Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography 

Ludington Lake Jump

April 2026

Each year during the transition from winter to spring, area residents and businesses take pledges and try to raise as much money as possible for the Ludington Lake Jump. In return, that person must run into the icy waters of Lake Michigan at Stearns Park Beach on Lake Jump Day. Many local businesses also help out with hot drinks and food at the event.

In 2025, over $33,000 went to the four senior centers in Mason County—Free Soil, Ludington, Scottville, and Tallman. These funds will help the centers improve and expand programs for older adults in the county.

Jumpers head into the cold lake to take a dip for charity. | Todd & Brad Reed Photography

History of Lake Jump

2025 marks the 26th year for the Ludington Lake Jump, which began when two local disc jockeys made a dare. Since then, nearly $875,000 has been raised for local charities, such as West Shore Family Support, Sandcastles Children’s Museum, the Rotary’s STRIVE program and the Ludington Area Center for the Arts

Most recently, The Childhood Cancer Campaign received over $56,000 from the 2022 Jump. Over $60,000 in proceeds from the 2023 event went to the Youth Advisory Council of the Community Foundation for Mason County. In 2024, the Friends of the Ludington Police raised over $34,000 for their K9 program.

Click here to see the current temperature of Lake Michigan.

For more information on the Ludington Lake Jump, please contact the event organizer:

Ludington Lake Jump Board of Directors

lakejump.org

Current Events

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.

Fishing Tournaments & Events

Ludington fishing tournaments give anglers a chance to add a little money to their pocket in addition to the fish in their bucket.

Summer Events

Summer is Ludington’s favorite season, so if you’re considering a vacation in the area, we’ve got the festivals to keep you entertained!

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!

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.

Events Happening Soon

Downtown Ludington Sidewalk Sales

Summer’s not over yet and there are summer bargains to be found all weekend during downtown Ludington’s Sidewalk Sale Days in early August.

Scroll below for more articles about the Ludington area activities and attractions.
 

Experience the Activities and Attractions of Ludington!

The Baby Badger

A children’s flotilla that’s a miniature replica of the historic S.S. Badger carferry. Children get to ride in one of many “cars”.

Disc Golf Courses

Disc golf is a big deal here in the Ludington area, with up to 20,000 people per year visiting one of our six courses.

Sunset Times

It rises and sets every single day, and nothing is more breathtaking than our spectacular sunsets over Lake Michigan.