Vintage photo by John Penrod
Little is known about the lost village of Hamlin, which was in existence for just over 50 years and was located where the Ludington State Park now stands.
In 1852, Charles Mears purchased land along the Big Sable River, in search of a mill location. The mouth of “Big Sable Lake,” with its narrow stream to Lake Michigan seemed the ideal location. Mears built the first wooden dam and established a sawmill in 1856. This dam was located a few hundred feet downstream from the present-day dam, and raised the lake 12-15 feet. A smaller, wooden dam in the lower Sable held back water to create a large holding pond for logs- thus the creation of Hamlin Lake.
In 1860, Mears renamed his Little Sable settlement Lincoln and the Big Sable settlement and lake Hamlin, in honor of Mears’ choice for president and vice president, Abraham Lincoln and Hannibal Hamlin.
Mears owned rights to more than 200 million feet of standing timber in Mason and Lake counties. Logs were cut in winter, stacked on the ice, and moved down into Hamlin Lake each spring. The Mud Hen was built in 1865 to move the logs about Hamlin Lake, and was the first steam-powered boat in the region, operating for over 50 years.
Near the dam, the water-powered shingle mill cut about 15 million shingles a year and employed 60 men. Mules pulled carts loaded with shingles along a narrow-gauge railway from the mill, along the river to the docks. Other logs floated downriver to the holding pond. The logs were then cut at the steam-powered mills near the Lake Michigan docks.
Hamlin was a bustling village in the 1870s, consisting of mills, boarding houses, sheds, stores, and a schoolhouse. Then in 1888, the wooden dam collapsed. A huge wall of water moved houses, buildings, and debris into Lake Michigan. A second dam was built, but in 1912, that one too, broke and washed away all remnants of the village of Hamlin. A few dwellings remained until the 1930s, but they were removed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in preparation for construction of the new state park.
Since the demise of the lumber industry, there was no need to build a functional dam. But along the Hamlin Lake shoreline (the former holding pond), businesses, homes, and resorts had begun to spring up, establishing what is now known as a beautiful vacation getaway, the Hamlin Lake area.
A new, concrete dam was completed in 1914, about 100 yards upstream from the original dam, within the Ludington State Park. And underneath Hamlin Lake lies a bit of Mason County history- a 50-year-old village that played an important part in the development of this region.
A piece of Hamlin history can be toured at Ludington’s Historic White Pine Village, as well. The relocation of a log cabin known as “Hamlin Lake Cottage” from Indian Pete Bayou to White Pine Village was completed in 2015. Thousands of man hours went into disassembling the cabin and reassembling it on a concrete slab within the village.
Dwight “Scotty” Scott bought the Wrens Roost Restaurant on Hamlin Lake in 1964.The Wrens Roost became a favorite restaurant for locals and Hamlin Lake tourists, made all the more popular by its waterfront views and parking for boats.
Unfortunately, the Wrens Roost burned to the ground in 1977 and rebuilding the restaurant at the same location wasn’t an option. Not to be deterred, Scott purchased the Swedish Coffee Pot on Ludington Avenue in 1977, renamed it “Scotty’s” and it quickly became known as an exceptional steak and seafood restaurant. Scotty’s restaurant is still serving today, under new ownership.
Hamlin Lake is a beautiful 5,000 acre water paradise just north of Ludington in West Michigan! Read the stories below or go to the Hamlin Lake destination page.
The Hamlin Lake Beach within the Ludington State Park is fun for the whole family! With a dedicated, weed-free swimming area and more!
Hamlin Lake is home to several parks and numerous dunes for exploration and leisure. Pack a picnic, cast your line, and enjoy the sites.
If there's one thing that Hamlin Lake is known for, it's excellent fishing. Catch crappie, bluegill, and more across thousands of acres.
Take a paddle down the Hamlin Lake Canoe Trail. Venture out on the trip yourself, or join a guided trip lead by Dune Grass Concessions.
Read about the history of Hamlin Lake, when it was created, and the major role this lake played in the milling industry in Ludington.
Long Skinny Park is located on Lower Hamlin Lake between the South and Middle bayous. Perfect for fishing or taking in the view.
The Michigan DNR has announced that Ludington State Park will be closed from September 3rd, 2024-July 1st, 2025 for improvements.
With some of the best fishing and boating around, Hamlin Lake brings much delight as well as some of the most beautiful, scenic backdrops.
Enjoy this small, relaxing park as an easy place to place your boat in the water or throw a line out to catch some pan fish for dinner.
Explore Hamlin Lake by boat, and you'll see why Hamlin Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Michigan. Over 5,000 acres, pure enjoyment!
Read about the mighty dam that lives in Hamlin Lake, how it came to be and how it is utilized to help protect this man-made lake.
Small destinations within themselves, visitors of Hamlin Lake will go on an adventure to find their perfect dune.
Cast your line into Upper Hamlin Lake or enjoy a picnic, the playground, or watch Hamlin Lake's Independence Fireworks at Wilson Hill Park.
Enjoy a picnic by Upper Hamlin Lake. With grills, a pavilion and picnic tables available, this park provides the perfect family setting.
Just minutes away in Ludington proper, you will find more area history to enjoy. Check out these favorite attractions to immerse yourself in history:
The Mason County Lumber Heritage Trail
The Mason County Sculpture Trail
The Mason County Barn Quilt Trail
Cast your line into Upper Hamlin Lake or enjoy a picnic, the playground, or watch Hamlin Lake’s Independence Fireworks at Wilson Hill Park.
Small destinations within themselves, visitors of Hamlin Lake will go on an adventure to find their perfect dune.
Take a paddle down the Hamlin Lake Canoe Trail. Venture out on the trip yourself, or join a guided trip lead by Dune Grass Concessions.
Enjoy a picnic by Upper Hamlin Lake. With grills, a pavilion and picnic tables available, this park provides the perfect family setting.
Long Skinny Park is located on Lower Hamlin Lake between the South and Middle bayous. Perfect for fishing or taking in the view.
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It rises and sets every single day, and nothing is more breathtaking than our spectacular sunsets over Lake Michigan.
Enjoy a picnic by Upper Hamlin Lake. With grills, a pavilion and picnic tables available, this park provides the perfect family setting.
Within the downtown Ludington region, several murals grace the façades of local area businesses, telling stories of the area’s rich history.
The aerial view of Big Sable Point features Hamlin Lake, Ludington State Park, and Big Sable Point Lighthouse on Lake Michigan.
Ludington visitors flock to the area to view our two majestic lighthouses, the North Breakwater Light and Big Sable Point Lighthouse.
Disc golf is a big deal here in the Ludington area, with up to 20,000 people per year visiting one of our six courses.
The S.S. Badger Carferry is a fun and relaxing shortcut across Lake Michigan between Ludington, Michigan and Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
Your pet should feel right at home in Ludington. There are many businesses that allow pets and parks and beaches for them to play on.
There are many places for anglers to try their luck, and Ludington has such a great variety of fish. The area also has great charter captains.
Mason County is home to several trails that tell stories with fascinating histories. Explore these self-guided tours to learn about each one!
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