Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography
What could be more enjoyable than a day at the beach? It’s so relaxing to lie on the soft, warm sand with the golden sun overhead. And with over a dozen parks in the area, you’ve got the perfect place to picnic, let the kids play, and appreciate the fantastic views that we’re so blessed to have.
At the end of Ludington Avenue is Stearns Park Beach with 2,500 feet of sandy shoreline. Here you can enjoy a large, grassy area with abundant picnic tables and grills and and parking is always free. Stearns Park Beach also features the North Breakwater Light, miniature golf course, shuffleboard, playground, and skate park. Concessions and restrooms at both ends of the beach are open daily in the summer.
Explore the sugar sand shoreline at the Ludington State Park Beach just north of town. Nearly seven miles long, a portion of this beach is outside the gate, so a State Park permit is not needed. Within the park are the warm, shallow waters of Hamlin Lake Beach. For your convenience, playgrounds, concession stands, and restroom facilities are available at the Hamlin Lake Beach as well as in the beach house along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Located high on a bluff between Lake Michigan and Pere Marquette Lake, Buttersville Park has perhaps the greatest view of all the parks. Located off South Lakeshore Drive, you’ll find a picnic area with grills, playground, restrooms, and a pavilion. Steps lead down to the expansive Lake Michigan beach, with a view of the Ludington North Breakwater Lighthouse in the distance. If you’re looking for another great view, visit Summit Park on South Lakeshore Drive, past the Ludington Pumped Storage Plant. This park has picnic tables that overlook Lake Michigan, grills, and beach access.
Named after a longtime city commissioner, Copeyon Park is located on south Washington Avenue, just past the bridge. Situated on the east shore of Pere Marquette Lake, Copeyon Park offers picnic tables (including an area with windscreens facing the lake), grills, playground, splash pad, and a launching site. This is a nice park for viewing the Port of Ludington, and a good spot for fishing.
Right on Ludington Avenue between Lewis and Gaylord Streets is Rotary Park, (formerly known as City Park). Within this shady, grassy area are benches, picnic tables, the Rotary Band Shell, and restrooms. In the summertime, art fairs, the Suds on the Shore Beer & Wine Tasting Festival, and the Stratford on the Avenue Theatre Festival are held here.
Waterfront Park, between the two downtown marinas, boasts paved walkways, pristine landscaping, a great playground, a covered amphitheater, plus tables and benches throughout. There are also nine bronze sculptures to check out and this is the perfect place to watch the S.S. Badger leave or return to port.
At the corner of North Washington and Sherman within Ludington’s city limits, you’ll find the very pretty Memorial Tree Park, featuring benches that overlook Lincoln Lake. Nestled among the trees, you can enjoy a meal or snack at one of the picnic tables and kids can play on the swings. The park also has a pavilion that is a popular spot for reunions and high school open houses. More information on the rental can be found by visiting pmtwp.org.
Just off Old US-31, Sutton’s Landing is a charming park along the Pere Marquette River. A unique feature of this park is the handicapped accessible riverwalk, with a wooden ramp that leads down to the river, perfect for fishing or launching a canoe. There is also an 1800 square foot pavilion available to rent for gatherings. Visit pmtwp.org for more information.
Legacy Plaza, on North James Street in downtown Ludington, was made possible by a grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and was completed in the summer of 2021. The plaza features the Ludington Farmers Market from May-September and is a live music venue throughout the summer.
Just 4 miles north of Ludington is where you find beaches and parks along Hamlin Lake. Home to multiple parks along the waters edge and a beach inside of the Ludington State Park, there’s something for everyone.
Check out our picks for the top 50 coolest things to do in Ludington, Michigan, along the shores of Lake Michigan.
Both beginners and experienced cyclists will enjoy the variety of trails available to explore in Ludington!
Within the downtown Ludington region, several murals grace the façades of local area businesses, telling stories of the area’s rich history.
There are activities going on in the Ludington area to keep everyone happy all year long. Longstanding events make Ludington special.
Arrive in Ludington by boat and dock at one of three marinas: Ludington Municipal Marina, Harbor View Marina, & Pere Pointe Village Marina.
Admire Lake Michigan from the peak of a bluff — what a view! Bring your pet as well, as this beach is dog friendly!
Ludington has many beautiful beaches and parks to explore. Enjoy a day on the shores of Lake Michigan or take in the scenery at a local park.
Picked by USA Today as one of the 51 Great American Beaches in the nation; Stearns Park & Beach is more than just golden sand.
One of the most popular state parks in the Midwest offers a vacation within itself. Enjoy beautiful natural resources and endless activities.
Hamlin Lake is home to several parks and numerous dunes for exploration and leisure. Pack a picnic, cast your line, and enjoy the sites.
Take a walk through the woods at Cartier Park, featuring paved trails. This park is also home to “Central Bark,” Ludington’s only dog park.
View Lake Michigan from the top of the sandy hill at Summit Park while the kids play on the pirate-ship themed playground.
The Hamlin Lake Beach within the Ludington State Park is fun for the whole family! With a dedicated, weed-free swimming area and more!
Rotary Park park features several trees and a large, open space. Formerly City Park, the rotary club is behind many of the improvements.
Just as the name suggests, Memorial Tree Park is nestled inside the trees and is a cozy park for relaxation and play.
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