P.J. Hoffmaster State Park Beach
Percy James Hoffmaster was the first person to run our State Park system and holds the record for the longest tenure in that position. He was hired in 1922, just after plans for our State Park System were brought to fruition, and held the post until his death in 1951. The park was established in 1963 and is one of the few state parks in Michigan that were not named after geographical locations, donors, or, well...rich people. Today, the park features hiking trails, birding, camping, and a beach. Since starting this site, I have only visited P.J. Hoffmaster State Park once, and the visit was just a quick jaunt to the beach. The walk to the beach was on a well-maintained pathway through the woods, and the beach features sprawling dunes and lots of space to spread out. The parking area is pretty huge and has modern bathrooms and changing rooms. There are also a plethora of tables near the parking area that make for a nice picnic spot. I hope to camp at the park sometime in the next year so that I can explore it and the surrounding area more. Whether you’ve got a week to check things out or you have just a blip of time to stop by as I did, it is worth your time to stop and take in the awe-striking dunes to pay tribute to a man who is responsible for a number of the state parks we love and patron today.
