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.
Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography
Ludington Night Life
The fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down here in Ludington! Even during the cold winter months, there are festivals to attend, cozy restaurants to visit, and local performances to enjoy.
Summer
Outdoor Concerts
What better way to enjoy a balmy summer night than with music? We are blessed to have a variety of wonderful musicians in this area. Venues for outdoor concerts include Ludington’s Waterfront Park, Rotary Band Shell at Rotary Park (formerly called Ludington City Park), and Legacy Plaza (formerly James Street Plaza).
World Class Sunsets
You may want to head to the beach in the evening hours to avoid the daytime crowds. Stop first and get an ice cream cone, then snuggle up on the sand and wait for the spectacular sunset that never disappoints. Make a game of it and predict the exact minute the golden orb seems to disappear into Lake Michigan. Ludington hosts a Sunset Bonfire Series each summer at Stearns Park Beach on the 4th Thursday of each month. Listen to live music while you gather around the large bonfire to watch the sun go down .
Evenings at Waterfront Park
Have a picnic supper at Waterfront Park. There are plenty of tables and, while you eat, you can watch the various boats as they enter the marinas. The S.S. Badger carferry arrives from Manitowoc at 7pm and leaves again at 8:30pm, and you’ll have the perfect view at Waterfront Park. Kids can frolic on the playground and, after your meal, you can take a stroll to see the sculptures that are found throughout the park. West Shore Bank sponsors its Rhythm & Dunes Concert Series two Saturday nights in late July featuring top-notch musicians. This event is free to the public.
Indoor Performance Venues
West Shore Community College
West Shore Community College in nearby Scottville is known for providing a great education to thousands of students of all ages, but the arts are also alive and well at the college. The Performing Arts Series features musicians, theater productions, one-man shows as well as the WSCC symphony orchestra, jazz band, and concert choir.
Ludington Area Center for the Arts
The Ludington Area Center for the Arts has proven to be a valuable and cultural asset to the city of Ludington. The Center hosts various concerts, exhibits, and speakers, as well as being home for the Lakeside Civic Players, a community theater group. The gift shop is open.
For more indoor performance venues in West Michigan, click here.
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Bars & Nightlife
Along Ludington Avenue and on South James Street, there are a variety of bars and pubs, many of which offer live entertainment on weekend nights. If karaoke is what you’re looking for, you’ll find that, too. Good friends and good times last long into the night, with taxis available for safe rides home.
Football & Other Fall Sports
Fall means football, and Friday nights light up at Oriole Field. Prior to the game and at halftime, the Ludington High School marching band takes the field and fills the air with great music. Attend other outdoor sports, like cross country, tennis, and golf. Or stay warm inside and watch a volleyball match or a swim meet. Meet friends at your favorite tavern on Saturday or Sunday afternoon for exciting college and NFL football.
What to Do on Snowy Nights
When the weather is less than ideal, there’s no need to sit home. Head out to a local bowling alley for a game of cosmic/laser bowling, or catch a movie at the local theater. Local coffeehouses are a great place to enjoy a beverage and perhaps catch some live entertainment. Many restaurants are open late ready to serve hungry patrons. Or, if you enjoy being outdoors on winter evenings, check out the guided, lantern-lit snowshoe hikes at the Ludington State Park!
New Year's Eve
There’s no better way to end the year than with a night in Downtown Ludington for the New Year’s Eve Lighted Ball Drop. Besides the ball coming down at midnight, there’s an entertainment tent with live music and fireworks following the drop.
Visitor or resident, young or old, everyone can truly enjoy the night life in Ludington!
Discover more around Ludington!
Visit the Ludington State Park
One of the most popular state parks in the Midwest offers a vacation within itself. Enjoy beautiful natural resources and endless activities.
The Baby Badger
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”.
South Bayou Park
Enjoy this small, relaxing park as an easy place to place your boat in the water or throw a line out to catch some pan fish for dinner.
Activities & Attractions
There are so many things to see and do in Ludington! Don’t miss a single activity during your visit by exploring VisitLudington.com!
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!
Mason County District Libraries
In addition to thousands of book titles, the Mason County District Library’s Ludington and Scottville branches provide many free programs.
Fall Color Tour
Enjoy an afternoon drive around the Ludington area in October and fill your senses with the vibrant colors of fall.
Hamlin Lake
Hamlin Lake is where you want to be. It offers terrific summer recreation, including swimming, boating, tubing, and more!
Historic White Pine Village
Discover small town life in the late 1800s and early 1900s at Historic White Pine Village in Ludington, overlooking Lake Michigan.
Activities & Attractions
There are so many things to see and do in Ludington! Don’t miss a single activity during your visit by exploring VisitLudington.com!
Lake Winds Energy Park
Lakewinds Energy Park is generating electricity for Ludington and West Michigan! Take a country drive and see the wind turbines in action.
