Bicycle Trails
Both beginners and experienced cyclists will enjoy the variety of trails available to explore in Ludington!
Photo by Todd and Brad Reed Photography
The landscape of farm land in Mason County has drastically changed. Within Riverton and Summit townships, Consumers Energy has finished erecting 56 wind turbine generators, called the Lake Winds Energy Park. This 100 megawatt facility began operations on Thanksgiving Day, 2012; providing employment, economic, and tax benefits to the area.
Consumers Energy secured more than 16,000 acres south of Ludington and east of the current Ludington Pumped Storage Plant, also owned by Consumers. Mason County was chosen partly due to the positive wind force off Lake Michigan and also because of the wind ordinance here that ensures public safety. A wind analysis was conducted by Consumers Energy and it was determined that Riverton and Summit townships held the most potential for wind production.
Wind farms are basically a cluster of wind turbines that capture the wind and convert it to electricity. The 56 turbines in Lake Winds Energy Park are 476′ in height providing 100 megawatts of energy. Parts for the turbines arrived in Mason County via railroad and truck and were stored at the former Harbison-Walker plant on Pere Marquette Highway before being moved to their permanent location by tractor trailer. Wind power is seen by some to be the energy source of the future, and helps offset emissions of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases. It is estimated that this project will bring $33 million directly and indirectly to Mason County, along with 150 construction jobs.
Ludington’s Pumped Storage Plant is an engineering marvel. The 27 billion gallon reservoir, which measures 2.5 miles long and one mile wide, can generate up to 1,872 megawatts of electricity. That’s enough power to serve a community of 1.4 million residential customers. The plant was named one of Michigan’s Top 10 civil engineering projects for the 20th century.
Ludington Pumped Storage Plant Celebrated it’s 40th Anniversary in 2013. In February of 2011, Consumers Energy and Detroit Edison announced an $800 million upgrade to the Pumped Storage Plant. This project began in 2013, upgrading the generating capacity from 1,872 megawatts to 2,172 megawatts and replacing its six turbines with more efficient models. The six-year project was estimated to increase the plant’s generating capacity by 15%. The Lake Winds Energy Park constructed in Summit and Riverton townships just east of the plant will also increase the pumped storage capacity.
Called the “Project” by locals, the plant can be reached by driving south on Lakeshore Drive, off Old US-31. Visitors can climb to the observation deck, which overlooks the plant’s 842-acre reservoir. The view is incredible from the top, with Stearns Beach and the Ludington North Breakwater Light clearly visible in the distance. The observation deck is open Memorial Day-Labor Day.
The Ludington Pumped Storage Plant was built from 1969-1973, employs 36 area residents, and is co-owned by Consumers Energy and Detroit Edison. At night when the demand for electricity is low, the reversible turbines pump water uphill from Lake Michigan through six large pipes to the reservoir. During the day when demand for electricity is higher, water flows back down through the penstocks, turning turbines that produce power. This simple technology enables the plant to respond quickly to the highs and lows of Michigan’s energy demand.
In respect for the environment and Lake Michigan, the Ludington Pumped Storage Plant has taken great care to protect fish. Every spring, workers install a 2 1/2 mile long barrier net to keep perch, salmon, and trout away from the plant. It is removed in the fall, as the severe winters would damage it. Deer roam freely on the hilly grounds, and a variety of birds make their home in boxes found around the plant.
Both beginners and experienced cyclists will enjoy the variety of trails available to explore in Ludington!
Mason County is home to several trails that tell stories with fascinating histories. Explore these self-guided tours to learn about each one!
Agriculture plays a large role in the economics of Mason County. Take this self-guided tour to learn about agriculture in Mason County.
The Mason County Sculpture Trail was launched in 2012 and includes nine sculptures in Ludington, Scottville, and Fountain.
The Lumber Heritage Trail, highlighting Mason County’s rich lumbering history, is one of four that comprise the Mason County Cultural Trails.
Enjoy a picnic by Upper Hamlin Lake. With grills, a pavilion and picnic tables available, this park provides the perfect family setting.
Long Skinny Park is located on Lower Hamlin Lake between the South and Middle bayous. Perfect for fishing or taking in the view.
The S.S. Badger Carferry is a fun and relaxing shortcut across Lake Michigan between Ludington, Michigan and Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
No matter your experience level, Ludington area charter captains will guide you in what to bring and what to expect on the big lake.
The aerial view of Big Sable Point features Hamlin Lake, Ludington State Park, and Big Sable Point Lighthouse on Lake Michigan.
Ludington is home to several different museums for people of all ages! Highlighting our area’s careers, businesses, history, and culture!
Is your business located in Ludington? Contact us today to learn about advertising opportunities with VisitLudington.com.
THANK YOU!
Cookie | Duration | Description |
---|---|---|
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement | 1 year | Set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie records the user consent for the cookies in the "Advertisement" category. |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics | 1 year | Set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie records the user consent for the cookies in the "Analytics" category. |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional | 1 year | The GDPR Cookie Consent plugin sets the cookie to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary | 1 year | Set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie records the user consent for the cookies in the "Necessary" category. |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others | 1 year | Set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie stores user consent for cookies in the category "Others". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance | 1 year | Set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie stores the user consent for cookies in the category "Performance". |
CookieLawInfoConsent | 1 year | CookieYes sets this cookie to record the default button state of the corresponding category and the status of CCPA. It works only in coordination with the primary cookie. |
elementor | never | The website's WordPress theme uses this cookie. It allows the website owner to implement or change the website's content in real-time. |
rc::a | never | This cookie is set by the Google recaptcha service to identify bots to protect the website against malicious spam attacks. |
rc::c | session | This cookie is set by the Google recaptcha service to identify bots to protect the website against malicious spam attacks. |
viewed_cookie_policy | 1 year | The GDPR Cookie Consent plugin sets the cookie to store whether or not the user has consented to use cookies. It does not store any personal data. |
Cookie | Duration | Description |
---|---|---|
_ga | 1 year 1 month 4 days | Google Analytics sets this cookie to calculate visitor, session and campaign data and track site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookie stores information anonymously and assigns a randomly generated number to recognise unique visitors. |
_ga_* | 1 year 1 month 4 days | Google Analytics sets this cookie to store and count page views. |
_gat_UA-* | 1 minute | Google Analytics sets this cookie for user behaviour tracking.n |
_gid | 1 day | Google Analytics sets this cookie to store information on how visitors use a website while also creating an analytics report of the website's performance. Some of the collected data includes the number of visitors, their source, and the pages they visit anonymously. |