49°
Sunny
0%
42
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
Decent day for photography.
49°F air · 54°F water
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny. High near 49, with temperatures falling to around 45 in the afternoon. West southwest wind around 8 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy. Low around 40, with temperatures rising to around 43 overnight. Southwest wind 9 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Weather
- 49°F air — too cold to enjoy the beach
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 54°F water — cold — wetsuit or stay dry
42 /100
ok
32 Swim
41 Sunbathe
65 Walk
53 Fish
67 Photo
Best for photography today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
49°F
Partly Cloudy
Wind
8 mph
WSW
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
2 Low
Peaks 12 PM · burn in ~100m
Burn-free before 11 AM & after 01 PM
Tomorrow
55°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
54°F
Too cold to swim
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
7:30 AM
Sunset
5:29 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
55°
Mostly Sunny
1%
39
56°
Partly Sunny
0%
43
55°
Sunny
0%
45
52°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
20%
32
47°
Chance Rain Showers
41%
10
47°
Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers
19%
26
What to Bring Today
- critical Wetsuit (if swimming at all) Water is 54°F — dangerously cold
- recommended Layers / windbreaker Only 49°F outside
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
10:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Minor
5:30 AM - 6:30 AM
Major
10:10 AM - 12:10 PM
Minor
4:00 PM - 5:00 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