Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography
Each year during the transition from winter to spring, area residents and businesses take pledges and try to raise as much money as possible for the Ludington Lake Jump. In return, that person must run into the icy waters of Lake Michigan at Stearns Park Beach on Lake Jump Day. Many local businesses also help out with hot drinks and food at the event.
The 2024 beneficiary was the Friends of Ludington Police K9 Unit which serves to promote and support programs, services, and community outreach endorsed by the City and Police Department. Over $34,000 was raised for the program.
2021 marked the 22nd year for the Lake Jump, which began when two local disc jockeys made a dare. Since then, over $650,000 has been raised for local charities, such as West Shore Family Support, Sandcastles Children’s Museum, the Rotary’s STRIVE program and the Ludington Area Center for the Arts.
In 2015, the Ludington Lake Jump beneficiary was the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum and over $24,000 was raised. In 2016, the Ludington Area Jaycees Mini Golf Renovation benefited to the tune of over $7,800, and in 2017 the Mason County Sports Hall of Fame received the proceeds, totaling $22,100. The Lake Jump raised more than $42,000 in 2018, and with the matching gift, a total of $91,700 was donated to the Lakeshore Food Club. In 2019, over $70,000 was raised for the Ludington Splash Pad and the modified 2020 event benefited Lakeshore Food 4 Kids and netted over $76,000. In 2021, West Shore Family Support was the beneficiary and received over $49,839. The Childhood Cancer Campaign received over $56,000 from the 2022 Jump. Over $60,000 in proceeds from the 2023 event went to the Youth Advisory Council of the Community Foundation for Mason County.
Click here to see the current temperature of Lake Michigan.
Ludington Lake Jump Board of Directors
The Caswell Horse Park at the Mason County Fairgrounds in Ludington is a busy place from May-October, with many horse shows.
Ludington is a popular location for various races and runs… including the Lakestride Half Marathon and the Lighthouse Triathlon.
During the summer is the Petunia Parade in Ludington featuring 30,000 petunias lining Ludington Avenue and the marina.
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Ludington’s natural resources, charter captains, and outfitters provide great salmon fishing on Lake Michigan and the Pere Marquette River.
The Ludington Skate Plaza is a popular spot for kids with skateboards or in-line skates, and also draws spectators to Stearns Park.
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
Putt putt for a purpose by visiting the Ludington Area Jaycees Mini Golf Course in Stearns Park, right on Lake Michigan.
Ludington is alive with an array of artistic events that take place throughout the year. There’s music, photography, art galleries, and more.
A children’s flotilla that’s a miniature replica of the historic S.S. Badger carferry. Children get to ride in one of many “cars”.
Small destinations within themselves, visitors of Hamlin Lake will go on an adventure to find their perfect dune.
Discover small town life in the late 1800s and early 1900s at Historic White Pine Village in Ludington, overlooking Lake Michigan.
Your pet should feel right at home in Ludington. There are many businesses that allow pets and parks and beaches for them to play on.
The black-and-white striped, 112 foot lighthouse at the Ludington State Park stands proudly on the shores of Lake Michigan.
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