Duck Lake State Park is a popular day-use park located on the shores of Lake Michigan and Duck Lake, with a shallow channel connecting the two. The park features a boat launch, kayak rentals, a picnic area and shelter, and opportunities for paddling, fishing, hiking, hunting and cross-county skiing on the park's 7 miles of natural surface trails.
The park features towering dunes on the lakeshore with a mixture of mature forests, pine plantations and pockets of open meadows inland. The forest community in the park provides critical stopover and nesting habitat for migratory birds, including the Cerulean and hooded warblers.
There are two parking lots, one on the Lake Michigan side and another on the Duck Lake Side. There's a boardwalk under Scenic Drive connecting the two sides of the park.
Muskegon State Park is just 7 miles to the south. The White Lake area, about 5 miles north, boasts restaurants, shopping, marinas and free weekly summer concerts. A lighthouse museum is also located to the north.
There is an accessible picnic shelter located in the day-use area that includes picnic tables, charcoal grills, electrical service (reservations only) and a modern restroom (not accessible). Shelter reservations can be made 12 months in advance at MiDNRReservations.com.
There is a boating access site and carry-in launch on Duck Lake. The lake does not provide access to Lake Michigan.
Duck Lake is home to a variety of fish species.
Hunting is allowed in the state park; however, you should call this park directly to inquire about any special rules, concerns or considerations.
There are modern restrooms at the picnic shelter.
Paddling is a popular activity on Duck Lake. There is a carry-in launch located on Duck Lake; however, it does not provide access to Lake Michigan.
Pets are allowed along the entire length of the Lake Michigan shoreline (.5 miles) and Duck Lake. Pets must always be on a 6-foot leash and under an owner’s immediate control. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles.
The picnic area is near the Duck Lake picnic shelter and includes picnic tables and charcoal grills that are available first come, first served.
The park is closed to motor vehicle traffic in the winter, but accessible by skis and snowmobiles.
The park is home to half a mile of Lake Michigan shoreline and Duck Lake.
