27 Fun & Best Things To Do In Ludington, MI
Are you looking for the best and most fun things to do in Ludington, Michigan? Are you a travel and fun lover planning a trip there? Your quest is now over! Join us as we look at 27 fun things to do in Ludington, MI that will make your time and trip worth it.
Ludington, Michigan, is in western Mason County and at the mouth of the Northern Shore of the Pere Marquette River. It is also on the east shore of Lake Michigan. In the summer, the famous SS Badger boat runs from Lake Michigan to Manitowoc.
Explore the most exciting things to do in Ludington, MI. From the beautiful views of Lake Michigan to the city’s rich past shown in its famous lighthouses, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Visit Ludington State Park and the beautiful Big Sable Point Lighthouse. The Ludington Maritime Museum will teach you about history.
There are 27 great things to do in Ludington, Michigan in 2024.
1. Explore The Ludington State Park
Check out Ludington State Park to start your trip around the area. Ludington State Park has a lot of fun things to do outside. It covers 5,300 acres.
This lovely park is on the western coast of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Along Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake, it has dunes, marshes, and hardwood woods.
During your visit, you can do fun things like hiking on a more than 20-mile trail that goes through woods, dunes, and close to the lake, swimming and sunbathing on the sand beaches, fishing, boating, camping, and many winter activities.
From December to February, the Ludington State Park is only open in the winter. This makes it one of the fun winter things to do in Ludington, MI.
Address: 8800 M-116, Ludington, MI 49431, United States.
2. The S.S. Badger Car Ferry Voyage
One sweet thing for couples to do in Ludington, MI is to take the S.S. Badger Ferry for Cars. The trip across Lake Michigan will be fun with this beautiful sight.
The SS Badger Car ferry has been running since 1953 and is the largest lake ferry that goes from Ludington, Michigan to Manitowoc, Wisconsin across Lake Michigan. It can take up to 620 people and 180 cars, tour buses, RVs, and semi-trucks.
On top of being a safe and cheaper way to cross Lake Michigan, the SS Badger Lake Michigan Car Ferry is a fun way to remember the trip, with games like “Badger Bingo” and shopping in the “Boatique” as well as coloring contests and scavenger hunts for kids.
Address: 701 Maritime Dr, Ludington, MI 49431, United States.
3. Pay A Visit To The Big Sable Point Lighthouse
One of the most important things to see in Ludington, Michigan, is the Big Stavle Point Lighthouse. This famous 112-foot polar-striped lighthouse is in Ludington State Park, on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. Every year, thousands of people come to see it.
Picturesque views of both the land and the lake can be found from the tower, which is famous for its beautiful scenes. It has space for both relaxing and exciting activities, like bird watching, beachcombing, and climbing.
Furthermore, besides being a fun activity, it also helps teach. The Big Sable Point Lighthouse tells stories about its first keepers and how technology has changed over time, making every visit there memorable.
Address: 8800 W M-116, Ludington, MI 49431, United States
4. Stop By The Port Of Ludington Maritime Museum
Lovers of history will also enjoy the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum in Ludington, MI. This museum tells about the town’s long and interesting past.
Lighthouses, shipwrecks, the Coast Guard, the lumber industry, Ludington carboats, and other things are on display at the museum.
As a casual visitor to the museum, you can look at the art galleries, which show off the work of local and regional artists and give you a sense of how artistically rich Ludington is.
Address: 217 South Lakeshore Drive, Ludington, MI 49431, United States.
5. The Ludington North Breakwater Light View
One of the best things to do in Ludington, MI is to go to the Ludington North Breaker Light. This famous site is what makes Ludington what it is, and it also has beautiful views of the sunset and the big waves made by the SS Badger Car Ferry.
The main goal of the breakwater that was built in 1924 was to help ships enter and leave Ludington Harbor.
The Ludington North breakwater light is at the end of the North breakwater, which goes out into Lake Michigan. Visitors can get to the lighthouse by walking along the breakwater and taking in views of the coast and Lake Michigan.
