Ludington State Park Skyline Trail Will Be Rebuilt before Next Season

view from the Skyline Trail (photo by Steve Benoche- used with permission)

from the Ludington Daily News

Beginning in September, the Skyline Trail at Ludington State Park (Michigan) will be under reconstruction. A contract has been awarded to MIHM Enterprises for the large project.

The Skyline Trail is an elevated walkway that overlooks the southern dune portion of the park. It was originally built it 1979-80, and was constructed entirely of wood. The new trail will have steel support posts, and some sections will be even higher to allow the natural movement of sand.

Friends of Ludington State Park say this is one of the biggest projects they've undertaken. Over $350,000 was raised by the Friends. Another $50,000 came from Pennies From Heaven. The total cost of the project is $3.5 million, with the DNR picking up the bulk of the cost.

The project has been delayed from the original timetable, mostly due to engineering difficulties to bring the new trail up to current code standards while preserving the aspects that have made it a park favorite.

As pictured above, the trail has an En-Chroma viewer to enable color-blind persons to better enjoy the view, and that will be installed on the new walkway

The rebuilt trail is expected to be open in 2027.

See Friends of Ludington State Park


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Ludington State Park Skyline Trail to be Rebuilt

Events Calendar

LSP Skyline Trail from below (photo by jhy)

from the Ludington State Park Facebook page

Winding a half-mile through the treetops at the top of a 100-plus-stair climb, the Skyline Trail at Ludington State Park (Mason County, Michigan) will receive a major upgrade in 2026 thanks to a collaboration between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Friends of Ludington State Park. This trail is south of the Big Sable River and provides views of the dunes at the south end of the park.

The $3.5 million reconstruction project will ensure the Skyline Trail meets modern safety and construction standards. The Friends are raising 10 percent of the cost, up to a maximum of $350,000, with the DNR using dedicated capital outlay funds to cover the remaining amount.

Additionally, the Friends of Ludington State Park approved an almost $100,000 improvement project to replace the existing concrete stage, add a protective canopy, refresh the seating, and explore tiering the grassy area to create additional seating for this amphitheater built in 1998. This project will occur in the same timeframe as the Skyline Trail replacement to minimize disruption on the south side of the river. Funding includes a $50,000 donation from Pennies from Heaven Foundation, continued support for the summer concert series from Safe Harbor Credit Union, and proceeds from Pure Ludington BRRRewfest 2026, which will directly support the amphitheater improvements.

See Ludington State Park


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Ludington Makes Campspot Top 12 List

Events Calendar

Big Sable lighthouse at Ludington State Park(photo by jhy)

from Campspot.com

Ludington State Park, Michigan, was in the top 12 camping destinations in the United States, as calculated by Campspot.

To identify the top destinations for Together-Trips in 2026, Campspot used a two-part approach combining real-time search trends with past booking behaviors. They started by identifying the most-searched destinations for 2026 travel across the Campspot platform—places already capturing traveler interest for the year ahead. From there, they evaluated those destinations using three key behavioral filters based on 2025 bookings:
• Group Travel Volume- Cities with a high percentage of bookings that included multiple campsites or 3+ campers, signaling trips designed around togetherness.
• Length Of Stay- Destinations with the most bookings of 3 or more nights, offering campers the time and space to form deeper bonds and spontaneous connections.
• Year-Over-Year Growth- Locations showing the largest increases in either booking volume or average group size, reflecting growing cultural momentum.

The winners in the Midwest Region were Waterville, Minnesota, Eagle River, Wisconsin, and Ludington, Michigan. High occupancy and long‑stay stats propelled Ludington into the rankings. Its expansive Lake Michigan beaches, iconic lighthouse and dune‑lined Ludington State Park make it perfect for multi‑family camping trips.

