WHITEHALL, Mich. (WZZM) - Hot weather and Michigan's new recreation passport to state parks are two of the biggest factors leading to record attendance at Duck Lake State Park near Whitehall.
Kevin Klco supervisor for the park says in July the park passed 250,000 visitors for 2012. Klco expects by the end of September attendance will exceed 300,000.
Muskegon County residents like Mandie Johnson and Rebecca VanAntwerp have visited the beach several times this summer with their children. Both women says the beach is close to where they live, and when it's hot, the creek from Duck Lake to Lake Michigan is perfect for children to cool off in.
Reservations for camping at Muskegon State Park are up slightly when compared to last summer. Both campgrounds at Muskegon State Park are full for the holiday weekend.
Grand Haven State Park expects when August numbers are totaled, attendance will be well over 300,000 for the month. The parks biggest month for attendance in recent years was August 2010. That month more than 400,000 people cooled off at the beach.