Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography
What could be more enjoyable than a day at the beach? It’s so relaxing to lie on the soft, warm sand with the golden sun overhead. And with over a dozen parks in the area, you’ve got the perfect place to picnic, let the kids play, and appreciate the fantastic views that we’re so blessed to have.
At the end of Ludington Avenue is Stearns Park Beach with 2,500 feet of sandy shoreline. Here you can enjoy a large, grassy area with abundant picnic tables and grills and and parking is always free. Stearns Park Beach also features the North Breakwater Light, miniature golf course, shuffleboard, playground, and skate park. Concessions and restrooms at both ends of the beach are open daily in the summer.
Explore the sugar sand shoreline at the Ludington State Park Beach just north of town. Nearly seven miles long, a portion of this beach is outside the gate, so a State Park permit is not needed. Within the park are the warm, shallow waters of Hamlin Lake Beach. For your convenience, playgrounds, concession stands, and restroom facilities are available at the Hamlin Lake Beach as well as in the beach house along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Located high on a bluff between Lake Michigan and Pere Marquette Lake, Buttersville Park has perhaps the greatest view of all the parks. Located off South Lakeshore Drive, you’ll find a picnic area with grills, playground, restrooms, and a pavilion. Steps lead down to the expansive Lake Michigan beach, with a view of the Ludington North Breakwater Lighthouse in the distance. If you’re looking for another great view, visit Summit Park on South Lakeshore Drive, past the Ludington Pumped Storage Plant. This park has picnic tables that overlook Lake Michigan, grills, and beach access.
Named after a longtime city commissioner, Copeyon Park is located on south Washington Avenue, just past the bridge. Situated on the east shore of Pere Marquette Lake, Copeyon Park offers picnic tables (including an area with windscreens facing the lake), grills, playground, splash pad, and a launching site. This is a nice park for viewing the Port of Ludington, and a good spot for fishing.
Right on Ludington Avenue between Lewis and Gaylord Streets is Rotary Park, (formerly known as City Park). Within this shady, grassy area are benches, picnic tables, the Rotary Band Shell, and restrooms. In the summertime, art fairs, the Suds on the Shore Beer & Wine Tasting Festival, and the Stratford on the Avenue Theatre Festival are held here.
Waterfront Park, between the two downtown marinas, boasts paved walkways, pristine landscaping, a great playground, a covered amphitheater, plus tables and benches throughout. There are also nine bronze sculptures to check out and this is the perfect place to watch the S.S. Badger leave or return to port.
At the corner of North Washington and Sherman within Ludington’s city limits, you’ll find the very pretty Memorial Tree Park, featuring benches that overlook Lincoln Lake. Nestled among the trees, you can enjoy a meal or snack at one of the picnic tables and kids can play on the swings. The park also has a pavilion that is a popular spot for reunions and high school open houses. More information on the rental can be found by visiting pmtwp.org.
Just off Old US-31, Sutton’s Landing is a charming park along the Pere Marquette River. A unique feature of this park is the handicapped accessible riverwalk, with a wooden ramp that leads down to the river, perfect for fishing or launching a canoe. There is also an 1800 square foot pavilion available to rent for gatherings. Visit pmtwp.org for more information.
Legacy Plaza, on North James Street in downtown Ludington, was made possible by a grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and was completed in the summer of 2021. The plaza features the Ludington Farmers Market from May-September and is a live music venue throughout the summer.
Just 4 miles north of Ludington is where you find beaches and parks along Hamlin Lake. Home to multiple parks along the waters edge and a beach inside of the Ludington State Park, there’s something for everyone.
Visit the new Value of Sports Museum located at Historic White Pine Village just a short drive from Ludington.
With some of the best fishing and boating around, Hamlin Lake brings much delight as well as some of the most beautiful, scenic backdrops.
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”.
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West 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.
Copeyon Park’s splash pad provides a great spot in the summer! Great fishing and water-filled fun await!
One of the most popular state parks in the Midwest offers a vacation within itself. Enjoy beautiful natural resources and endless activities.
Rotary Park park features several trees and a large, open space. Formerly City Park, the rotary club is behind many of the improvements.
West Michigan’s beautiful beaches and parks are popular with couples that desire a more casual ceremony with a beach or outdoor wedding.
View Lake Michigan from the top of the sandy hill at Summit Park while the kids play on the pirate-ship themed playground.
Waterfront Park features a fantastic view of the S.S. Badger and sits right along two marinas of Lake Michigan.
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