General management planning for Ludington State Park
The DNR is in the process of updating the general management plan for Ludington State Park. The process typically takes 8 months to complete and is in the beginning stages. Public and stakeholder input will be a critical part of the process.
This process will review and update the Ludington State Park general Management Plan approved in 2016, focusing on the action plan.
A park's general management plan defines a long-range (10- to 20-year) planning and management strategy to protect and preserve the site’s natural and cultural resources and provide access to land- and water-based public recreation and educational opportunities.
About the park
Ludington State Park, situated between the 5,000-acre Hamlin Lake and 7 miles of sandy Lake Michigan shoreline, features scenic sand dunes, three modern campgrounds, a rustic hike-in campground, the iconic Big Sable Point Lighthouse, 21 miles of marked trails and more. A 1-mile stretch of the Big Sable River runs thrugh the park and provides excellent opportunities for fishing, paddling and tubing.
Visitors can also explore Great Lakes and dune ecology through exhibits at the historic Lake Michigan Beach House or gain insight into maritime history by touring the Big Sable Point Lighthouse with volunteer keepers or participate in the park's year-round interpretive programs.
Public input
The public survey closed Oct. 4, 2026 – thank you to the more than 1,600 people who shared their feedback! We’re now analyzing your input to help shape the draft general management plan. You’ll have another opportunity to review and comment on the updated draft in the coming months.
Resources
- Ludington State Park 2016 General Management Plan
- Ludington State Park General Management Plan - Appendices A-B
- Ludington State Park General Management Plan - Appendices C-F
Contact
For more information, contact Debbie Jensen, park management plan administrator for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, at JensenD1@Michigan.gov.