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.
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!
More Activities & Attractions
More Activities & Attractions in Ludington...
Mason County Barn Quilt Trail
The Barn Quilt Trail, highlighting the lost art of barn decor, is one of four trails that comprise the Mason County Cultural Trails.
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.
Marinas
Arrive in Ludington by boat and dock at one of three marinas: Ludington Municipal Marina, Harbor View Marina, & Pere Pointe Village Marina.
Weather & Water Conditions
West Michigan weather – they say if you don’t like the weather in Ludington, wait a few minutes and it will change.
Night Life
The fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down here in Ludington! Nightlife here includes festivals, cozy restaurants, and local performances.
Bicycle Trails
Both beginners and experienced cyclists will enjoy the variety of trails available to explore in Ludington!
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.
Big Sable Point Lighthouse at Ludington State Park
The black-and-white striped, 112 foot lighthouse at the Ludington State Park stands proudly on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Ludington North Breakwater Light
Ludington’s North Breakwater Light is the number one lighthouse to see in Michigan! Take a trip along the breakwater path to see it up close!