77°
Mostly Sunny
0%
67
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
Ideal for a beach walk.
NWS alert active · 77°F air · 71°F water
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. Southwest wind around 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear. Low around 64, with temperatures rising to around 66 overnight. West northwest wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.
Weather
- 77°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — mostly sunny
Water
- 71°F water — swimmable, refreshing
Safety
- NWS alert active — beach hazards statement issued september 9 at 9:52am edt until september 9 at 8:00pm edt by nws grand rapids mi
67 /100
good
52 Swim
81 Sunbathe
85 Walk
45 Fish
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Beach Hazard Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued September 9 at 9:52AM EDT until September 9 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Grand Rapids MI
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...High wave action, strong currents, and dangerous swimming conditions expected. Piers may be heavily swamped by waves. * WHERE...Mason, Oceana, Muskegon, Ottawa, Allegan and Van Buren counties. * WHEN...Until 8 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Strong currents can pull swimmers into deeper water and high waves can sweep people off piers.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
77°F
Mostly Sunny
Wind
13 mph
SW
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
3 Moderate
Peaks 04 PM · burn in ~67m
Burn-free before 03 PM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
72°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
71°F
Refreshing
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
7:18 AM
Sunset
8:08 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
72°
Mostly Sunny
0%
80
74°
Sunny
0%
80
75°
Partly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers
30%
65
72°
Mostly Sunny
8%
79
77°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
58%
14
72°
Showers And Thunderstorms
77%
4
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen clear day + warm temps
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 13 mph wind
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
11:20 PM - 1:20 AM
Minor
5:00 AM - 6:00 AM
Major
11:40 AM - 1:40 PM
Minor
7:10 PM - 8:10 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
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Ludington State Park today?
Ludington State Park shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
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