Ludington State Park (100 miles northwest of Grand Rapids) is busy enough to warrant a rich lineup of amenities and programming--including boat rentals, lighthouse tours and guided dune walks--but large enough, at 5,300 acres, to escape summer crowding. Lake Michigan beckons, cobalt waves washing onto unruly dunes. Trails hopscotch over bridges and boardwalks along inland Hamlin Lake. A bike path traces the tranquil Sable River, and a 2-mile hike north through wild sands leads to the lighthouse tower at Big Sable Point (231/843-2423).
Ludington is one of our 36 favorite Midwest state parks, chosen after we visited nearly 100 parks. We felt lucky to explore these treasures--and now we're thrilled to share them with you.
Click ahead to browse two more parks in Michigan plus all our favorite parks in 11 other Midwest states, or click on a state below to jump ahead.
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Maquoketa Caves IS one of best state parks in the midwest, and I'm not saying that just because I live in Maquoketa as I've camped, hiked and enjoyed too many to count in and around the entire midwest. Unfortunately, the bat fungus is going to keep the best part of the park closed until further notice.
6/2/2010 11:58:45 AM Report AbuseAs usual Kansas gets the short end of the stick. I'm not sure why your magazine even includes Kansas in MidWest living. We always seem to be an afterthought.
5/12/2010 06:04:31 PM Report AbuseWith Starved Rock State Park in my home area, I was really amazed at the Cashe River Natural Area near Ulin when we visited there. Cypress trees in Illinois? You bet! We witnessed students of SIU/Carbondale planting them on one of our visits. Other than a lot of history in this park, Mother Nature is at her best! Wish we could have visited every bit but with its size, doubt that will happen. Do take your insect spray as you won't make it without it...pack it with your camera!
5/12/2010 04:44:17 PM Report AbuseThis is Midwest Living -- just wanted to say that our issue was already printed by the time the Maquoketa caves were closed (but our website has an update on that slide). Some other MW caves to try in the meantime: Mystery Cave in Minnesota and Wind Cave in South Dakota. And yes, we love Itasca, too! It's in our May/June issue as well, in a story about the Detroit Lakes region (online at http://www.midwestliving.com/travel/destination/minnesota/laid-back-family-lake-resorts/). Love the comments!
5/12/2010 12:47:00 PM Report AbuseWe NEED thumbnails! I don't have time to click through all these lovely sites, but would love to read the ones related to my family's needs and recreation.
5/12/2010 12:19:36 PM Report AbuseConstruction note on website: All caves at the park will be closed to public access beginning May 3, 2010 and will remain closed through this year and possibly longer. The campground, shelters, trails and interpretive center will remain open for use. Reservation are still available for camping but no discount will be given due to the cave closures.
5/12/2010 12:18:24 PM Report AbuseMy favorite state park is Ludington State Park in Michigan. I am pleased to see it made the list. A walk through the campground reveals license plates from a wide range of states, a testament to its popularity and beauty.
5/12/2010 12:01:08 PM Report AbuseI find it interesting that the writers of this article didn't include or even mention Itasca State Park in Minnesota? The first state park in the state (32,000 plus acres) and home to the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi River plus many other attractions. Check out this link to see more info on this park! http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/itasca/index.html
5/12/2010 10:43:01 AM Report AbuseI love the recommendations on the parks, but maybe you should have done some research first. Based on the article I took off and went to Maquoketa Caves Park - guess what - the caves are closed starting May 3, 2010 for a year!
5/11/2010 08:34:21 AM Report Abuse