Duck Lake State Park is a 728-acre day-use park, located in Muskegon County. Featuring a towering sand dune, the park stretches from the northern shore of Duck Lake to Lake Michigan. The terrain is a mixture of open brush land to mature hardwood forest, with some pockets of open meadows mixed in. The land was purchased by the Nature Conservancy from two Boy Scout organizations, and acquired by the state in 1974. Remains of the old scout camps were removed and access roads were constructed. The park was officially dedicated in the spring of 1988. A new entrance off of Scenic Drive was completed in May 2005.
Park Activities
Boat Launch – Hard surface, medium watercraft
The launch site provides access to Duck Lake. A small channel empties into Lake Michigan, but a dam under the Whitehall Scenic Bridge blocks boating access to Lake Michigan.
Cross Country Ski
Fishing
Bass, crappie and panfish are plentiful in Duck Lake. Fly fishing for bluegill is excellent in early summer.
Hiking
A paved path provides a pleasant stroll through the woods and along the Duck Lake shoreline. This feature is ADA compliant.
Hunting
The park is open for small game, deer and waterfowl hunting during the regular season. There is no summer hunting allowed. Turkey hunting will be allowed with a permit during the appropriate season. This park offers excellent deer and rabbit hunting, while woodcock, pheasant, duck, goose and squirrel are considered very good.
Metal Detecting
Metal detecting is recognized as a legitimate recreation activity when it is conducted in ways that do not damage the natural and cultural resources in Michigan State Parks nor violate applicable state statutes. If you wish to use a metal detector in this state park, here is a map that shows clearly where this activity may take place. Any items found must be reviewed by park staff and may be retained for further investigation.
Snow-mobiling
The park is closed to motor vehicle traffic in the winter, but accessible by skis and snowmobiles.
Swimming
A sandy beach on Duck Lake is available and a boardwalk around the end of Duck Lake provides access to Lake Michigan for swimming.
Available Facilities
Beach House
Picnic Area
A wooded area shades the picnic grounds. Fire pits/grills are available.
Riparian Article about the History of Duck Lake
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