Friends of Ludington State Park, DNR to renovate Skyline Trail

Long-awaited project will revitalize beloved path with views of Lake Michigan

One of Ludington State Park’s most beloved and scenic features – the Skyline Trail – will receive a major upgrade thanks to a collaboration between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Friends of Ludington State Park.

The $3.5 million reconstruction project, which will get underway this fall and be completed in 2026, will ensure the Skyline Trail meets modern safety and construction standards. The Friends of Ludington State Park has pledged to raise 10 percent of the total cost, up to a maximum of $350,000, with the DNR using dedicated capital outlay funds to cover the remaining amount.

“This is the most ambitious project in our 33-year history,” said Patrick O’Hare, president of the friends group. “But we believe in it and our community.”

Construction is expected to go out for bid later this season, with work projected to begin this fall and conclude by late summer or early fall next year.

“We’re excited to see this long-anticipated project moving forward,” said Jim Gallie, park manager at Ludington State Park in Mason County. “The Skyline Trail is a treasure, and thanks to the dedication of the park's friends group, we’re one step closer to ensuring it remains a part of the park experience for years to come.”

Friends of Ludington State Park is pleased with its fundraising progress so far, O'Hare said.

"With $50,000 from Friends of Ludington State Park and $212,000 from donors, we are steadily climbing toward our goal of $350,000," O’Hare said. “In addition, if we reach our goal by Sept. 30, Pennies from Heaven will contribute $50,000, which can be used for other projects.”

About the trail: ‘Moment of awe’

Winding a half-mile along a forested ridge, the Skyline Trail offers a breathtaking journey above the state park’s southern dunes. From this elevated boardwalk, visitors are treated to sweeping views of Lake Michigan and, on especially clear days, even a glimpse of the distant dunes at Silver Lake State Park.

"The Skyline Trail’s staircases offer both a physical climb and a moment of awe, one step at a time,” said O’Hare. “In speaking with donors, I’ve heard amazing stories about how this trail has touched lives, from quiet moments of reflection to family hikes filled with laughter. This project is about more than rebuilding a trail – it’s about preserving a shared history and creating new memories yet to come. Together, we will reach the summit and help others do the same for generations.”

Powerful partnerships

Friends groups like Friends of Ludington State Park are nonprofit organizations that play an invaluable role in helping to protect Michigan state parks and recreation areas.

“We’re incredibly grateful for our friends groups and all that they do for our parks,” said Kristen Kosick, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “Whether it’s fundraising, recruiting volunteers, leading restoration projects or providing educational programming for the public, these dedicated individuals make a difference, every day, and enhance the visitor experience at parks throughout the state.”

Anyone who has an interest in supporting state parks is welcome to join or start a friends group. Find more information and resources at Michigan.gov/DNR/About/Get-involved/Friends-sp.

Follow Friends of Ludington State Park on Facebook or visit the group’s website at friendsofludingtonstatepark.org for more information about the Skyline Trail project, group happenings, volunteer opportunities, membership or donations.

Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.

• Skyline Trail: One of Ludington State Park’s most beloved and scenic features – the Skyline Trail – will receive a major upgrade thanks to a collaboration between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Friends of Ludington State Park.
• Stairway: Renovation of the Skyline Trail at Ludington State Park in Mason County is expected to go out for bid later this season, with work projected to begin this fall and conclude by late summer or early fall next year.