Ludington, Michigan, is the land of spectacular beaches and plenty of outdoor and indoor fun activities. There are several beaches to explore and have fun in this town. There are also miles of clean, sandy beaches along Lake Michigan.
Ludington, Michigan, should be called the land of limitless exciting activities. There are several captivating sites to behold in this beautiful town.
If you’re looking for the ideal place for vacation this summer, Ludington, Michigan, might be the place for you. There are so many fun things to keep you occupied and many places to visit.
The article covers most of the interesting things to do in Ludington, MI. It will also look into some of the histories of this beautiful town.
Where is Ludington?
Ludington is a harbor town that is on Lake Michigan. It is known chiefly for several things, such as its extensive beaches, the beautiful state park, and the SS Badger Lake Michigan Car Ferry.
Ludington, Michigan, is also the largest city and county seat of Mason County in the state of Michigan. Ludington, Michigan, is also home to about eight thousand and seventy-six as of the 2010 census.
Ludington, Michigan, is a popular destination for fun seekers and tourists. These attractions include swimming and boating on Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake, hunting, camping, et cetera.
Fun Things to Do in Ludington, MI
There are several things to do in Ludington, Michigan, that will keep you and the family occupied and happy. The fun activities in this city are simply endless as you will see shortly!
Below are the best things to do in Ludington, Michigan, for kids, famililes, couples, and for the weekend.
1. Lake Michigan S.S. Badger Carferry
The S.S. Badger Carferry sails across Lake Michigan from Ludington to Manitowoc. It is regarded as one of the National Historic Landmarks. The cruise is a 60-mile journey that lasts for four hours.
Taking a cruise on the ferry is a mixture of tradition and innovation. It is fun-filled and an excellent way to spend time with the entire family.
The 410-foot ferry can carry up to six hundred and twenty passengers with one hundred eighty cars, semi-trucks, or tour buses.
There are spacious decks on board the ferry for lounging or walking. There’s also live entertainment, a full cocktail service, two restaurants, and chambers for relaxation or sleeping.
In addition, several activities are lined up for kids, such as a video arcade, kids’ playroom, et cetera.
The cruise typically starts from Ludington at 9:00 am, arrives in Manitowoc at noon, then leaves Manitowoc by 2:00 pm, and comes to Ludington by 7:00 pm. It’s a fun experience, and you should give it a try.
Address: 701 Maritime Dr, Ludington, MI 49431.
2. The Ludington Jaycees Mini Golf
This is a popular tourist destination in the summer, especially if you’re a golf fan. The Ludington Mini-Golf Course is open from 12 to 10 pm daily. It is at 900 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington, MI 49431.
This course was opened in 1967 initially for the sole purpose of generating funds to support various community projects. Since then, over $300,000 has been donated.
So, if you enjoy golfing and are planning on coming to Ludington, Michigan, you should consider attending this golf course.
Address: 900 W Ludington Ave, Ludington, MI 49431.
3. Ludington Skate Plaza
The Ludington Skate Plaza opened in 2008 during the 4th of July celebration. It is also quite close to the Jaycees Mini-Golf Course. It was built with the combined effort of State, private and corporate donations.
The size of the Skate Plaza Is impressive. However, it is also a popular venue for kids and teenagers who enjoy skating.
Address: It is at 408 S. Harrison, Ludington, MI 49431.
See Also: Fun Things to Do in Manistee (MI)
4. The Ludington State Park
The most popular tourist attraction in Ludington, Michigan, is the Ludington State Park. It covers over 5,300 acres.
The park avails a lot in terms of refreshment and entertainment. Swimming, camping, boating, et cetera are all activities you can engage in while in the camp.
The Big Sable Point Lighthouse is another landmark you might want to check out.
Coming to this park during your trip to Ludington, Michigan, is guaranteed to be the highlight of your visit.
Address: 8800 M-116, Ludington, MI 49431
5. Stearns Park Beach
Stearns Park Beach is at the end of Ludington Avenue, with more than 2500 feet of sandy shoreline.
You can enjoy your picnics in the grassy areas with more than enough picnic tables and chairs, play on the miniature golf course and the skate park, et cetera.
There are concessions on both ends of the beach, and they are open daily during the summer.
Put this venue close to the top of your list of places to visit in Ludington, Michigan.
Address: This park is at 420 N Lakeshore Dr, Ludington, MI 49431, United States.
6. Buttersville Park Beach
Situated right between Lake Michigan and Pere Marquette Lake, Buttersville Park & Campground has perhaps the most incredible view of all the parks.
As soon as you enter the shaded park off South Lakeshore Drive, you’ll find a picnic area with grills, a pavilion, a playground, and restrooms.
Don’t be surprised to see numerous deer in Buttersville- they seem quite at home here and are comfortable with visitors.
The Buttersville Campground is open from May 15th-October 15th each year and boasts beautiful Lake Michigan Beach frontage. It also has a day park and picnic facilities and is dog-friendly.
Address: 1100 S Lakeshore Dr, Ludington, MI 49431
7. Summit Park Beach
This park has some picnic tables with a good view of Lake Michigan. It also has some grills.
The Summit Park Beach is on South Lakeshore Drive between Ludington and Pentwater, past the Ludington Pumped Storage Plant. It’s an excellent spot to relax and feel the soft breeze on your face.
Some volunteers got together and installed brand new playground equipment at Summit Park in 2013.
A pirate ship play station, unique swings, and a thick layer of wood chips for protection are included. Like many other parks, there are shelters/pavilions and restrooms.
The Summit Park also has a sports field for baseball or softball.
Address: The park is at 5581 S Lakeshore Dr, Ludington, MI 49431, United States.
