Illuminated by the gentle radiance of lanterns dancing upon the glistening snow, these nighttime winter hikes in Ludington State Park always hold a certain magic. The park, with its 4,800 acres nestled between Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake, offers a unique winter experience. After Labor Day, it closes but is set to reopen on July 1. During this closure, which mainly involves repaving roads and parking lots, the Friends of Ludington State Park is working hard to host the annual lantern-lit hike series.

Hosting the Annual Event Series

Ludington State Park will be hosting four lantern-lit hikes in January and February. These free events include a three-quarter mile hike, a cozy bonfire, and warm hot chocolate. The hikes are scheduled for 6-8 p.m. on January 4 and 18, and February 1 and 15 on a "lollipop-shaped" trail south of the Big Sable River. Limited parking will be available at the Amphitheater/Skyline Trail parking lot south of the park's toll booth, and carpooling is highly encouraged.

Benefits of the Hikes

These hikes provide a wonderful opportunity for both local and out-of-town visitors to enjoy the winter evenings. As Ludington State Park Manager Jim Gallie said, "We understand how enjoyable the park's winter activities are." By moving the lantern-lit snowshoe hikes to the south side of the Big Sable River, people can still get outside and experience the beauty of winter. The park's natural surroundings, with its sandy Lake Michigan beachfront, iconic lighthouse, and the one-mile stretch of Big Sable River, make it a popular destination for various recreational activities such as fishing, paddling, and tubing.

Park Closure Details

During the closure, all campgrounds and campsites, all northern trails, Big Sable Point Lighthouse, the main Lake Michigan beach area, and the Hamlin day-use areas including the beach, Hamlin Dam, the boat launch, and picnic areas along the Big Sable River are closed. However, areas south of the entry booth remain open. This allows visitors to still enjoy some of the park's amenities while the construction project takes place. The project is part of $250 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan, which is helping to address the long list of needs at state parks.

Park Features and Amenities

Ludington State Park is renowned for its seven miles of sandy Lake Michigan beachfront, which attracts visitors from far and wide. The iconic lighthouse stands as a symbol of the park's charm. The one-mile stretch of Big Sable River is popular for fishing, paddling, and tubing. In addition, the park features 21 miles of marked trails through wetlands, marshes, dunes, and forests, plus two water trails. Hamlin Lake also offers a variety of recreational activities such as boating, hiking, fishing, paddling, and swimming. With three modern campgrounds and 352 campsites, the park is especially in demand for camping.For information on Friends events, volunteer opportunities, membership, and donations, click here. Find more details on what's open at the park here.

Jacksonville, Florida is witnessing a significant transformation at the St. Johns Town Center. The addition of several stores and restaurants is set to bring both excitement and challenges, particularly during the holiday season. Traffic congestion has become a major concern, and construction activities are already underway at some locations.

Navigating Holiday Traffic at St. Johns Town Center

Holiday Season Traffic Challenges

During the holiday season, the St. Johns Town Center experiences a surge in foot traffic and vehicle movement. The addition of new stores and restaurants only adds to the existing congestion. Signs of construction at West Elm and Louis Vuitton are visible, indicating that the changes are imminent. 1: The increased traffic during this time poses a significant inconvenience for both locals and visitors. Commutes that should take 20 minutes are now stretching to an hour, causing frustration and delays. 2: Gracie Hartley's experience highlights the reality of the traffic situation. Being stuck in traffic led her to make the most of the time by doing some shopping. This shows how the traffic issues are affecting people's daily lives.

Construction and Store Additions

Mayor Jewelers, Dave’s Hot Chicken, Crocs, and Oakley are among the stores that will be undergoing construction or added to the Town Center. These additions are expected to enhance the shopping and dining experience but come with the downside of traffic disruptions. 1: The construction process will require careful management to ensure minimal impact on traffic. Without specific plans in place, it remains to be seen how the authorities will handle the situation. 2: The addition of these stores will bring more variety and options to the Town Center, but it also means that traffic patterns will need to be adjusted.

Managing Traffic

Although there are no specific plans on how traffic will be managed in the area, News4JAX will provide updates as soon as the information becomes available. This is crucial to keep the public informed and help them plan their trips accordingly. 1: Effective traffic management is essential to ensure the smooth flow of vehicles and pedestrians during this busy period. 2: The community is eagerly awaiting the implementation of traffic management strategies to alleviate the congestion and make the holiday season more enjoyable.