Duck Lake State Park
Whitehall, Michigan · on Duck Creek · Duck Lake State Park
Verified · 4 independent sources · top-verified
- WATER
- lake
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- No fee found
- SEASON
- Varies by conditions
About Duck Lake State Park
Duck Lake State Park is a 728-acre Michigan DNR day-use park in Fruitland Township, about 5 miles southwest of Whitehall, where Duck Lake meets Lake Michigan amid sand dunes. The beach at the mouth of Duck Lake, a duneside swimming hole described as a popular spot for swimming and fishing, sits alongside separate Lake Michigan shoreline access, an easy pick for anyone after a lake to swim in near Whitehall.
The park occupies a stretch of Lake Michigan dune shoreline combined with the shore of inland Duck Lake, described as a mixture of open brush and mature hardwood forest with pockets of open meadows and a prominent sand dune where the two water bodies meet.
Swimming at Duck Lake State Park
Swimming happens at the beach where Duck Lake empties into Lake Michigan, an area characterized as a popular local swimming and fishing spot; the park separately offers open Lake Michigan beach access along about half a mile of Great Lakes shoreline, and Duck Lake itself is also used for kayaking.
How to get to this swimming hole
From US-31 near Whitehall, exit at Whitelake Drive and follow signs to the park entrance at 4733 N. Scenic Dr.; a newer entrance off Scenic Drive was built in 2005.
Parking: Two separate parking areas are provided: one near the Lake Michigan beach and another by the picnic area near Duck Lake.
The hike in
- Time on foot
- Under 5 minutes on foot from either lot to its nearest water access.
Not a hike-in spot: both parking lots put visitors within a short walk of water. The Lake Michigan-mouth beach requires crossing Scenic Drive on foot from its lot; the Duck Lake side is adjacent to the picnic-area lot. Separately, a half-mile paved loop trail circles Duck Lake for optional recreational walking (not needed to reach any swim spot) and connects to the Muskegon County Shoreline Trail.
No backcountry or unpaved trail hike is needed to reach either swim area.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
The main swim beach sits at the mouth where Duck Lake empties into Lake Michigan, a channel-to-Great-Lakes connection that can carry current and drop-offs typical of lake-mouth areas; no source reviewed mentions lifeguards on duty. The separate calmer Duck Lake shoreline near the picnic lot is a gentler option for small kids, but no dedicated shallow swim-designated area was confirmed.
Parking
Lot
Two separate lots: one closer to the Lake Michigan beach (visitors must walk across Scenic Drive to reach the sand), and another near the picnic area/shelter by Duck Lake. Standard Michigan state park entry likely requires a Recreation Passport, but no source this session confirmed the fee amount, so cost is left null.
Restrooms
Yes
Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are provided in the park (Michigan.org); exact building location relative to the two parking lots was not specified in sources reviewed.
On the water
Michigan.org references a kayak launch area on Duck Lake, and Wikipedia's facilities list includes a boat launch. A local pontoon-rental company (KAC Boat Rentals) explicitly lists Duck Lake as one of the lakes it delivers cruising pontoons to, confirming motorized boat use is possible on the lake, though no source specified no-wake, horsepower, or other restrictions.
Rentals nearby
Pontoon boat rentals, delivered directly to Duck Lake (also Silver Lake); based on White Lake
Prices: Daily cruising pontoon: $245 (2 hrs) to $365 (6 hrs); multi-day $675 (2 days) to $1,675 (7 days); pet fee $40; 3% card surcharge
Based at Armstrong's of White Lake Marina, 206 S. Lake St., Whitehall, MI, next to Goodrich Park; roughly 2 miles from Duck Lake State Park, with delivery to Duck Lake itself · 2026 season Sat June 13 - Sun Aug 16; daily pickup/return window 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Kayak, paddleboard, and bike rentals by the hour, day, or week (also retail sales)
115 W Hanson St., Whitehall, MI 49461, roughly 2-3 miles from Duck Lake State Park · Not posted on site; the business directs customers to its social media page for current hours
Canoe, kayak, raft, and tube rentals with transportation, paddles, and PFDs included, on the White River
401 E. Fruitvale Rd., Montague, MI 49437, roughly 5 miles from Duck Lake State Park; operating on the White River rather than Duck Lake/White Lake directly, in business since 1963
Backstory
The Nature Conservancy originally purchased the land from Boy Scout organizations; the State of Michigan acquired the property in 1974, removed old scout-camp remnants, and built access roads. The park was officially dedicated in 1988, with a new entrance off Scenic Drive constructed in 2005.
Duck Lake State Park: FAQ
Is Duck Lake State Park kid friendly?
The main swim beach sits at the mouth where Duck Lake empties into Lake Michigan, a channel-to-Great-Lakes connection that can carry current and drop-offs typical of lake-mouth areas; no source reviewed mentions lifeguards on duty. The separate calmer Duck Lake shoreline near the picnic lot is a gentler option for small kids, but no dedicated shallow swim-designated area was confirmed.
Do I need to hike to reach Duck Lake State Park?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Duck Lake State Park?
Two separate lots: one closer to the Lake Michigan beach (visitors must walk across Scenic Drive to reach the sand), and another near the picnic area/shelter by Duck Lake. Standard Michigan state park entry likely requires a Recreation Passport, but no source this session confirmed the fee amount, so cost is left null.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Duck Lake State Park?
Michigan.org references a kayak launch area on Duck Lake, and Wikipedia's facilities list includes a boat launch. A local pontoon-rental company (KAC Boat Rentals) explicitly lists Duck Lake as one of the lakes it delivers cruising pontoons to, confirming motorized boat use is possible on the lake, though no source specified no-wake, horsepower, or other restrictions.
What water body is Duck Lake State Park on?
Duck Lake State Park is on Duck Creek, a natural lake verified in USGS hydrography data.
