Photo courtesy of Dmitry Gladkikh on Unsplash.com
Cartier Park is a 68 acre natural area that features a campground, one mile walking loop, access site for the Lincoln River, and a vast natural forest area. Other features include multiple paved walking paths, a dock for fishing, and Ludington’s only dog park, “Central Bark.”
At any time of year, Cartier Park provides a calm nature walk through the woods. Even on a hot, sunny day, the paths remain mostly shaded by a canopy of tall White Birch Trees. And in the fall, colorful leaves paint the paths.
A gazebo with a view overlooks Lincoln Lake for a cozy spot for watching the waters of Lincoln Lake float by or have a shaded picnic.
Don’t feel like walking? Grab your bike, scooter, or rollerblades and take a venture through the woods!
In the summer of 2023, the Ludington Area Center for the Arts (LACA), placed three 4-foot by 3-foot metal framed pieces of art along the Cartier Trail as part of the art center’s “cARTier Trail Art Walk.” The works will be rotated out and the initial round of artwork included Milo Beman’s colorful bouquet of flowers. Beman lives in Sleepy Hollow, Illinois and summers in Ludington. New artwork also includes an abstract work by Merima Smajlovic of Grand Rapids and a painting of Ludington’s North Breakwater Light at sunset by Linda Sandow who lives in Ludington.
In the summer of 2024, the pieces were rotated out with “I Love You Lake Michigan” by Trinja Henrickson of Ludington, “Song of Carolina” by Ruth Ananda of Chapel Hill, North Carolina and Ludington; and “Positive Energy” by Todd Reed of Ludington.
All artwork that will be placed on the trail is by members of the Ludington Area Center for the Arts.
“The Ludington Area Center for the Arts is excited to continue this public art project,” LACA Executive Director Andrew Skinner said. “Public art activates and encourages people to pay attention and perceive more deeply the environment they occupy. It is uniquely accessible and enables people to experience art in the course of daily life, outside of museums or other cultural institutions.”
“It’s my hope that ‘cARTier trail’ will continue to add to the uniqueness of our community while also fostering a community where arts and culture bring us together, feed the creative spirit, and fuel community growth, ” Skinner added.
From Downtown Ludington, take Ludington Ave. West to Lakeshore Dr. Turn right onto Lakeshore Dr. and continue about 1.5 miles. Cartier Park is located on the right, across the road from Epworth Heights.
Take your furry friend on their own vacation at Ludington’s very own dog park! Play catch, frolic about, and make new friends!
The Michigan DNR has announced that Ludington State Park will be closed from September 3rd, 2024-July 1st, 2025 for improvements.
The Legacy Plaza is located in the heart of downtown Ludington, a popular spot for relaxing, eating, and entertainment.
Waterfront Park features a fantastic view of the S.S. Badger and sits right along two marinas of Lake Michigan.
The Hamlin Lake Beach within the Ludington State Park is fun for the whole family! With a dedicated, weed-free swimming area and more!
View Lake Michigan from the top of the sandy hill at Summit Park while the kids play on the pirate-ship themed playground.
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