Address: Ludington, Michigan, United States
6. Tour The Sandcastle Children’s Museum
One fun thing to do in Ludington, MI, with kids is to go to Sandcastle Children’s Museum. This place will spark their interest and energy.
The Sandcastle Children’s Museum has more than 30 hands-on displays for kids to enjoy. These include science, historical, artistic, and cultural displays that are meant to teach as well as entertain.
Besides that, the museum has special events for kids, like classes, workshops, and performances or demos. People can also become members of the museum, which gives them unlimited entry to the displays and discounts on programs.
Address: 129 E Ludington Avenue, Ludington, MI 49431, United States.
7. Enjoy The Steams Park & Beach
At Ludington, MI’s Steam Park and Beach, you can get away from the summer heat. This is a unique thing to do that’s good for people of all ages and is family-friendly.
The Steam Park and Beach is Ludington’s biggest beach. It has over 2,500 feet of sandy shores. The park also has lots of fun things for kids and adults to do, like swimming, making sand castles, and walking about a half-mile, which is a great activity for couples.
Another nice thing is that there is free Wi-Fi, and even though there are no lifeguards on the beach, Patrol officers keep bad people from doing bad things.
Oh! Oh, and I almost forgot to say that you can stay out of the sun by using the picnic tables and grills that are there, getting your favorite drinks and snacks, and exercising.
Address: 420 N Lakeshore Drive, Ludington, MI 49431, United States.
8. The Ludington Waterfront Park Expedition
The Waterfront Park is right on the shore of Lake Michigan and has stunning views of the water, the sand beaches, and the sunset.
In addition to nature walks, the park lets people do fun things like play beach volleyball, search for treasures along the shore, go for swims, and relax in the sun. This is possible because the water in Lake Michigan is calm in the summer.
People who like being outside can also fish, walk, rent boats and other watercraft, ride bikes, and take part in fairs and other events in the park.
Address: 391 S William Street, Ludington, MI 49431, United States.
9. Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness
The Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness is a hidden gem, right on the shores of Lake Michigan. Nature and outdoor enthusiasts are just waiting to find it.
This beautiful wilderness covers 3,450 acres in the Manistee National Forest and has a mix of dense woods, a sunny shore, and dunes.
The wilderness has 140-foot-tall dunes that give amazing views of Lake Michigan. It’s a great place for hikers and photographers alike.
Camping, climbing, and setting up tents are all popular things to do in Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness. But people who like to have fun can try other things, like swimming, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Address: Free Soil, MI 49411, United States.
10. See The Pere Marquette River
The Pere Marquette River runs from Lake County to Lake Michigan and is 102.8 km (63.9 miles) long. It’s fun to explore the river in Ludington, Michigan.
The Pere Marquette River is a beautiful body of water on the edge of Ludington, Michigan. It has a lot of wildlife, clean water, and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for relaxing.
The Pere Marquette River is famous for being clean, having a lot of wildlife, and having a peaceful atmosphere. It is a great place for nature and outdoor lovers to visit because it has so many activities for them to do, such as salmon fishing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, photography, and art with views of lush forests and deer.
Address: Michigan, United States.
11. The Ludington School Forest
Another great place to see in Ludington, Michigan is the Ludington School Forest. Tourists have been drawn to the forest for years because it has unique features like bike tracks that go for 1.8 miles and from the southern area for 7 miles.
It provides chances for outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and nature study, which is good for the health and well-being of people who like being outside and in nature.
The forest is like an outdoor school because it teaches people about forest ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and exploring nature. It also acts as a harbor for protecting natural resources.
Address: 740-810 N Sherman St, Ludington, MI 49431, United States.
12. Check Out The Walmart Supercenter
The beautiful shopping center is right in the middle of all the action in Ludington. It caters to all kinds of needs, wants, and wishes. Having everything from clothes, groceries, and household items to electronics and other tools at low prices.
