Family Friendly Events
Ludington hosts many events and activities that are geared toward kids and families, that’s part of what makes the area so great!
Photo by: Todd & Brad Reed Photography
There’s a winter wonderland awaiting you once the snow covers the ground at the Ludington State Park. Dressed in winter white, the scenic natural beauty at the park becomes even more pristine and peaceful. The park remains open year-round for hiking and snowshoeing, plus there are scheduled activities and events to give those who love winter something fun to look forward to!
A Michigan State Park Recreation Passport is required to enter the park and may be purchased at the park. Residents may also now purchase the $13 Recreation Passport when they renew their Michigan license plate at the Secretary of State office.
Despite much of Ludington State Park being closed for construction until summer 2025, the park and Friends of the Ludington State Park will host four lantern-lit events this coming winter using the trail along the south side of the Big Sable River on the open southern portion of the park. The route will be marked with lit lanterns and there will be a bonfire at the amphitheater. Parking will be in the lot at the end of the Amphitheater road adjacent to the Skyline Trail.
Instructors will guide you through the steps to making top-of-the-line traditional wooden snowshoes like how Native Americans crafted them for generations. These will get you through the deep snowfalls and will last for generations.
Because this is an activity that requires concentration over long periods of time, participants must be age 16 and older. The cost is $190, which includes the preformed wooden frames, lacing, high-quality bindings and personal instruction. Class size is limited to 8 participants, and reservations are required. Click here to register for this class.
The Friends of the Ludington State Park, park staff, and park interpreter Alan Wernette work together to groom a trail for walking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing. The walk begins at the Warming Shelter and has approximately 1 mile of lighted trails.
There are bonfires at both the Warming Shelter and the Amphitheater, along with free warm beverages at the Amphitheater. No registration is needed and lantern lit walks are free.
These guided programs will take you past some of the most beautiful State Park scenery, through woods and snow-covered sand dunes. All walks begin and end at the Warming Shelter, located next to the parking lot at the park’s entrance. The park loans out 60 pairs of snowshoes that fit ages 8 and up on a first-come, first-served basis. No registration is needed and snowshoe rental and hikes are free.
Planning a visit to the Ludington State Park area? Have questions about your trip? Here’s where you can find help:
Ludington hosts many events and activities that are geared toward kids and families, that’s part of what makes the area so great!
The Ludington Area Festival of Lights is a dazzling drive-thru light display that runs from Thanksgiving until the last weekend of December.
Downtown Ludington presents the annual Aglow on the Avenue Holiday Parade in conjunction with Small Business Saturday and more!
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Friends of Ludington State Park is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting wise use and conservation of the Ludington State Park.
Water fun in the Ludington State Park! Float down the Big Sable River, paddle Hamlin Lake water trails, launch a pleasure boat, or swim!
The black-and-white striped, 112 foot lighthouse at the Ludington State Park stands proudly on the shores of Lake Michigan.
The Ludington State Park holds multiple events for the whole family during the summer months. Don’t miss the live music and presentations!
The beautiful Lake Michigan Beach House in the Ludington State Park is a two-story shelter with visitor exhibits, lounging, and concessions.
The Michigan DNR has announced that Ludington State Park will be closed from September 3rd, 2024-July 1st, 2025 for improvements.
Is your business located in Ludington? Contact us today to learn about advertising opportunities with VisitLudington.com.
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The Ludington State Park is currently closed for renovations. The park is slated to reopen on July 1st, 2025. Improvements include parking lot repaving and expansion, plus upgrades to warming shelters and traffic areas. There are parts of the park that are still accessible. Read about the details here.