See an article on the topic in Grand Rapids Magazine


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Hammock Campers Rendevouz at Ludington State Park

camper Vince poses by his hammock (photo by jhy)

by JHY

Twenty hardy fellows converged on Ludington State Park this weekend for a weekend of camping, hiking, and fun. They are all members of hammockforums.net, a meeting place for people who want to discuss all things related to sleeping in hammocks.

These are not your summer string hammocks, hung semi-permanently near a cabin. These hammocks are medium to high tech creations made for easy hanging, packing, and carrying. What's high-tech about a hammock you ask? The fabric (waterproof, breatheable, lightweight), the pattern (stability, comfort, ease of entrance and exit), the accessories (hanging straps, zippers, cords, quilts).

In fact, discussing and looking at the merits of each other's gear is one of the popular activities at such outings. And this activity is not limited to the hammocks. Two men wore traditional wool coat-shirts they had made, and another demonstrated a handmade laser-cut, collapsible wood-burning backpacker stove.

About twice a year there is a regional campout. These happen somewhat spontaneously as a result of conversations on the forum. There's no official restriction on who can attend. One camper this weekend was from Indiana, and another from Chicago.

campfire breakfast (photo by jhy)

Eggs and sausages were hot and waiting for me when I arrived. Some guys were getting ready to explore the park trails. I sampled a dense and delicious pemmican bread baked and brought by one of the men.

Women are welcome to participate, and there are usually a few, but this particular weekend none were in attendance.

A couple of the participants even had tents, and were not being run out of the group on a rail. If you are looking for a group that likes to get out regularly, the folks at hammockforums are eager to welcome you.

(A longer article should appear in the Outdoor section of the Ludington Daily News on March 3.)



See Hammock Forum
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Snowshoe Outings at Ludington State Park

(photo by JHY)

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a news release of Ludington State Park

Ludington State Park is offering free guided snowshoe walks on Saturdays, weather permitting, starting January 9th through February 27, 2010. These 1 ½ hour guided snowshoe nature / history programs will take you out through Ludington State Park’s snow-covered sand dunes. There are two walks given each Saturday start at 3:00 P.M. or try the “Moonlight Walk” at 7:00 P.M. Tired of skiing, looking for something that is much easier than skiing, or just want to try something different? Come out to experience for yourself the ease and fun of walking in snowshoes! We will teach you how easy it is to put on and use snowshoes. Snowshoeing can be done by anyone at any age. “If you can walk you can snowshoe.” Did you know that one hour of moderate walking in snowshoes burns off 750 calories? Also, snowshoeing is one of the safest winter activities!

All walks begin and end at the Warming Shelter, located next to the parking lot at the end of Michigan Highway M-116. We have over 40 pairs of snowshoes to loan out on a first come first serve basis. Our loaner snowshoes will fit people ages 8 years old and up to 100 years old! If you have your own pair of snowshoes just bring them along and don’t forget to bring your friends! Dress warm, wear good fitting winter walking shoes or boots, and bring a flashlight if you’re going to attend the “Moonlight Walk.” Your family, friends, and you will truly enjoy this winter fun activity”

A Michigan State Parks and Recreation Motor Vehicle Permit will be required and on sale when you arrive at the Park.

Contact Alan Wernette
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Snowshoe Making Classes at Ludington State Park

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a news release of Michigan DNR

The Department of Natural Resources has added three snowshoe-making classes at Ludington State Park, located at 8800 W. M-116 in Ludington, as part of its winter season schedule:

• Sunday, Jan. 10, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Friday, Jan. 22, 6:30 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 23, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Monday, Jan. 25, and Tuesday, Jan. 26, 6:30 to 10 p.m.

All classes will be held at the Ludington State Park's Warming Shelter. Please note that some of the classes are split over two days.

Led by DNR park interpreter Allen Wernette, the classes will instruct participants in how to weave a pair of traditional wooden snowshoes that will last for generations.

