington State Park brings out the cyclists. Campers and park visitors bring their bikes, and there are plenty of bike paths to enjoy. It’s a common sight to see people biking along the coastal M-116.
There are bicycle paths to the Big Sable Lighthouse and paths connecting each of the campgrounds to Lake Michigan, Lake Hamlin, and the dam. If you forget to bring your bike, you can rent one at Dune Grass Concessions at the Cedar Campground.
Bicycling is a popular activity in the area. If you are in the city of Ludington on the fourth Saturday in June, you’ll see bicyclists racing to beat the sun on the 204-mile Coast to Coast ride. Others enjoy the 100-mile loop from Ludington to Manistee National Forest and back. Coast to Coast – Gravel Grinder
Eat ice cream
If you are camping, you will probably be grilling meats and fish, fixing stews and casseroles in a Dutch oven, or cooking home favorites in your RV. You may be roasting hot dogs or marshmallows over a fire. If not, there are good restaurants in town.
But you don’t have to go far for the best ice cream. Be sure to enjoy your favorite flavor from the Ludington State Park concession stands, either at the Lake Michigan Beach House or the Cedar Campground store. It’s a daily family tradition for us.
Take a pontoon ride on Hamlin Lake
There are boat rental companies that provide pontoons for Hamlin Lake. Hamlin Lake is 4,990 acres, according to a park sign. It is about 34 feet deep in Upper Hamlin Lake and 80 feet in Lower Hamlin Lake.
Bluegill, black crappies, and yellow perch are commonly fished out of Hamlin Lake, according to the park sign, which notes DNR have planted walleye. Bayous are a wonderful place to fish since the fish can shelter in the weed beds but be careful not to get boat motors stuck.
Camp at the park
Ludington State Park has four campground areas, with over 350 sites.
Beechwood Campground has about 147 sites with electricity. Camping at Ludington State Park – Visit Ludington This campground borders Lost Lake, has a boardwalk, and playground. It is also the closest to Hamlin Dam.
Cedar Campground has about 110 modern sites with electricity and eight tent-only sites. It has a park store selling souvenirs, clothing, wood, ice, and groceries. Concessions sell ice cream and bicycle rentals.
Cedar is the only campground at Ludington State Park open all year. Camping at Ludington State Park – Visit Ludington
Pines Campground has about 98 modern sites with electricity and is closest to Lake Michigan. It is where you access the Lighthouse Trail or Logging Trail. Camping at Ludington State Park – Visit Ludington
Almost all the camping sites at the three main campgrounds are modern with electricity. Bath/shower houses are clean and modern. Each also has one mini cabin with a double bed, three single beds, mini refrigerator, fire pit, and picnic table, according to the Visit Ludington website.
A fourth campground, Jack Pines, is hike-in only, with 10 remote tent sites. You must carry in supplies. There’s no electricity, and restrooms are rustic.
For more information, or to make a reservation, contact Michigan Department of Natural Resources at 800-447-2757 or visit https://midnrreservations.com.
Ludington State Park has just completed major park enhancements after a 10-month closure including newly paved roads, upgraded pedestrian walkways, and improved parking areas. Ludington State Park
Nearby, there are plenty of activities in the City of Ludington, including another lighthouse, bowling, miniature golf, places to eat, and more.
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