Over Labor Day weekend, our family of five headed west to Ludington for a stay at Hobby Crest Resort, a lakeside retreat that has been welcoming guests since 1938. The resort sits right on Hamlin Lake and steps from the eastern border of Ludington State Park, one of Michigan’s most beautiful state parks. The Malliett family—longtime custom home builders—purchased Hobby Crest in 2017 and completely renovated the Nantucket on Hamlin cottage in 2018. Their vision was to preserve the area’s history while adding modern comfort, and it shows in every detail.
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Getting There
From Detroit, plan for about a 4-hour drive (roughly 250 miles) across the state to Ludington. The most direct route is I-96 west toward Grand Rapids, then US-31 north to Ludington. From there, follow M-116 north for about 7 miles to Hobby Crest Resort on Hamlin Lake. It’s an easy trip with plenty of rest-stop options along the way—perfect for stretching legs or grabbing a coffee before arriving at the lake.
Inside the Nantucket on Hamlin Cottage
Coastal Design Meets Family Comfort
The cottage carries a breezy East Coast, seaside theme that fits perfectly with its lakefront setting. It sleeps up to six guests with a cozy master bedroom featuring a queen bed and a second bedroom with two sets of bunk beds—our three boys loved the bunk room, calling it “summer camp with way more comfort.”
Modern Amenities for a Relaxing Stay
Renovations include central A/C and heat, a custom walk-in tiled shower, and a Smart TV with WiFi, making it easy to unwind after a day outdoors. The fully equipped kitchen—complete with stove, refrigerator, microwave, coffeemaker, and toaster—made meal prep simple. A spacious porch, picnic table, grill, and private fire pit gave us plenty of options for family meals and evening s’mores.
Resort Vibe: Community or Privacy—Your Choice
When we arrived Friday evening, live music played at The Perch, a charming restaurant and the newest addition to Hobby Crest. Cottages form a friendly circle around a huge common yard, where kids played t-ball and tag while toddlers gravitated towards the playground. As owner Christy told us, “You can choose to engage with others as much or as little as you want.” Families with little ones easily make new friends, yet it’s just as easy to retreat to your own fire pit for quiet conversation.
Things to Do at Hobby Crest Resort
On the Water
Hamlin Lake provides endless opportunities for recreation. Hobby Crest offers a RAVE Splash Zone water trampoline, kayak and paddleboard rentals, and docks with pontoon rentals. Fishing, boating, and swimming are all steps from your cottage, and private lakeside loungers invite pure relaxation.
On the Grounds
Two playgrounds, a sandy beach, pickleball and half-court basketball, and a large grassy area keep kids active all day. In the evenings, those private fire pits create the perfect spot for stargazing and toasting marshmallows.
Nearby Ludington Adventures
Ludington State Park and Beyond
Just a short walk from Hobby Crest, Ludington State Park spans 5,300 acres of hiking trails, sand dunes, and scenic vistas. Families can also visit Sandcastles Children’s Museum, Historic White Pine Village, or the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum for a full weekend of exploration.
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Why We’ll Be Back
Our stay in the Nantucket on Hamlin cottage was the perfect blend of community fun and peaceful retreat. From the cheerful bunk room to the spacious kitchen and lakeside activities, Hobby Crest Resort gave us a Labor Day weekend full of memories—and plans to return.
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