"These classes are a great opportunity to learn firsthand about a Great Lakes tradition and, once the class is over, to walk away with a unique, usable keepsake for yourself or a hand-crafted gift for someone else," said Wernette. "Snowshoeing is an easy way for nature enthusiasts of all ages to enjoy the winter outdoors. If you can walk, you can snowshoe."

The class fee is $160 and includes all materials and equipment needed to make one pair of snowshoes. Class size is limited and reservations are required. Because this is an activity that requires concentration over long periods of time, the class is recommended for participants ages 16 and older.

A motor vehicle permit is required when entering the state park. Cost is $24 for a resident annual permit or $6 for a resident daily permit. For nonresidents, an annual permit is $29 and a daily permit is $8.

To make a reservation, call (231) 843-9261 or e-mail Allen Wernette
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Make Snowshoes at Ludington State Park

snowshoers (photo by JHY)

if you like this article, click the Blip chiclet!
a news release of the Michigan DNR

You are invited you to learn to weave a pair of traditional wooden snowshoes at Ludington State Park, using methods similar to those Native Americans used for generations.

"Snowshoes offer form and function; wear them to get through the snow this winter, show them off as a decoration or give them as a handmade gift," said Ludington State Park Interpreter Alan Wernette, who teaches the snowshoe-making class. "Snowshoeing is an easy way to get outside and burn calories during the winter months and is an inexpensive and fun activity for all ages. If you can walk, you can snowshoe."

The cost for making a pair of snowshoes ranges from $90 to $160 depending on the style. Cost includes the pre-formed wooden frames, lacing, top-of-the-line binding and personal instructions. Classes are designed to be fun and interesting.

All classes are held at Ludington State Park's Warming Shelter. Because this activity requires concentration over long periods of time, it is suggested for ages 16 and older. Note that some of the classes are split over two days. Classes are scheduled for:

Oct. 17 and 18, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Oct. 26 and 27, 6:30 to 10 p.m.
Nov. 8, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Nov. 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Nov. 23 and 24, 6:30. to 10 p.m.
Dec. 8, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dec. 20, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Jan. 7 and 8, 6:30 to 10 p.m.
Jan. 25 and 26, 6:30 to 10 p.m.

Class size is limited and reservations are required. To make a reservation, please call Ludington State Park at (231) 843-9261 or e-mail wernettea@michigan.gov.

A motor vehicle permit is required when entering the state park. Permits are $6 for the day or $24 for an annual permit, which is valid at any state park.

See How To Select Wooden Snowshoes
See Snowshoeing Can Burn More Calories Than Skiing
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Interlochen and Ludington to Help Celebrate 90th Year of MI State Parks

from the Michigan DNR

Interlochen State Park became the first state park in 1919. Since then, Michigan has expanded to 98 state parks and recreation areas. The newest state park, Tri-Centennial State Park and Harbor in Detroit, was established in 2003 and is still in its final phases of construction.

Over the years, the state park system also has acquired 285,000 acres of land which serve as the foundation for six scenic sites, 10 lighthouses, 830 developed boating access sites, 17 harbors, five linear trails and numerous historic and cultural features, all under the authority of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division.

Michigan's State Park System will be celebrating 90 years of excellence at all Michigan state parks and recreation areas throughout 2009. The Department of Natural Resources is planning a 90th Anniversary Kick-Off for Saturday, June 20, at state parks and recreation areas across Michigan with cake, ice cream and activities for our visitors.

From Old Thyme Days at Interlochen State Park to music festivals and fishing contests, history week at Ludington State Park, geo-caching days and a native heritage day, there will be a wide variety of events to pique the interest of park visitors and outdoor enthusiasts.

As events are planned, they will be posted Go Get Outdoors
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Ludington Pair Camped in Big Snow

based on a news article in the Ludington Daily News, "Local pair were tent camping through snowstorm," by Brian Mulherin, Jan 24, 2009

Two weekends ago, when Ludington was the hub of a storm that dumped 18 inches of snow on the area, most people were huddled in their houses. Tim Martin and Mark Thompson skied past the Big Sable lighthouse into the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness and camped in a tent.

