HAMLIN TOWNSHIP — Construction of a new Skyline Trail at Ludington State Park is expected to begin in September following the completion of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ bidding process for the $3.65 million project, park officials and the Friends of Ludington State Park announced.
The project marks one of the largest investments ever made at the park and by the Friends of Ludington State Park. The nonprofit organization is contributing $350,000 toward the project, with the remaining funding provided through the DNR. MIHM Enterprises has been awarded the construction contract following the state’s competitive bidding process. Officials said the company has extensive experience completing complex infrastructure projects. Construction is scheduled to conclude by early summer 2027.
The Skyline Trail is considered one of Ludington State Park’s signature attractions, offering elevated views of Lake Michigan, the sand dunes and the surrounding forest. According to the Friends organization, the reconstructed trail will meet modern safety and construction standards while preserving the experience for future generations. Although planning, engineering and the state approval process took longer than originally anticipated because of the project’s complexity, organizers said all necessary approvals have now been secured.
The Skyline Trail project follows the completion of a separate $2.635 million renovation that required the closure of much of Ludington State Park from September 2024 through June 2025. That work included repaving the park’s main roads and parking lots, expanding several parking areas, improving traffic flow at the entrance, and adding pedestrian pathways connecting major day-use areas, including the Lake Michigan beach. The park reopened to day-use visitors on June 25, 2025, with campgrounds reopening the following day.
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