LUDINGTON, Mich. — July 23, 2025 — Visitors to Michigan’s most popular state park can expect big improvements to one of its most scenic features. The Skyline Trail, a beloved elevated boardwalk at Ludington State Park, is getting a full overhaul under a $3.5 million project set to begin construction this fall.

The ambitious renovation is a joint effort between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Friends of Ludington State Park, a community group that has supported the park for over three decades.

The half-mile Skyline Trail winds along a wooded ridge and rewards hikers with panoramic views of Lake Michigan, the park’s iconic open dunes, and the mouth of the Big Sable River. It’s one of Ludington’s signature experiences and draws thousands of visitors every season.

Project Goals and Timeline

Park officials say the upgrade will bring the aging boardwalk up to modern safety and construction standards while preserving the breathtaking views that make the trail a must-see.

“This is the most ambitious project in our 33-year history,” said Patrick O’Hare, president of the Friends of Ludington State Park. “With $50,000 from Friends of Ludington State Park and $212,000 from donors, we are steadily climbing toward our goal of $350,000,” he added.

To boost momentum, local foundation Pennies from Heaven has pledged an additional $50,000 if the group meets its goal by September 30. Any extra funds raised can support other park improvement projects.

Ludington State Park by the Numbers

Ludington State Park is the busiest in the state, reporting the highest number of nights camped — 47,265 nights from October 2022 to September 2023 — according to DNR data. Its campsites, spread across Pines, Cedar, and Beechwood campgrounds, boast an occupancy rate of over 94% during peak summer months.

The park spans nearly 5,300 acres and offers beaches, sand dunes, hiking trails, the Big Sable Point Lighthouse, and a wide range of outdoor adventures that attract visitors from across the Midwest.

New Camping Fees and Other Improvements

While visitors look forward to the upgraded Skyline Trail, they should prepare for higher camping fees starting August 1. Modern and semi-modern campsite rates will rise by $4 to $10 per night, bringing typical stays to $26–$45 nightly. Overnight lodging will range from $60 to $120 per night, while deluxe lodging will reach $160. Modern lodges will see a phased increase, with base rates reaching $236 per night by 2027.

Stay Safe on the Trails

Park officials remind visitors to follow National Park Service safety guidelines, such as checking weather and trail conditions before heading out, respecting wildlife, and taking precautions when exploring sand dunes or swimming in the Great Lakes, where rip currents can be dangerous.

What’s Next

The Skyline Trail reconstruction is expected to go out for bids later this summer, with major work beginning this fall and wrapping up by 2026. When complete, the improved boardwalk will continue to offer hikers the same sweeping views — but with better safety, durability, and a renewed sense of welcome for generations to come.

Originally reported by Jalen Williams in Detroit Free Press.