Ludington State Park
Encyclopedia
Ludington State Park is a state park
located just north of Ludington, Michigan
between the shores of Lake Michigan
and Hamlin Lake. The park encompasses nearly 5300 acres (2,144.8 ha) and contains several ecosystems, including: forests, sand dunes, a dam
, a Great Lake, and a river
.
is the primary river that runs through the park. The park's portion of the river begins at Hamlin Lake Dam, the dam that created Hamlin Lake, and ends at Lake Michigan. The primary road that runs through the park runs alongside the full length of this portion of the river. During the summer months, Big Sable River can often be seen with groups of people floating down current in inner tubes. The river is home to otters and many fish. In 2005, the park made an effort to replenish the salmon population by creating cages for the fish to grow in and then releasing them when they were able to live on their own.
It is the most popular campground in the park for several reasons. It is more secluded than the others as it sits off on its own, away from popular tourist areas and other campgrounds. It has the most campsites ready for tents to be set up. It is also one of the best areas in the park for recreation. Several trails run through or near this campground, including the Lost Lake Trail which guides hikers around the nearby Hamlin Lake. There is a playground and small pond nearby. Small church services are conducted every Sunday morning.
Beechwood was renovated somewhat recently and received several benefits. It now contains the majority of the park's boardwalks where people can fish, walk, and relax. The boardwalks also connect the campground to its own private, though very small, island.
State park
State parks are parks or other protected areas managed at the federated state level within those nations which use "state" as a political subdivision. State parks are typically established by a state to preserve a location on account of its natural beauty, historic interest, or recreational...
located just north of Ludington, Michigan
Ludington, Michigan
Ludington is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 8,357. It is the county seat of Mason County.Ludington is a harbor town located on Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Pere Marquette River...
between the shores of Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes of North America and the only one located entirely within the United States. It is the second largest of the Great Lakes by volume and the third largest by surface area, after Lake Superior and Lake Huron...
and Hamlin Lake. The park encompasses nearly 5300 acres (2,144.8 ha) and contains several ecosystems, including: forests, sand dunes, a dam
Dam
A dam is a barrier that impounds water or underground streams. Dams generally serve the primary purpose of retaining water, while other structures such as floodgates or levees are used to manage or prevent water flow into specific land regions. Hydropower and pumped-storage hydroelectricity are...
, a Great Lake, and a river
River
A river is a natural watercourse, usually freshwater, flowing towards an ocean, a lake, a sea, or another river. In a few cases, a river simply flows into the ground or dries up completely before reaching another body of water. Small rivers may also be called by several other names, including...
.
Big Sable Point Lighthouse
Ludington State Park is home to Big Sable Point Lighthouse. The lighthouse was first lit in 1876 and stands 112 feet (34.1 m) high. It can be visited from the beginning of May through the end of October. Visitors must walk one and a half miles on the sandy beach to reach it, though there is limited bus transportation on certain days throughout the season. Visitors can tour the lighthouse for a small donation.Hamlin Lake
Hamlin Lake is an artificial lake created by the backup of the Big Sable River by the Hamlin Lake Dam. The lake, which covers 4990 acres (20.2 km²), is five miles long and two miles wide. It has two sections, the upper and lower lakes, which are separated by the narrows. The lake is great for swimming during summer months as it is typically much warmer than Lake Michigan and has a smaller swimming area, making it easier to keep track of family and friends. Park visitors can rent a variety of boats at this location and many of the park's trails (including a canoe trail) begin and end here. During the winter season, ice fishing is popular.Big Sable River
Big Sable RiverBig Sable River
The Big Sable River is a river in Michigan. It originates in Lake County in the chain of lakes known as Sauble Lakes and flows across Lake and Mason Counties. It is dammed to form Hamlin Lake, and below the dam continues through Ludington State Park to empty into Lake Michigan. It is not navigable...
is the primary river that runs through the park. The park's portion of the river begins at Hamlin Lake Dam, the dam that created Hamlin Lake, and ends at Lake Michigan. The primary road that runs through the park runs alongside the full length of this portion of the river. During the summer months, Big Sable River can often be seen with groups of people floating down current in inner tubes. The river is home to otters and many fish. In 2005, the park made an effort to replenish the salmon population by creating cages for the fish to grow in and then releasing them when they were able to live on their own.
Camping
Ludington State Park has three campgrounds -- Pines, Cedars, and Beechwood -- containing a total of 352 campsites. Each campground also contains one mini-cabin. In addition, there are ten campsites within the remote Jack Pine camping area set aside for backpack hikers.Pines
The first campground located in the park, Pines, contains 99 campsites, making it the smallest in the park. It is located just inside the park entrance. The walk to the beach and the restaurant on the beach are mere minutes from any campsite in the area.Cedars
Cedars is the second campground in the park. It contains 106 campsites and is located about 1/3 the way into the park. Cedars is home to the camp store which sells t-shirts, food, camping equipment, firewood, ice cream, and miscellaneous other goods. It also rents out bicycles to use within the park. Cedars is the closest campground to the nature center and the Skyline Trail, a popular short walk along a ridge.Beechwood
Beechwood is the largest campground in Ludington State Park with 147 campsites. Beechwood is located about 3/4 of the way into the park and is split into two sections, with the top section being far smaller than the section at the bottom of a high hill.It is the most popular campground in the park for several reasons. It is more secluded than the others as it sits off on its own, away from popular tourist areas and other campgrounds. It has the most campsites ready for tents to be set up. It is also one of the best areas in the park for recreation. Several trails run through or near this campground, including the Lost Lake Trail which guides hikers around the nearby Hamlin Lake. There is a playground and small pond nearby. Small church services are conducted every Sunday morning.
Beechwood was renovated somewhat recently and received several benefits. It now contains the majority of the park's boardwalks where people can fish, walk, and relax. The boardwalks also connect the campground to its own private, though very small, island.
Park Recreation
Ludington State Park is home to several bike and hiking trails that vary in difficulty. Hiking trails are generally very well marked but a map from the park rangers' station will come in handy. There is plenty of fishing to be done at Hamlin Lake, Big Sable River, and Lake Michigan. The park also contains a nature center that highlights the park's wildlife and natural habitat. Tubing down Big Sable River and swimming in Hamlin Lake and Lake Michigan are encouraged during the summer months.Other Park Amenities
On Lake Michigan, the Beach Cafe can be found. It is the only restaurant located in the park and has stunning views of Lake Michigan and the beach. The cafe has a gift shop attached and a changing/locker room in the basement for those who would like to swim in Lake Michigan.External links
- Ludington State Park Michigan Department of Natural ResourcesMichigan Department of Natural ResourcesThe Michigan Department of Natural Resources is the agency of the state of Michigan charged with maintaining natural resources such as state parks, state forests, and recreation areas. It is governed by a director appointed by the Governor and accepted by the Natural Resources Commission...
- Ludington State Park Protected Planet (World Database on Protected Areas)
- Hamlin Lake
- Ludington State Park video
- Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association