8. North Breakwater Lighthouse
The North Breakwater Light serves as Ludington’s focal point and an excellent place to watch the sunset or wave at the S.S. Badger car ferry as it cruises onto Lake Michigan.
In addition, the breakwater leading out to the light is a popular venue for anglers and those people who like taking the mile-long round trip on foot.
With $6,000 from Congress, the first Ludington light was constructed on the outer end of the south pier and lit in 1871.
Address: 999 W Ludington Ave Ludington, MI 49431, United States.
9. Victory Township Park
There are two parks in Upper Hamlin. Of the two, Victory Township Park is more secluded. It offers more privacy than Wilson Hill Park.
When visiting the park, ensure you take the long, winding, tree-lined road into the park to treat your eyes to some breathtakingly beautiful scenery. As with other parks, you’ll find picnic tables, grills, a pavilion, and a port-a-potty
Another intriguing feature of Victory Township Park is that it is on the water.
You are free to sit at the edge of the lake and soak in the beauty of Upper Hamlin Lake, especially the swans that populate this area. It’s a serene setting that’s here for all to enjoy.
Address: Ludington, MI 49431
10. Wilson Hill Park
When visiting Upper Hamlin Lake, you’ll find that Wilson Hill Park is quite a popular place. You can enjoy picnic at one of the tables under a covered pavilion, with grills available.
There’s a small playground for kids and a port-a-potty. Upper Hamlin Lake is a beautiful area with many different lodging facilities.
Address: 6001 Barnhart Rd, Ludington, MI 49431.
11. Hamlin Lake Beach
Most families appreciate Hamlin Lake Beach’s calm waters, playground, sandy shore, restrooms, picnic shelter, and concessions.
The Hamlin Lake Dam is quite close to this beach. This beach is a fun place to visit with the family. It is situated right inside Ludington State Park.
Address: 8800 M-116, Ludington, MI 49431.
12. Legacy Plaza
The Plaza was constructed through a grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation totaling about $2.1 million.
It was designed to honor the legacy of the Native Americans who lived in Ludington. Local shops and restaurants surround the Plaza. Be sure to visit the Legacy Plaza when in Ludington, Michigan.
Address: The Legacy Plaza is at 112 N James St, Ludington, MI 49431.
13. Copeyon Park
Named after Peter Copeyon, longtime Ludington city commissioner, Copeyon Park gives you a vantage point of the Port of Ludington.
It’s on the east side of Pere Marquette Lake and offers a playground, launching the site, great fishing, and restroom facilities open May-October, weather permitting.
A distinctive feature of the park is the splash pad recently added on the south side, where families can enjoy cooling off with fun water features in the summer months.
Address: 900-998 S Washington Ave, Ludington, MI 49431.
14. Lake Michigan & Inland Lake Fishing
Anglers know Ludington is the best port to fish salmon on Lake Michigan. Several Ludington charter captains with years of experience on the big lake are eager to take you on a fishing excursion.
Ludington area inland lakes are excellent for fishing as well. For example, Hamlin Lake is full of northern pike, bass, perch, and bluegill–or ice fish in the winter for panfish and walleye.
15. Historic White Pine Village
Explore the small-town Michigan life in the late 19th and early 20th century at the Historic White Pine Village. It is on a 13-acre land overlooking Lake Michigan.
It opened in 1976 with only 11 buildings; today, it has over 30 buildings. One of the first houses in the village was the first Mason County Courthouse, built in 1849.
Admission into the village costs about $15 for adults, $13 for seniors (60 and above), and $11 for children (4 to 13). Admission is free for toddlers.
Address: The village is at 1687 S. Lakeshore Dr. Ludington, MI 49431.
16. Port of Ludington Maritime Museum
The museum tells the impressive story of Ludington’s rich maritime history and heritage with three floors of items on display that cover lighthouses, shipwrecks, the Coast Guard, the Ludington car ferries, the lumber industry, and much more.
Admission to the museum costs about $15 for adults, $13 for seniors (60 and above), and $11 for children (4 to 13). Admission is free for toddlers.
Address: Port of Ludington Maritime Museum, 217 South Lakeshore Drive, Ludington, MI 49431.
17. Sandcastles Children Museum
This museum opened in 2006. Visitation to the museum has steadily increased from about 1,500 visitors in its first year to over 20,000.
The museum is kid-friendly and highly sought after.
Address: It is at 129 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington, MI 49431.
See Also: Fun Things to Do In Yosemite
18. Watch the July 4 Parade with Family
There are several things to do in Ludington, Michigan. Watching the July 4 parade with your family is one such activity. In Ludington, it is known as the annual Freedom Festival and has been celebrated since 1874.
Crowds of people line Ludington Avenue to watch the beautiful parade. The route goes from Madison Street to Lakeshore Drive.
19. The Ludington Pumped Storage Plant
This storage plant is capable of producing around 1,872 megawatts of electricity. It celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2013.
The plant is accessible to locals and visitors by climbing to the observation deck, which overlooks the plant’s 842-acre reservoir. It is currently undergoing renovations to improve the capacity to more than 2,000 megawatts.
Address: This plant is at 3525 S. Lakeshore Dr, Ludington, MI 49431.
20. Cartier Park Bicycle Trail
This trail has more than three miles of mountain bike trails for the seasoned bike rider to explore.
This trail also offers a paved path for a more leisurely ride with the family.
21. The Memorial Tree Park Bicycle Trail
This is the best bicycle trail for beginners. It runs under a mile and makes for a smooth and easy riding experience.
Conclusion
From the above listed, I’m sure that one or two, or even more activities may have peaked your interest, so do well to experience them whenever you visit Ludington, Michigan.