Duck Lake State Park

4733 N. Scenic Dr.
Whitehall MI, 49461

231-744-3480
TTY/TDD711 (Michigan Relay Center)

728 (Acres)

Required

A popular day-use park, Duck Lake State Park is home to Duck Lake and half a mile of Lake Michigan shoreline featuring a towering sand dune.
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More Information

Duck Lake State Park is a popular day-use park located on the shores of Lake Michigan and Duck Lake, with a shallow channel connecting the two. The park features a boat launch, kayak rentals, a picnic area and shelter, and opportunities for paddling, fishing, hiking, hunting and cross-county skiing on the park’s 7 miles of natural surface trails.

The park features towering dunes on the lakeshore with a mixture of mature forests, pine plantations and pockets of open meadows inland. The forest community in the park provides critical stopover and nesting habitat for migratory birds, including the Cerulean and hooded warblers.

There are two parking lots, one on the Lake Michigan side and another con the Duck Lake Side. There's a boardwalk under Scenic Drive connecting the two sides of the park.

Trails

Duck Lake Paved Trail
Trail Length: 0.50 (Miles)
Duck Lake Trail #2 (Green/Blue)
Duck Lake Trail #3 (Yellow)
Duck Lake Trail #4 (Red)
Duck Lake Trail #5 (White)

About the Area

View Online Visitor's Guide

Muskegon State Park is just 7 miles to the south. The White Lake area, about 5 miles north, boasts restaurants, shopping, marinas and free weekly summer concerts. A lighthouse museum is also located to the north.

Activities (Display as List)

Boat Rental Item is accessible.
Boat Rental: Kayaks are available for rent at the park’s contact station Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. For more info, call 231-744-3480.
Fishing Item is accessible.
Fishing: Duck Lake is home to a variety of fish species.
Hiking Item is accessible.
Hiking
Hunting Item is accessible.
Hunting: Hunting is allowed in the state park; however, you should call this park directly to inquire about any special rules, concerns or considerations.
Metal Detecting Item is accessible.
Metal Detecting: Metal detecting is recognized as a legitimate recreation activity when it is conducted in ways that do not damage natural and cultural resources in Michigan state parks nor violate applicable state statutes. This park map clearly shows where this activity is allowed to take place. Any items found must be reviewed by park staff and may be retained for further investigation. Areas located within the campground are limited to registered campers only.
Paddlesports Item is accessible.
Paddlesports: Paddling is a popular activity on Duck Lake. There is a carry-in launch located on Duck Lake; however, it does not provide access to Lake Michigan.
Pet-Friendly Area Item is accessible.
Pet-Friendly Area: Pets are allowed along the entire length of the Lake Michigan shoreline (.5 miles) and Duck Lake. Pets must always be on a 6-foot leash and under an owner’s immediate control. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles.
Snowmobiling Item is accessible.
Snowmobiling: The park is closed to motor vehicle traffic in the winter, but accessible by skis and snowmobiles.

Facilities (Display as List)

Boat Launch Item is accessible.
Boat Launch: There is a boating access site and carry-in launch on Duck Lake. The lake does not provide access to Lake Michigan.
Modern Restrooms Item is accessible.
Modern Restrooms: There are modern restrooms at the picnic shelter.
Picnic Area Item is accessible.
Picnic Area: The picnic area is near the Duck Lake picnic shelter and includes picnic tables and charcoal grills that are available first come, first served.
Picnic Shelter Item is accessible.
Picnic Shelter: There is an accessible picnic shelter located in the day-use area that includes picnic tables, charcoal grills, electrical service (reservations only) and a modern restroom (not accessible). Shelter reservations can be made 12 months in advance at MiDNRReservations.com.
Vault Toilet Item is accessible.
Vault Toilet
Water Access Item is accessible.
Water Access:

The park is home to half a mile of Lake Michigan shoreline and Duck Lake.

Please be mindful of Great Lakes beach safety.