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Ludington State Park education programs

A park interpreter leads a program on the dunes in front of the Big Sable Lighthouse

Ludington State Park education programs

Hours of Operation

Lake Michigan Beach House hours:

May 15 - Oct. 15: Beach House open daily 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Oct. 16 - May 14: Closed for the season

The Big Sable Point Lighthouse:

May 1 - Oct. 31: Open daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

An introduction to educational programs at Ludington State Park

Ludington State Park, located on the shore of Lake Michigan, includes 5,300 acres of freshwater sand dunes. These sand dunes are spectacular and provide visitors with access to one of the best examples of freshwater dunes in the world. The park includes over 5 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, interdunal ponds and forested dune landscapes. The park is home to Hamlin Lake and one of Michigan's oldest lighthouses, Big Sable Point Lighthouse.

Ludington State Park offers interpretive programs year-round that help visitors learn about the sand dunes, the Great Lakes, the history of Big Sable Point Lighthouse, the lumber-era sawmill and village and the Civilian Conservation Corps camp. Programs are free, and reservations are required for school groups and organizations. Public programs do not require reservations. 

Visitor center information

School programs

We offer a variety of field trip opportunities and school programs.

Learn more and register

Weekly program schedule

Seasonal programs available for adults and families.

Upcoming programs