There are self-checkout machines, sales, catering services, pharmacy services, and gardening services at the Walmart Supercenter. Tech fans are also given top-notch entertainment systems, which can be anything from game consoles to smart home devices.
People who go to the supercenter like how comfortable, varied, and cheap it is. Customers can choose from a lot of different items, such as groceries, clothes, electronics, and home goods. This lets them do many things at once.
Address: 4854 US-10, Ludington, MI 49431, United States.
13. Survey The Red Door Gallery
The Red Door Gallery has been around since 1981 and is one of the best places in the southern part of Ludington, Michigan to see objects, paintings, and drawings.
The Red Door Gallery has paintings, sculptures, and other works of art from the past and present that were made with pencils, charcoal, inks, pastels, and other drawing tools.
The gallery shows copies of original works of art made through lithography, screen printing, and digital printing. It also shows pictures taken with old and new cameras, mixed media arts, glass arts, digital arts, and live acts that are shown as art.
Address: 416 S James Street, Ludington, MI 49431, United States.
14. Summit Park
In Ludington, MI, Summit Park is a fun place to visit with your family. It is on South Lakeshore Drive, which runs between Ludington and Pentwater.
The summit park has picnic tables with views of Lake Michigan and grills for use. It also has new signs, playground equipment like a pirate ship play station, and layers of wood chips to keep kids safe.
In addition, the park has a sandy walk that leads to the beach, where people mostly swim and lay out in the sun while the water cools them off. There is a pavilion, a baseball or softball area, and bathrooms next to these.
15. Visit The Buttersville Park And Campground
The Buttersville Park & Campground is between Lake Michigan and Pere Marquette Lake. It has a day park and picnic areas, and it has a great view of the huge amount of land that crosses Lake Michigan.
Some of the cutest things about Buttersville Park are that it has a day park, and picnic areas, and is pet and dog-friendly. The reason there are so many deer that are so calm and friendly around people is because of this.
People can also go down to the large beach, which is great for swimming and relaxing. This is a lovely place for couples to watch the sun go down. In the fall and spring, you can be sure of more privacy.
The Buttersville campground is only open from May 15th to October 15th of each year, and bookings can be made for that time.
Address: 1100 S Lakeshore Drive, Ludington, MI 49431, United States.
16. An Excursion To The Historic White Pines Village
There are many fun things to do in Ludington, MI at the Historic White Pine Village, which is on 13 beautiful acres of land above Lake Michigan. The village gives you a look into small towns and a taste of life in Michigan in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
The Village began with just 11 buildings when it opened in 1976. It has historic buildings that were moved there for historical reasons, like the first Mason County Courthouse, which was built in 1849, and the Hamlin Lake Cottage, which was moved from its original location on the Indian Pete Bayou.
People who visit Pine Village can look at 30 different buildings that show the history of Mason County. They can also get a range of snacks at the Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor in the Townhall, where ice cream is made locally. Check out the gift shop, where you can buy books, clothes, locally-made jams, old-fashioned wooden toys, and things made with maple syrup.
Address: 1687 S Lakeshore Drive, Ludington, MI 49431, United States.
17. The Amber Elk Ranch Adventure
In Ludington, MI, one fun thing to do with kids is to check out the Amber Elk Ranch. People of all ages can have exciting feelings and experiences at this must-see site.
People who come to the ranch like to see the wagon stop to feed an elk, see the grains being moved in buckets on the wagon, pet a friendly elk, or watch an elk move with the help of a tour guide.
They can look around the Antler Shed Gift Shop while they wait for the wagon. The shop sells a wide range of things, from stuffed animals and rustic furniture and decorations made from antlers.
Address: 2688 W Conrad Road, Ludington, MI 49431, United States.
18. Head To The Hemlock Golf Club
You can book a tee time at the Hemlock Golf Club this weekend as one of many fun things to do in Ludington, MI.
