Pictures of Ludington State Park, Michigan

Ludington State Park is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, halfway up the western coast of lower Michigan. It encompasses sand dunes, picturesque beaches, a lighthouse, and lakes and streams surrounded by mixed forests. I camped overnight in the state park with my newly married wife and an old friend. We spent nearly four hours hiking total and enjoyed the fall colors, which were close to reaching peak. Temperatures were around 40 F in the night, and it sprinkled on us.

Pier with lighthouse at the town of Ludington.

Duck.

At the lighthouse.

Dinner at our hike-in campsite: buckwheat with soup and chopped vegetables.

My companions the next morning. We all slept under a 10x10 tarp.

Heron?

This river carries water from Ludington Park's lakes to Lake Michigan.

Waterland scene.

The park has 18 miles of trails. This one passes over some water.

Swan.

Wetland scene.

In the forest, there are some surprisingly steep hills.

Sand dunes near the shore.

Big Sable Point Lighthouse.

At the beach. It was quite windy.

My friend Todd.

Lighthouse.

View from the top of Big Sable Point Lighthouse. Entrance + tour costs $2, and there is a souvenir shop at the base.

A timid tourist carefully descends the stairs.

Lighthouse window.

Grassy beach scene.

Lake Michigan beach.

Lake Michigan beach.