Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography

The Ludington Area is an Amazing Place for a Fall Color Tour

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.

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.

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!

Current Events in the Ludington Area

Family Friendly Events

Ludington hosts many events and activities that are geared toward kids and families, that’s part of what makes the area so great!

Summer Music in West Michigan

After a busy day at the beach or at work, it’s time to kick back and relax a while. What better way than to listen to some music.

Performances in West Michigan

Everyone enjoys a good play or concert, and Ludington blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us all year ’round.

Ludington Area Events Happening Soon

Annual Tree & Plant Sales

Every year, local organizations offers sales for tree seedlings and for native plants. Take advantage of this great service!

Festivals & Events

There are activities going on in the Ludington area to keep everyone happy all year long. Longstanding events make Ludington special.

Scroll below for more articles about the Ludington area trails and tours.
 

Experience the Trails and Tours of Ludington!

Mason County Cultural Trails

Mason County is home to several trails that tell stories with fascinating histories. Explore these self-guided tours to learn about each one!

Lake Winds Energy Park Wind Turbines

Lake Winds Energy Park

Lakewinds Energy Park is generating electricity for Ludington and West Michigan! Take a country drive and see the wind turbines in action.

Trails and Tours

Discover all of the different trails and tours that Ludington has to offer! Discover a water path, hiking trail, or an art work stop!