The Mason Lake Conservation District and the Oceana Conservation District has received a grant in the amount of $12,590 to research a coastal water trail between Little Sable Point Lighthouse and Big Sable Point Lighthouse. Neighboring states such as Indiana and Wisconsin have already implemented coastal trails, and Michigan would like to have one of their own.

The ultimate goal is to link Ludington State Park to Silver Lake State Park...traveling through various seven Lake Michigan watershed outflows. These include Stony Creek, Silver Lake, Hamlin Lake, Pentwater River, Bass Lake, Pere Marquette River, and Lincoln River. A possible eighth would be the Ludington Pumped Storage Plant. The National Park System is trying to develop slow water tourism...which is sparking the national water trail movement.

During the planning stages, the group plans to have public input on the water trail, decide on areas for public access and make them handicap accessible. In addition to linking the watersheds, it is hoped that this will bring attention to local coastal water trails, such as the canoe trail at the Ludington State Park. There's the possibility that educational signs can be posted explaining in detail the areas people may be paddling near.

To volunteer to help map out the area, contact Jordan DeVries at (231) 757-3708, ext. 3.

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More Great Outdoors in West Michigan...

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For more activities & attractions, check out these additional links for Things to Do in West Michigan:

Ludington Activities & Things to Do -- Play on a beautiful beach, take a tour at Historic White Pine Village, or explore the barn quilt trail, murals or sculptures in the county--Ludington offers many fun things to do for the entire family!
Have Fun in Manistee, Michigan -- Explore Manistee's historic downtown district and riverwalk, hike the Manistee National Forest, canoe on the Manistee River, and more.
Hamlin Lake -- Just 4 miles north of Ludington, Hamlin Lake is a great destination for boating, fishing and climbing dunes! The Hamlin Lake shoreline is also part of the Ludington State Park.
Silver Lake Sand Dunes -- Visiting the Silver Lake Sand Dunes makes for a terrific vacation because you can take your off-road vehicle for a spin on the scenic sand dunes overlooking Lake Michigan and Silver Lake.
Things to Do in Pentwater, Michigan -- Nothing is quite like the quaint, artsy, harbortown village of Pentwater. Don't miss the popular Charles Mears State Park beach on Pentwater's Lake Michigan shoreline.
Lots of Activities in Scottville, Michigan -- Explore the Riverside Park along the National Scenic Pere Marquette River.
Canoeing or Fishing on the Pere Marquette River -- Many boat liveries offer canoe rentals.
Also, check out West Michigan Guides and our locally produced WestMichigan.MichBiz.com for our largest lists of Things to Do in West Michigan.