The Hemlock Golf Club has been around since 2001 and is a good task for both new and experienced golfers. The 18-hole golf course is beautifully kept and spread out over an acre. It is 6,965 yards from the back tees and has 142 slopes, playing to a par of 72.
In addition to the course, there is a pro shop where people can rent golf gear.
Address: 5105 W Decker Road, Ludington, MI 49431, United States.
19. Take A Gander At The Jam Farm
If you like food, one of the most fun and interesting things to do in Ludington, MI is to go to the Jam Farm. The farm is less than a mile from Lake Michigan and is known for making some of the best jams, butter, marmalades, jellies, and other locally made goods.
Visitors can fill their cravings with the best spreads, which are made with the freshest and best ingredients and don’t contain any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Not only does the Jam Farm sell spreads, but she also makes homemade treats like Grandma’s Bread Mix and Dip Mixes for a picnic or a get-together with family and friends.
Address: 5075 W Meisenheimer Road, Ludington, MI 49431, United States.
20. Drop By The Cartier Park
Cartier Park is a well-kept gem in the charming Michigan town of Ludington. It is surrounded by beautiful scenery and offers many fun things to do in Ludington.
Throughout the year, the Park offers a relaxing walk through the forest. Tall White Birch Trees shade the paths during the summer, and they are painted with bright colors in the fall.
There are lots of things to do outside at the park, like having a picnic with friends and family, hiking on the trails, fishing, boating, events, fairs, a playground, and fun things for kids to do.
Address: 1254 N Lakeshore Drive, Ludington, MI 49431, United States.
21. Navigate To The Ludington Area Center Of Arts (LACA)
The Ludington Area Center for the Arts (LACA) is a great choice and a great place to visit for art lovers because it is a lively place for artistic expression and offers a wide range of cultural experiences through performances, exhibitions, and educational programs that cover visual arts, music, literature, and more.
The Ludington Area Center for the Arts has a performance hall with 250 seats and a gallery and banquet hall on the main floor. It also has a large collection of over 1,000 books about art history, artists, and teaching tools.
Getting around the Center for the Arts is a great idea for tourists because it lets them see new art by local and national artists, take part in experimental learning classes and workshops, and take part in cultural events and community activities.
Address: 107 S Harrison Street, Ludington, MI 49431, United States.
22. Visit The Jump Around Fun Center & VR
The Jump Around Fun Center is Ludington’s outdoor air-blown adventure park. It has a lot of fun things to do outside, like obstacle courses, bounce houses, and other bouncy structures.
No matter what age, the center has something for everyone: a Toddler zone for little kids, a Zoro-ball track, and an obstacle adventure path for bigger kids.
There is an exciting mix of real-life activities and high-tech Virtual Reality experiences for visitors, which provide a lively mix of real-life activities and digital ones. To give visitors the most fun possible, activities like jumping and discovering visual realities are planned.
Address: 1830 N Lakeshore Drive, Ludington, MI 49431, United States.
23. The Ludington Lakeside Links Golf Course
This weekend, one of the best things to do in Ludington, MI, is to book a tee time at Lakeside Links Golf Club.
The Lakeside Links Golf Club has been around since 1970 and is a good task for both new and experienced golfers. The 18-hole golf course is spread out over 156 acres and is very well taken care of. It is 6,438 yards from the back tees and has a par of 71 and a slope of 126.
The Lakeside Links Golf Club has more than just a golf course. It also has modern tennis courts, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, an exercise center, and a clubhouse with tennis courts and a pool.
There is also a restaurant at the club where you can eat with your family and friends.
Address: 5369 W Chauvez Rd, Ludington, MI 49431, United States
24. Behold The JM Galleries
Beautiful photo galleries and a full-service custom picture frame shop can be found at JM Galleries and Custom Picture Framing. The gallery is a popular spot for art lovers and collectors because it has a wide range of options, from cheap ready-made frames to expensive custom framing.
