Popular Michigan State Park Closed Until July 2025
Summer is winding down, but thankfully, most Michigan state parks are opening during the fall and winter. Now, a popular Michigan state park is closed until July 2025. Make sure you’re aware of it, so you don’t make plans and then find yourself locked out. Even though it can get really cold in Michigan, it can also be really beautiful and peaceful to visit a state park when it’s snowing outside. I remember hiking a bit at a few Michigan state parks last season, and I hate being cold, so I really didn’t like the freezing air, but it certainly provided for some beautiful views.
Ludington State Park is Closed Until July 2025
The majority of Ludington State Park is closed from now through July 1, 2025. These dates are flexible, though, so they could change. Also, not all of the park is closing. “The 2,000 acres of parkland and beautiful 3-mile stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline south of the Big Sable River, including the hiking trails and boardwalk, will remain open and accessible to the public via roadway parking along M-116,” officials say.
So, what will the project accomplish? According to officials, it will “realign and repave the park’s entrance and exit near the entrance booth; expand and repave the Lake Michigan beach and warming shelter parking lots; repave the Hamlin Lake parking lots and entire main park road. To improve pedestrian safety and help vehicles circulate more efficiently, we will also add and improve pedestrian walkways around the entrance and into the beach parking lot.” They’re also renovating the Skyline Trail and doing some other renovations.
They’re closing the park because of safety concerns. They don’t want to be doing all of this heavy construction with people walking around. That’s just dangerous. “With all the construction activity, we need to ensure that visitors are not put in harm’s way and contractors can operate equipment more efficiently and safely, which will hopefully help us meet the July 1st, 2025 reopening,” they note. What’s wild is that this project is costing around $250 million. It’s made possible via the American Rescue Plan Act.
I’ve been to Ludington State Park before, and it’s really a beautiful place to visit no matter the season. While it’s sad that this place will be closed for the fall, winter and most of the spring, it sounds like it will come back better than ever. In the meantime, there are plenty of other Michigan state parks to enjoy.
Tips to Maximize Your Vacation
1. Save Money
One great way to maximize your vacation is simply to save money. You’ll feel so much better on vacation knowing that you’re saving cash by doing things the right way. One major way to save money is to travel during an off season. Every vacation destination has its own peak time. So, look at the cheapest time to visit your destination, and go then. Find more tips on saving money on vacation, too.
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2. Don't Plan Every Minute of Your Vacation
Sure, you want to do some planning so that you don’t miss the big tourist stops in your destination. But, don’t book every blasted minute. Maximize your vacay by saving some time to be spontaneous. Take a day to just figure out what to do when you’re there. Maybe some locals will recommend a secret spot for you to visit during your “day off.”
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3. Do Plan Ahead, Though
While you don’t want to overbook your trip so that you’re always running from spot to spot, you do want to plan a bit. It’s not a good idea to do zero planning and just feel things out when you get there. Plan some big activities ahead of time so that you aren’t scrambling last-minute.
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4. Plan Regular Mini-Vacations
If you only have one big vacation every year, you might feel under a lot of pressure to make it the most amazing experience ever. So, take away that stress. Plan mini-vacations throughout the year, so you aren’t under as much pressure to make your big trip the best thing that’s ever happened to you and your family. For example, in the fall, if you live in an area with beautiful colors, make an annual fall color tour trip and just drive around the state.
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5. Stay an Extra Day
If time and money allows, adding just one day to your vacation can open up a world of possibilities. Many people plan too short a trip, not realizing just how much they’ll want to do in their destination. So, add an extra day. You’ll be glad you did at the end of your stay.
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6. Take Time to Sleep
Sure, you’re on vacation. You want to soak up every minute of your trip. But, if you’re up late every night partying in the clubs and then up early to enjoy the sunrise, pretty soon, you’ll be too tired to enjoy your vacation. So, take time to get some sleep and feel rested.
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7. Let the Small Stuff Go
They say, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” That’s certainly true on vacation. Nothing is going to go totally as planned. So, expect the unexpected, and roll with it.
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8. Plan Some Recoup Time
When you get back from your vacation, don’t plan to start work the very next day. Take an extra day or two off after your vacation to recuperate, so that you hit the ground running when you’re back at work. The extra time at home will also give you a chance to savor your vacation.
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9. Pick an Experience
People often find experiencing more rewarding that physical things. So, make sure to plan an experience with your trip. Maybe there’s a huge concert you want to see on vacation. Perhaps it’s a sporting event. Whatever it is, plan an awesome experience.
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10. Learn for Next Time
Finally, when you’re home from your trip, decompress and look back on your vacation. What went wrong? What went right? Take notes and learn from your vacation, so you’ll know what to do better next time.
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