Lake Michigan S.S. Badger Carferry
The S.S. Badger Carferry is a fun and relaxing shortcut across Lake Michigan between Ludington, Michigan and Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
Photos by the Ludington Area Jaycees
Putt Putt for a Purpose at the Ludington Area Jaycees Mini Golf Course!
The Ludington Area Jaycees Mini Golf Course has been a popular place in the summertime, as residents and visitors alike enjoy a round of mini golf right at the Stearns Park Beach overlooking Ludington’s North Breakwater Lighthouse.
The course is closed for the 2025 season and will reopen on Memorial Day weekend, 2026
About the Jaycees Mini Golf Course
The Ludington Area Jaycees’ Miniature Golf Course was opened in 1967 for the sole purpose of generating funds to support community projects. Since that year, over $300,000 has been donated by the club to local initiatives.
Some of the major projects the Ludington Area Jaycees Mini Golf Course has supported over the years are: the Scottville Optmist Park Project, the Custer Community “Johnny’s Bandstand” Sculpture Park, the Copeyon Park Fish Cleaning Station, the Ludington Recreation Soccer Field on Bryant Road, Mason County Recreation Football, emergency equipment for Ludington Fire Department, Waterfront Park Playground, Stearns Park Accessibility Walkways, Ludington and Mason County Central High School’s Music Departments, among many others.
2025 Rates
Under Age 6 & Veterans/Military: Free
Age 6-12 & 55+: $7
Age 13-54: $9
Charity Mondays
As part of the Ludington Area Jaycees Mini Golf mission, the course donates 30% of profits each year back into other non-profit organizations and initiatives in the community. One way the group accomplishes this is through “Charity Mondays” where various organizations get 30% of profits on Mondays throughout the summer.
Here's a list of organizations that were beneficiaries of Charity Mondays in 2025:
- Miss Sawyer’s Kids With A Cause
- COVE (Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters)
- Custer VFW Gold Bar Post 5096 Renovation
- Caritas Food Pantry
- Jaycees 4th of July Freedom Festival
- Jaycees 4th of July Freedom Festival
- Home Team Housing
- Oriole Giving Tree
- Helping Others Prosper (H.O.P.)
- Ludington Petunia Parade
- AFFEW (A Few Friends for the Environment & World)
- Shoreline FORCE (Families For Cycling Education)
- Staircase Youth Services
- Coats & Boots for Kids
Course Renovations
By 2015, time and elements had taken their toll on the Jaycees Mini Golf Course so the Jaycees pursued a complete overhaul of the course at that time. With the help of state grant funds and sponsorships the course has been completely revitalized with the hopes of bringing in more money to be donated back into community projects.
A new theme, talked about by the Jaycees for several years, has been implemented on the renovated course and encompasses educational and historical obstacles and highlights local attractions. The Landmarks of Ludington theme fits in with other community efforts which focus on the rich history of Ludington and Mason County.
The renovation project was the beneficiary of the 2016 Ludington Lake Jump and the club has also received a $45,000 grant from the Passports for Recreation Program through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. A few sponsorship opportunities for the Ludington Area Jaycees Mini Golf still remain.
For more information, contact Mini Golf Chairperson Mary Burden at (231) 690-2020. General monetary donations (with checks made payable to Ludington Area Jaycees Mini Golf) can be sent to: Ludington Area Jaycees, c/o Mini Golf, P.O. Box 411, Ludington, MI 49431.
For more information on the Ludington Area Jaycees Mini Golf Course:
900 W. Ludington Ave.,
Ludington, MI 49431
(231) 843-4663
Discover more around Ludington!
Sunset Times
It rises and sets every single day, and nothing is more breathtaking than our spectacular sunsets over Lake Michigan.
Father Jacques Marquette Shrine
The Father Jacques Marquette Shrine marks where Father Marquette died in 1675. It’s a peaceful setting on Pere Marquette Lake in Ludington.
Long Skinny Park
Long Skinny Park is located on Lower Hamlin Lake between the South and Middle bayous. Perfect for fishing or taking in the view.
Charter Boat Fishing
No matter your experience level, Ludington area charter captains will guide you in what to bring and what to expect on the big lake.
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!
Ludington Skate Plaza
The Ludington Skate Plaza is a popular spot for kids with skateboards or in-line skates, and also draws spectators to Stearns Park.
Aerial View of Big Sable Point
The aerial view of Big Sable Point features Hamlin Lake, Ludington State Park, and Big Sable Point Lighthouse on Lake Michigan.
Fishing on Hamlin Lake
If there’s one thing that Hamlin Lake is known for, it’s excellent fishing. Catch crappie, bluegill, and more across thousands of acres.
Enjoy Winter Activities in the Ludington State Park
The Ludington State Park offers winter activities. With snowshoeing tours, cross country skiing, and natural beauty, it’s a winter paradise!
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.
Ludington’s Great Outdoors
Ludington has miles of beautiful beaches, the Ludington State Park, and all the activities that take place in Mother Nature’s playground.
