Ludington State Park

Ludington State Park is a state park located in Ludington, Michigan between the shores of

Big Sable Point Lighthouse

Ludington State Park is home to Big Sable Point Lighthouse. The lighthouse was first lit in 1876 and the light tower stands convert|112|ft|m high. It can be visited from the beginning of May through the end of October and 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 take a tour of the lighthouse for a small donation.

Hamlin Lake

Hamlin Lake is an artificial lake created by backup of the Big Sable River by the Hamlin Lake Dam. The lake is 4,990 acres (20 km²) large, 5 miles long and 2 miles wide. Hamlin Lake is comprised of 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 begin and end here (including a canoe trail). During the winter seasons, ice fishing around the lake is popular.

Big Sable River

Big Sable River is the primary river that runs through the park. It begins at Hamlin Lake Dam, the dam that created Hamlin Lake, and ends at Lake Michigan. The primary road that runs through the park also runs alongside the full length of the river. During the summer months, Big Sable River can often be seen with groups of people floating in innertubes down current. The river is home to otters and many fish. In 2005, the park made an effort to replenish salmon population by creating cages for the fish to grow in and release them when they were able to live on their own.

Camping

Ludington State Park contains three campgrounds: Pines, Cedars, and Beechwood containing a total of 355 campsites. Each camground contains one mini-cabin. There are ten campsites within the remote Jack Pine camping area set aside for backpack hikers to stay in.

Pines

The first campground located in the park is the Pines Campground, which contains 96 campsites, making it the smallest in the camground. It is located just inside the entrance to the park. 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 104 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. The Cedars Campground 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 144 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.

This is the most popular campground in the park for several reasons. It is more secluded than the others as 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.

ee also

* Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness

External links

* [http://www.hamlinlake.com/ Hamlin Lake within park]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEGFRaHqo6g Ludington State Park video]
* [http://www.bigsablelighthouse.org/ The Big Sable Point Lighthouse]
* [http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.aspx?id=468 Ludington State Park state information]