Fall Color Tour in the Ludington Area

Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography

The Ludington Area Has Amazing Fall Color

It starts with just a coolness in the air and then the explosion of color throughout the countryside. Autumn has come to the Ludington area, and it’s an absolute must to drive around the Ludington and Scottville communities to truly enjoy it. Search out a pumpkin patch and find your perfect gourd just in time for Halloween. Taste the goodness of the season with some fresh apple cider or creamy hot chocolate. Before the cold winds of winter are upon us, enjoy an afternoon drive around Mason County in October and fill your senses with the vibrant colors of fall.

Orchard Market
Ludington Pier House

Here is a sample route you can follow to see peak color in mid to late October:

Follow old Pere Marquette Highway south out of Ludington and turn off on any of the country roads, such as Chauvez, Hawley, or Kistler. You’ll appreciate the beauty of this area, with the Lake Winds Energy Park looming over the farmland. Follow Meisenheimer Road west to South Lakeshore Drive. Turn right and drive past the Ludington Pumped Storage Plant then continue north where you’ll find Historic White Pine Village, Buttersville Peninsula, and the cold, brisk winds off Lake Michigan.

Take Iris Road back to old Pere Marquette Highway and drive north to US-10. Turn east out of Ludington and head to Custer, then take Custer Road north, Sugar Grove Road east and Reek Road north to Fountain. Turn west on Fountain Road and north again on Custer road to Freesoil. These country roads bypass three small lakes, and it’s a spectacular drive in the autumn. Further travel on Freesoil Road west brings you to US-31. From there you can turn on Fountain road west to Angling to Jebavy to Dewey. You’ll find yourself in the Hamlin Lake area. The shoreline along Lakeshore Drive is especially beautiful–park your car (a perfect place is Long Skinny Park) and look across at the brilliant colors of Ludington State Park. Follow Lakeshore Drive back into Ludington.

Jamesport Brewing Company
Nova Motel

For biking or hiking, you can’t beat the Ludington State Park. There are nine trails (18 miles) you can choose from, and each one offers magnificent color. You can also visit the Ludington School Forest, located in the Bryant-Tinkham-Sherman areas of town. You can hike or bike the five miles of trails through rich forested land.

September and October are fantastic months to get out in Mason County and enjoy the natural beauty that Mother Nature provides in the fall. There’s simply nothing better!

  • More Activities & Attractions

    • More Activities & Attractions in Ludington...

    Bookstores & Coffee Shops

    Just blocks from the beach is the heart of downtown Ludington, where you can shop, dine, and enjoy summertime events.

    Ludington Has Two Lighthouses!

    Ludington visitors flock to the area to view our two majestic lighthouses, the North Breakwater Light and Big Sable Point Lighthouse.

    Marinas

    Arrive in Ludington by boat and dock at one of three marinas: Ludington Municipal Marina, Harbor View Marina, & Pere Pointe Village Marina.

    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.

    Ludington’s Great Outdoors

    Ludington has miles of beautiful beaches, the Ludington State Park, and all the activities that take place in Mother Nature’s playground.

    Fishing

    There are many places for anglers to try their luck, and Ludington has such a great variety of fish. The area also has great charter captains.

    Fall Color Tour

    Enjoy an afternoon drive around the Ludington area in October and fill your senses with the vibrant colors of fall.

    Discover more of Ludington's "Great Outdoors"