Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography

Ludington Lumber Days

October 2nd-4th, 2026

Experience Ludington’s storied past and honor the lumber legacy that shaped our community at Ludington Lumber Days—a fall festival weekend filled with lumberjack-themed fun, local history, live music, and family-friendly adventures for all ages.

Here's what happened in 2025:

Friday

  • 10am-5pm – Lumbering History Photo Exhibition at the Mason County Historical Society Research Center– 130 E. Ludington Ave. $5 admission.
  • 1pm, 3pm, AND 5:30pm – Behind-the-Scenes Tours of the Mason County Historical Society Research Center. Cost is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $3 for youth and free for MCHS members.
  • 6-9pm – Plaidurday Pub Crawl beginning and ending at Ludington Bay Brewing Co.- 515 S. James St. Enter a drawing for prizes at six locations. Tickets are $12.51 each and include a commemorative Ludington Lumber Days koozie.
  • 7pm – An Exploration of Ludington’s Logging Luminaries with Mike Nagle at the Ludington Library- 217 E. Ludington Ave. Light refreshments & coffee will be available. Free.

Saturday

  • 9:30am-5pm – Lumber-themed crafts at Sandcastles Children’s Museum– 129 E. Ludington Ave. Regular admission rates apply.
  • 10am AND 11:30am – Lumber Baron Home Tours. Tour along Ludington Avenue to discover the fascinating stories and historic charm of the city’s Lumber Baron homes. Cost is $25 and tickets can be purchased on site.
  • 10-10:45am – Lumber Days Workout at HarborFit Studio- Free workout including log rolling, ax swinging, stump jumps, and more. Pre-register through the MindBody app or text Heather Wilson at (616) 799-5996.
  • 10am-5pm – Lumbering History Photo Exhibition at the Mason County Historical Society Research Center– 130 E. Ludington Ave. $5 admission.
  • 10am-5pm – Tour Big Sable Point Lighthouse– 8800 W. M-116. Explore the lighthouse grounds and tour the Keeper’s Quarters that has been transformed into a gift shop. This visit requires a two-mile, one way trail walk to the light. Cost is $8 for adults, $5 for students (17 and under), and free for active-duty military and veterans. Tickets available on-site.
  • 11am-4pm – Logging Encampment Reenactment at Historic White Pine Village– 1687 S. Lakeshore Dr. Regular admission rates apply.
  • 1pm AND 3pm – Behind-the-Scenes Tours of the Mason County Historical Society Research Center. Cost is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $3 for youth and free for MCHS members.
  • 1-5pm – Fall Festival at Ludington State Park Beach House- 8800 W. M-116. This free event includes wagon rides, bonfire, cider & donuts, face painting, live music featuring Celtic Band Selkie, and a guided hike at 2pm. No cost for event but regular entry rates for the State Park (or the Michigan Recreation Passport) is required.
  • 1-6pm – Beer Garden at Legacy Plaza- 100 N. James St. Includes live music featuring the Virgil Baker Band and Onager, axe throwing with Tapped Axes, kids’ activities, and live chainsaw carving by The Wooden Butcher. Tickets are $29 each which includes entry plus four drink tokens; admission is free for children age 15 and under.

Sunday

  • 10-11:30am – Discover Ludington’s dunes by creating your own map using basic tools and a keen eye at the Ludington State Park Warming Shelter. Map Ludington’s dunes, then walk a mile to see how glaciers, wind, and water shaped the land’s story. No cost for event but regular entry rates for the State Park (or the Michigan Recreation Passport) is required.
  • 2-3pm – Ludington State Park History Walk beginning at Hamlin Dam. “Take a one-mile paved walk to explore Ludington State Park’s history—from the town of Hamlin to the CCC’s work—and see how it became a hub for recreation and conservation. No cost for event but regular entry rates for the State Park (or the Michigan Recreation Passport) is required.

Stay tuned here for info on Ludington Lumber Days 2026!

For more information, please contact the event organizer:

Pure Ludington

400 S. Harrison St., Ludington, MI  49431

(231) 845-6237

pureludington.com

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