Music Heritage Trail
The Music Heritage Trail will take you from Idlewild to Baldwin and from Scottville to Ludington as it explores the historic music scene!
Sandcastles Children’s Musuem Courtesy Photo
Children can Create, Discover, & Explore at Sandcastles Children's Museum
Current Hours are Thursdays & Fridays from 9:30am-1pm, Saturdays from 9:30am-5pm, & Sundays from 12-4pm
History of Sandcastles
Sandcastles Children’s Museum has been in operation since 2006, and first began as a “summer sampler museum.” Visitation to the Museum has grown from 1,500 its first year to more than 20,000 annually since 2011. They first occupied a small building on South James Street, then moved to a larger facility four times bigger on West Ludington Avenue.
Now they have found a permanent home in the former Elks Lodge, at the corner of North Harrison and Ludington Avenue and now have four levels of exhibits. Through donations and many volunteers, the building has been renovated to transform it into a kid-friendly and sought after destination.
Seasonal Hours
- Summer hours begin in June and are Monday-Saturday 9:30am-5pm and Sunday 12pm-4pm.
- Fall/Spring Hours begin after Labor Day and are Thursdays & Fridays from 9:30am-1pm, Saturdays from 9:30am-5pm, and Sundays from 12-4pm.
- Winter Hours from February 1st until June are Thursdays & Fridays from 9:30am-1pm, Saturdays from 9:30am-5pm, and Sundays from 12-4pm.
Have your child’s next birthday party at Sandcastles Children’s Museum!
2025 Membership Options:
Regular Family Membership
- $130, includes four children from one family and 1-2 adults to accompany them. Each additional family member is $10. Adults are interchangeable, children are not.
Grandparent Membership
- $130, includes two adults and up to four of their grandchildren. Children are interchangeable, adults are not.
Just Two
- $90, includes one adult and one child. Adult is interchangeable, child is not.
2025 Daily Admission
- $9.50 per person. Children under age 1 are free
Call or visit Sandcastles during open hours to purchase your membership!
Sandcastles Children’s Museum
129 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington, MI 49431
(231) 233-9326
Discover more around Ludington!
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Cast your line into Upper Hamlin Lake or enjoy a picnic, the playground, or watch Hamlin Lake’s Independence Fireworks at Wilson Hill Park.
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Downtown Ludington
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Disc Golf Courses
Disc golf is a big deal here in the Ludington area, with up to 20,000 people per year visiting one of our six courses.
What's happening now in Ludington?
Scroll below for more articles about the Ludington area activities and attractions.
Experience the Activities and Attractions of Ludington!
Disc Golf Courses
Disc golf is a big deal here in the Ludington area, with up to 20,000 people per year visiting one of our six courses.
Accessible Walkways at Stearns Park Beach
The three accessible walkways installed at Stearns Park Beach in Ludington allow everyone to make their way to the water and sand.
Weather & Water Conditions
West Michigan weather – they say if you don’t like the weather in Ludington, wait a few minutes and it will change.
Night Life
The fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down here in Ludington! Nightlife here includes festivals, cozy restaurants, and local performances.
Wilson Hill Park on Upper Hamlin Lake
Cast your line into Upper Hamlin Lake or enjoy a picnic, the playground, or watch Hamlin Lake’s Independence Fireworks at Wilson Hill Park.
Sunset Times
It rises and sets every single day, and nothing is more breathtaking than our spectacular sunsets over Lake Michigan.