They've been doing it for 20 years! They've learned a lot and have a system that works. Martin said, "winter camping is about being prepared." They hauled the gear in on a sled. Warmth for the trips relies heavily on Gore-Tex and goose down. During the day the men stay warm by skiing or cutting firewood. "It's those midnight trips to go to the bathroom that are the worst," Martin added.

The guys were discussing the snow prediction, and thought that it was for about three inches. But once it started it just didn't stop. When they woke up Sunday morning there was so much snow on the tent that it felt like someone was pushing on the tent. And they could still hear more snow falling on the rain fly. Looking outside, it was like they had never been there. All signs of their activity were buried.

One challenging task was finding firewood because they only take wood that is already down. It was hard to find enough under the snow. But the really hard part was the ski out from their campsite. The trip normally takes an hour, but with the deep, soft snow it took over three hours. They began at 3 pm, and didn't reach their vehicle until 6:30 pm. The men said they had no trouble finding their way, even though it was slightly after dark when they finished.

Plans are already in the works to take some friends winter camping who haven't done it before. For that expedition they plan to use the Ludington State Park Campsite.

Martin's final word to the wise: "It's important to have the right gear."

See Nordhouse Dunes
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Winter Camping Allowed at Ludington State Park

Like to get out year round? Ludington State Park offers winter camping opportunities in the Cedar Loop.

The experience is described by park personnel as "semi-modern." The access road and campsites are plowed, and electricity is available. However the bathroom buildings are closed (closing date around November 1 each year). Winter rest room facilities are limited to latrines. No showers are available. There is a kiosk for self-registration.

In addition the park has three mini cabins which can be rented. Each of the campground loops has one of these cabins. Rental of a cabin in either Pines or Beechwood Loop will include use of the key to open the gate for vehicle access during your stay.

Call the reservation call center at 1-800-447-PARKS or for local information 231-843-2423. A State Park sticker is required year round for entry.

The park offers snowshoe making classes throughout the winter, and guided snowshoe hikes. See the GOTC Calendar of Events for dates and times. There are several miles of trails designated for skiing which are sometimes groomed depending on the availability of staff.

There are a total of 10 Michigan State Parks open for winter camping. Both Mitchell and Traverse City have heated restrooms available in the winter. The others are: Algonac, Bay City State Park, Fort Custer, North Higgins Lake State Park , Rifle River Recreation Area, Tahquamenon Falls and Waterloo Recreation Area-Portage campground.

Many parks have rustic cabins and mini cabins available in winter. And Pinckney and Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State park rent out yurts for winter camping.

by Joan H. Young
See Ludington State Park, Michigan DNR site
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Mullen Retires as Ludington State Park Manager

Ludington State Park Manager for 18 years, Mike Mullen, retired November 30. Mullen began his career in 1969 at Silver Lake State Park and then served at four other Michigan parks before being hired as Park Manager at Ludington in 1989. Mullen says that he always felt that Ludington was a great place to be. He declined to list his own accomplishments, but pointed to the many great people he has been able to hire over the years.

Some of those great people threw him a non-party, since Mullen requested that there be no retirement celebration. Nevertheless, about 30 people showed up to "not" celebrate.

Others stepped up to tell about Mullen's successes. The partnership with the Big Sable Point Lighthouse Association was crafted by Mike. When the state took over the lighthouse property in 2002, Mullen wrote a lease with the Association by which they provide the interpretation of the lighthouse, operate a gift shop, and preserve its history.

Mullen also helped create Friends of the Park. This group is responsible for the warming shelter, and the snowshoe program. The Friends also help repair the park shelters, originally built by the CCC.

Others said that Mike will be remembered for his integrity and his high standards. Mullen and his wife, Colleen plan to retire to the Upper Peninsula.

read more in the Ludington Daily News
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