Ludington State Park, Michigan- Must Know Information

Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, Ludington State Park is one of the top state parks in Michigan, offering over 5,300 acres of wooded dunes, sandy beaches, crystal clear lakes, and miles of hiking and biking trails. As the state’s first designated wilderness park, Ludington preserves some of Michigan’s most pristine stretches of shoreline, dunes, and forest, providing abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation and nature appreciation. In this article we talk about Ludington State Park, Michigan and its Must Know Information.

Location and Directions

Ludington State Park sits just north of the city of Ludington in western Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, about 130 miles north of Grand Rapids and 230 miles northwest of Detroit. The park entrance is located off M-116 highway, with the address being 8800 W. M-116 Ludington, MI 49431. Most GPS devices will navigate you there easily by searching for “Ludington State Park.” From Ludington, simply go north on N. Lakeshore Drive and turn left onto W. M-116. The park entrance is just 2 miles down the road. If coming from highway US-31, take the M-116 exit west and follow the signs.

Operating Hours and Fees

Ludington State Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. The park entrance booth is staffed and the standard $9 daily entrance fee per vehicle is collected during the season from April to November. From December to March, you can enter for free but the gate may be closed outside of daylight hours if unmanned.

The campground is open from the last weekend in April through mid-October. Campsites can be reserved up to 6 months in advance for fees ranging from $17 (basic site) up to $37 (full hook-up premium site) per night. There is also a non-reservable hike-in campground available first-come first-served for $17/night.

Things to Do

With over 18 miles of hiking trails, nearly 7 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, and two major inland lakes – Hamlin Lake and Ludington Lake – spanning the park, there are endless recreational opportunities in Ludington State Park across all seasons. Top activities include:

– Hiking – Favorite trails include the 1-mile Nature Trail loop, 5.8-mile Lost Lake Trail connecting to the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness, and the 4-mile Dunes Trail overlooking Lake Michigan.

– Swimming – Lifeguarded beaches at Hamlin Lake and Ludington Lake are open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Great for swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing.

– Fishing – Hamlin Lake and Ludington Lake have populations of bluegill, largemouth bass, northern pike and more. A Michigan fishing license is required.

– Kayaking/Canoeing – Rentals available. Paddle Hamlin Lake, Ludington Lake or Big Sable River running through the park. Calm inland water perfect for beginners.

– Camping – Modern campground with 323 sites. Hike-in primitive sites also available. Electrical hookups, restrooms and showers on-site.

– Biking – Nearly 7 miles of bike trail spanning dune ridges, forests and shoreline. Mountain biking also popular on backcountry trails. Bike rentals available in town of Ludington.

– Cross-Country Skiing – Over 12 miles of wooded trails provide excellent beginner terrain. Track-style skis can also be used along the park road when snow-covered for a more challenging experience.

– Birdwatching – Prime birding location along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Songbirds, waterfowl, birds of prey and migrating species can be spotted, especially during spring and fall migrations.

Park Facilities

Ludington State Park offers several amenities and conveniences for visitors:

– Beach House – Heated bathhouse with restrooms, outdoor rinse station and concession stand at Ludington Lake Beach.

– Playground – Located near the campground and Ludington Lake Beach.

– Picnic Areas – 4 main picnic grounds with tables and grills available to reserve for a fee.

– Amphitheater – Hosts interpretive programs and evening campfire circles in season. Located near campground.

– Big Sable Lighthouse – Historic lighthouse with museum and gift shop open seasonally, located just north of park.

– Park Office/Contact Station – Get maps, purchase firewood, and consult with park rangers here.

Where to Stay

The campground is extremely popular and sites book up quickly, especially in peak summer. Plan ahead to reserve your site online or by phone up to 6 months in advance through the Michigan DNR. Backcountry camping is also available for backpackers willing to hike to more remote areas of the park.

If camping isn’t your style, Ludington has many waterfront hotels and B&Bs with great access to the park and its beaches. Top-rated choices include La Farge B&B Inn, Cartier Mansion B&B, and Shoreline Inn and Conference Center.

Nearby Attractions

If you want to venture beyond the park, Ludington offers plenty of things to see and do:

– Big Sable Point Lighthouse – Iconic lighthouse just north of the park offering tours and spectacular Lake Michigan overlook.

– Ludington North Breakwater Light – A walkable 1⁄2 mile long breakwall extending into Lake Michigan with a lighthouse at the end.

– Historic Downtown Ludington – Quaint downtown with shops, restaurants, antique stores, a marina and scenic riverwalk.

– SS Badger Car Ferry – Take a fun day trip across Lake Michigan to Manitowoc, Wisconsin via this huge historic ferry.

– Silver Lake State Park – Quiet park with dunes, hiking trails and off-road vehicle areas just 10 minutes south.

– Lincoln Hills Golf Club – Highly rated semi-private course perfect for a scenic day on the greens.

Ludington State Park is a treasured natural paradise offering year-round fun. With sandy beaches, crystal clear inland lakes, wooded dunes and trails galore, it’s easy to see why Ludington draws over 1 million visitors annually. Use this guide to help you plan your Michigan outdoor getaway! I sincerely hope you find this “Ludington State Park, Michigan- Must Know Information” article hlepful.