Ludington's Very Own
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| James Ludington |
Every town has its own unique “flavor”—which separates it from all the rest. Ludington definitely has a variety of things we call our own; from local events to fascinating places.
Events like the Freedom Festival and Friday Night Live take place during the summer, and our Lakeshore Parrothead Club is a special group of people that call Ludington home. Waterfront Park and its sculptures, the nine murals, and the Ludington Pumped Storage Project are special and a must-see for any visitor to this area.
Perhaps the most unique of all is the Scottville Clown Band, known throughout the country, with roots right here in Mason County. These musically-blessed gentlemen from all walks of life entertain crowds at concerts and parades in the summertime. And of course, the S.S. Badger carferry, the largest ship to sail the Great Lakes, calls Ludington, Michigan her home.
The stark, white cross, highly visible from the Buttersville peninsula overlooking Lake Michigan, marks the spot where Father Jacques Marquette drew his last breath in 1675.
Sandcastles Children's Museum has been in operation since 2008 as a "summer sampler museum," offering exhibits, programs, and opportunities for children.
Discover small town Michigan life in the late 1800's and early 1900's at Historic White Pine Village, set upon 23 beautiful acres overlooking Lake Michigan.
Small towns are known for their local events that involve the community, and in Ludington one of those events is the Western Michigan Fair.
What sets Ludington's Waterfront Park apart from other parks? The answer lies in its eight bronzed sculptures that you'll find throughout the five acre park.
"The Big Noise from Scottville," otherwise known as the Scottville Clown Band, has entertained music lovers throughout the state of Michigan for over 100 years.
Nestled between two marinas with a view of the carferry dock is Waterfront Park, a focal point in Ludington, complete with sculptures, playground, and tables.
Ludington's fondness for the S.S. Badger has prompted city officials to create a children's flotilla that's a miniature replica of this great carferry.
One look at the wooden pirate ship and its pirate crew, and you might think you're in another time or place. But you've just come face to face with the Lakeshore Parrothead Club.
Built in 1973, Ludington's Pumped Storage Project is an engineering marvel, and one of the world's biggest electric "batteries."
Anyone can read about the history of a town, but here in Ludington, our history is displayed in nine murals on the façade of local businesses, with two more murals outside of town.
It began in 1980, and 30 years later, the Ludington Lakestride Half Marathon is stronger than ever. With one of the most beautiful and scenic courses in Michigan, the Lakestride attracts 600-800 runners from around the state and beyond.
Patriotism is alive and well here in Ludington, Michigan, as demonstrated in the annual Freedom Festival, held every year since 1874. Sponsored by the Ludington Area Jaycees, this event is one of the few great July 4th festivals still in existence in Michigan.
What makes Friday Night Live so special? Maybe it's the old fashioned feeling of being in a town you love, seeing friends and family on the street, and enjoying all the goodness of summer.
It's ironic that the man whom Ludington is named for never actually resided here. But his contribution was the foundation that the present day city of Ludington is built on.
Celebrating its one year anniversary, the Ludington Area Center for the Arts has proven to be a valuable and cultural asset to the city of Ludington.