The gallery is in downtown Ludington and has a collection of sculptures, paintings, mixed media, and photography, among other types of art. The collection shows a range of artistic forms and points of view to help people learn about and appreciate culture.
JM Galleries helps people learn more about other cultures, get motivated, and gain a deeper respect for creative expressions by giving them visual experiences that promote and grow their views.
Address: 310 W Ludington Avenue, Ludington, MI 49431, United States.
25. Explore Love Wines, LLC
The Love Wines, LLC is a small winery that makes exceptional wines with care and passion. They specialize in making unique blends and varieties of wine for couples and families to enjoy love and life’s special moments.
Love Wines LLC is in West Michigan and sells more than 30 different wine brands. Some of these brands are the Hybrid La Crescent, which is blended into many wines, the Petite Pearl, which is mixed with a maple whisky oak, and the Midwest fruit, which is mixed with Toes in the Sand. There is also a tasting room for buyers and guests to use.
Visitors to the winery can learn about the art of making wine by tasting a range of high-quality wines in a beautiful vineyard setting. They can also take part in the process from the vine to the bottle.
Address: 925 S Washington Avenue, Ludington, MI 49431, United States.
26. The Market, Ludington
The Ludington Market, which used to be called Grassa’s Farm Market, is at the intersection of Stiles and US-10. It sells fresh food, farmhouse decor, and goods for landscaping.
The commercial hub smells like freshly baked goods and is full of lively chatter from people buying and selling things at kiosks that are brimming with farm-fresh treats and handmade treasures. This makes it a friendly place for both locals and tourists.
When people go to the Ludington Market, they can buy fresh food from local farmers and artists and enjoy a community-centered atmosphere with music, arts, and delicious food.
Address: 2442 US-10, Ludington, MI 49431, United States.
27. An Adventure To Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo
The Lewis Adventure Farm and Zoo is a family-friendly place to visit near Ludington, Michigan. It is in New Era, Michigan, which is only 30 minutes away.
This attraction offers fun things to do outside, like pony rides, nature trails or hiking, picnic areas, zip lining, adventure playgrounds, and educational workshops or demonstrations to help people get involved with nature, learn about wildlife conservation, and have fun.
The Adventure Farm and Zoo lets people get hands-on experience with animals, try new things outside, and learn about ways to protect wildlife and farm in a way that doesn’t harm the environment.
Address: 4180 M-20, New Era, MI 49446, United States.
28. Explore Up North Farm Market And Petting Barn
The Up North Farm Market and Petting Barn is another fun and different thing for kids to do near Ludington. After being open in the spring and fall, this site creates a lively setting for farming, meeting friendly animals, and making memories with family and nature lovers.
Family pets like llamas, Kune Kune pigs, sheep, goats, mini horses, a Belted Galloway, a Mini steer, chickens, donkeys, and rabbits live at the Up North Farm Market and Petting Barn. You can also buy fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, eggs, dairy products, meat, baked goods, jams, preserves, and jellies that are grown on the farm.
When you go to the attraction, you can buy locally grown food and handmade goods and also connect with friendly animals. This way, kids and adults can have fun while learning through hands-on activities.
Address: 3890 Monroe Road, Hart, MI 49420, United States.
29. The Lie-A-Lot Charters Adventure
An Adventure to the Lie-a-Lot Charters offers unforgettable fishing trips with a fleet of boats equipped with the latest fishing gear and experienced guides. One of the fun things to do in Ludington, Michigan is to explore Lake Michigan.
The port is well-kept and offers a park-like setting with picnic tables, grills, and covered shelters. It is right in the middle of Ludington town and only a few minutes from Lake Michigan. In addition, they have clean, modern toilets and places to clean fish.
At Lie-A-Lot Charters, adventurers can go on fishing trips with experienced guides who will make sure they catch big fish and have great times on the water.
Address: 200 South William Street, Ludington, MI 49431, United States.