68°
Mostly Cloudy
7%
60
Mason County, MI · Great Lakes
Ludington State Park
8800 W M-116, Ludington, MI 49431
A 5,300-acre Michigan DNR park wedged between Lake Michigan and 5,000-acre Hamlin Lake, with 7 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, dunes, and the historic 1867 Big Sable Point Lighthouse at the end of a 1.8-mile beach walk.
Today's Conditions
Great day for photography.
Cool but workable
Full NWS forecast for Today
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68. Northwest wind 6 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Weather
- 68°F air — cool but workable
- Cloud cover — overcast reduces uv exposure but the vibe too
Water
- 62°F water — chilly — expect a gasp entering
59 /100
good
50 Swim
60 Sunbathe
74 Walk
86 Fish
84 Photo
Best for photography today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
68°F
Fog
Wind
6 to 10 mph
NW
Rain
7%
Today
UV Peak
4 Moderate
Peaks 11 AM · burn in ~50m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
74°F
Partly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
62°F
Cold
Water Quality
Clean
4 cfu/100mL · E. coli
USGS · sampled 10mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:04 AM
Sunset
9:33 PM
Moon · 80%
Waxing Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
74°
Partly Sunny
0%
75
78°
Sunny
1%
75
84°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
16%
71
80°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Sunny
30%
37
80°
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny
15%
75
79°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
40%
24
What to Bring Today
- recommended Wetsuit or expect a chill Water is 62°F
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Best Fishing Times Today
Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.
Major
8:50 PM - 10:50 PM
Minor
2:20 AM - 3:20 AM
Major
9:20 AM - 11:20 AM
Minor
5:40 PM - 6:40 PM
Beach Info
Parking
Multiple lots at Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake beach houses; MI Recreation Passport required for vehicle entry.
Dogs
Dogs allowed leashed (6 ft) in most park areas. Designated swim areas for dogs along Lake Michigan north of the Big Sable River. Prohibited on the main buoyed swim beaches.
Entry Fee
MI Recreation Passport: $17/year resident vehicle, $34 non-resident (2026).
Address
8800 W M-116, Ludington, MI 49431
Amenities
7-Day Tide Chart →
Full high/low predictions for the next week at Ludington State Park.
7-Day Weather →
Extended forecast for Ludington State Park from the National Weather Service.
Frequently Asked
Is Ludington State Park dog-friendly?
Dogs allowed leashed (6 ft) in most park areas. Designated swim areas for dogs along Lake Michigan north of the Big Sable River. Prohibited on the main buoyed swim beaches.
Is there an entry fee at Ludington State Park?
MI Recreation Passport: $17/year resident vehicle, $34 non-resident (2026).
Are there lifeguards at Ludington State Park?
No lifeguards are stationed at Ludington State Park. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Ludington State Park?
Amenities at Ludington State Park include restrooms, showers, concession, kayak/SUP rentals (Hamlin Lake), campgrounds, lighthouse, hiking trails, picnic area.
When is the water warmest at Ludington State Park?
Great Lakes water temperatures peak in late July and August at roughly 68-74°F near shore — cool compared to the ocean. Best swimming window is mid-July to late August.
Where is Ludington State Park located?
Ludington State Park is in Mason County, MI, at 8800 W M-116, Ludington, MI 49431.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS