Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography
Hamlin Lake is a beautiful 5,000 acre water paradise just north of Ludington in West Michigan.
If you’re looking for a fun, inexpensive family vacation, then Hamlin Lake is where you want to be. It offers terrific summer recreation, including swimming, boating, tubing, and fishing. At more than 12 miles long and 5,000 acres large, it is the largest inland man-made lake in Michigan. There’s more than enough space for everyone without feeling crowded. Hamlin Lake originated during the logging hey-day when lumbermen dammed the Big Sable River to make an enormous holding pond for trees felled upstream.
Located along the western shore of Hamlin Lake is theLudington State Park. Within the park is theHamlin Lake Dam, a great spot for catching salmon in the fall. The sandy shoreline ofHamlin Lake Beach is popular with swimmers and sunbathers. It features picnic lawns, concession stands, and restrooms. From here you can begin your walk on a hiking path, or rent a canoe or kayak and take a leisurely glide on marked paths that meander along the state park’s shoreline.
Hamlin Lake touches the Manistee National Forest on the north, towering dunes in the west and miles of undeveloped wilderness all around. The eastern shoreline of Hamlin Lake is filled with family-friendlyresorts and cottages…many with marinas where you can launch your boat or rent one for the day.
Visitors can rent a boat, kayak, or other watercraft to visit the dunes, Ludington State Park, and more. | Todd & Brad Reed Photography
Hamlin Lake Sand Dunes & Natural Beauty
The northern shore of Lower Hamlin Lake is comprised of beautifulsand dunes. It’s a great place to anchor your boat just off shore and enjoy sunning or sandy-bottom swimming. Climb the dunes for a magnificent view of Hamlin Lake and Lake Michigan. Just to the west of the dunes, you can land your boat at the shoreline and follow a trail into theLudington State Parkand theHamlin Lake dam.
Two fishermen cast their lines into Hamlin Lake. Hamlin is home to several types of panfish, walleye, perch, and more. | Todd & Brad Reed Photography
Fishing on Hamlin Lake
Thefishingis great on Hamlin Lake! Whether you traverse the bayous or head for deeper waters, Hamlin Lake offers a smorgasbord of fish. Tiger muskie, northern pike, large and small mouth bass, perch, crappie, bluegill and over 600,000 walleye, planted several years ago, promise a superb catch. The fishing doesn’t cool down in winter either. Tip-ups and shanties dot the ice as fishermen pull in delicious panfish and walleye. There are many businesses around Hamlin Lake which serveboating and fishingenthusiasts. We offer a Hamlin Lakefishing mapandfishing reportsto help you get started.
Visitors can find an activity for the whole family any time of year. Ice-skating and cross-country skiing are popular during the winter months in the Ludington State Park. | Todd & Brad Reed Photography
Four Seasons of Fun!
Hamlin Lake is a wonderful destination during the warmer months, but winter is beautiful as well. During the winter, ice-shanties are scattered on the frozen lake and you can participate in a local ice-fishing tournament. Winter also means ice-skating and cross-country skiing on miles of groomed trails alongHamlin Lakeand through Ludington State Park’s frozen wilderness, truly making Hamlin a lake for all seasons.
A rainbow bends over lower Hamlin Lake in late September. | Moko Media
Don't forget to check out all the businesses located around Hamlin Lake and ready to serve you!
Experience the Beauty of Hamlin Lake
Fishing on Hamlin Lake
If there’s one thing that Hamlin Lake is known for, it’s excellent fishing. Catch crappie, bluegill, and more across thousands of acres.
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Wilson Hill Park on Upper Hamlin Lake
Cast your line into Upper Hamlin Lake or enjoy a picnic, the playground, or watch Hamlin Lake’s Independence Fireworks at Wilson Hill Park.
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Hamlin Lake Beaches and Parks
Hamlin Lake is home to several parks and numerous dunes for exploration and leisure. Pack a picnic, cast your line, and enjoy the sites.
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Explore the Natural Beauty of Hamlin Lake
With some of the best fishing and boating around, Hamlin Lake brings much delight as well as some of the most beautiful, scenic backdrops.
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Hamlin Lake Sand Dunes
Small destinations within themselves, visitors of Hamlin Lake will go on an adventure to find their perfect dune.
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Explore Hamlin Lake by Boat
Explore Hamlin Lake by boat, and you’ll see why Hamlin Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Michigan. Over 5,000 acres, pure enjoyment!
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Take a paddle down the Hamlin Lake Canoe Trail. Venture out on the trip yourself, or join a guided trip lead by Dune Grass Concessions.
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History of Hamlin Lake
Read about the history of Hamlin Lake, when it was created, and the major role this lake played in the milling industry in Ludington.
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South Bayou Park
Enjoy this small, relaxing park as an easy place to place your boat in the water or throw a line out to catch some pan fish for dinner.
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Long Skinny Park
Long Skinny Park is located on Lower Hamlin Lake between the South and Middle bayous. Perfect for fishing or taking in the view.
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Scroll below for more articles about the Hamlin Lake area.
Experience the Hamlin Lake area!
South Bayou Park
Enjoy this small, relaxing park as an easy place to place your boat in the water or throw a line out to catch some pan fish for dinner.
Victory Township Park on Upper Hamlin Lake
Enjoy a picnic by Upper Hamlin Lake. With grills, a pavilion and picnic tables available, this park provides the perfect family setting.
Fishing on Hamlin Lake
If there’s one thing that Hamlin Lake is known for, it’s excellent fishing. Catch crappie, bluegill, and more across thousands of acres.
Hamlin Lake Beach in the Ludington State Park
The Hamlin Lake Beach within the Ludington State Park is fun for the whole family! With a dedicated, weed-free swimming area and more!
Take a paddle down the Hamlin Lake Canoe Trail. Venture out on the trip yourself, or join a guided trip lead by Dune Grass Concessions.
Hamlin Dam
Read about the mighty dam that lives in Hamlin Lake, how it came to be and how it is utilized to help protect this man-made lake.
