Best Midwest State Parks

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.

Ludington State Park

Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment