The land was purchased by the Nature Conservancy from two Boy Scout organizations. The State acquired the land in 1974 from the conservancy. Remains of the old scout camps were removed and access roads were constructed. The park was officially dedicated in the Spring of 1988.

There are no camping facilities at Duck Lake. The day use area is located on Duck Lake and Lake Michigan and includes a wooded picnic area with tables, grills, a shelter that can be rented, and a sandy beach. Further west along the park drive is a boardwalk that leads around the end of Duck lake to Lake Michigan.

There is a paved path that provides a pleasant stroll through the woods that runs along the shoreline of Duck Lake and it is relaxing spot for a walk anytime of the year.

There is a boat launch for Duck Lake which attracts anglers interested in catching bass, crappie, and panfish. Fly fishing for bluegill is excellent in early summer. A small channel empties Duck Lake into Lake Michigan, but a dam under the Whitehall Scenic Drive Bridge blocks access into Lake Michigan.

The park is open for small game, deer, and waterfowl hunting during the regular seasons.

The park is closed to vehicular traffice during winter months, but hiking, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing are welcomed.

The park is located eight miles north of Muskegon. From US-31, take the Whitelake Drive (Duck Lake State Park) exit, west and go a half-mile to Whitehall Road. Turn Left on Whitehall Road and go two miles to Michillinda Road. Turn right and go seven miles to Scenic Road. Turn left on Scenic Road and go one mile to the park entrance on the left.