Ludington State Park is known as the “Queen of Michigan State Parks.” Located on the eastern shores of Lake Michigan, it includes nearly 5,300 acres of scenic sand dunes and over five miles of beaches, ponds and forest land. The park is home to Hamlin Lake and one of Michigan’s oldest historical sites, Big Sable Point Lighthouse.
Though the park does offer winter recreational activities, it’s busiest in the summertime, when families come to enjoy weekend getaways on Lake Michigan.
Sabal Point Lighthouse in Ludington State Park
Nearest major city: Ludington, Michigan (5 miles south)
Famous for: Home to Sabal Point Lighthouse, which is still a working lighthouse.
Admission: $6/vehicle per day
Families with children will like: Swimming, boating and playing on the sand dunes. Teens will enjoy tubing down Big Sable River, a lazy river that ends at Lake Michigan.
Other travelers will like: Fishing (license required) and hiking on one of the park’s many trails. There is also a canoe trail for those that wish to explore the park’s waterways.
Easy sightseeing: The Sabal Point Lighthouse is open for tours May-October. It does require walking a 1 1/2 mile sandy trail.
Camping information: There are three campgrounds in the park, offering 355 campsites, that have electric hookups, along with showers and communal restrooms. Rates range from $16 to $27/night. There is also a backcountry tent-only campground with 10 sites available for $12-$16/night.
Other park lodging: The campgrounds also offer several cabins for rent at $45/night.
Other nearby lodging: Ludington, Michigan, has a wide variety of lodging to choose from.
Best months to visit for weather: Late spring and early fall are best for moderate temperatures. Fall is best for the changing colors of the leaves.
Best months to visit to avoid crowds: Peak tourist seasons are the summer months. Spring and fall weekdays are probably the best if looking to avoid crowds.
Getting here:
- Flying – Grand Rapids, Michigan, is closest city serviced by major airline.
- Ferry – In the summer, an auto ferry runs from Ludington, Michigan to Manitowoc, Wisconsin
More info can be found at: Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources
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[Photo courtesy of Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources]