Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography
The fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down here in Ludington! Even during the cold winter months, there are festivals to attend, cozy restaurants to visit, and local performances to enjoy.
What better way to enjoy a balmy summer night than with music? We are blessed to have a variety of wonderful musicians in this area. Venues for outdoor concerts include Ludington’s Waterfront Park, Rotary Band Shell at Rotary Park (formerly called Ludington City Park), and Legacy Plaza (formerly James Street Plaza).
You may want to head to the beach in the evening hours to avoid the daytime crowds. Stop first and get an ice cream cone, then snuggle up on the sand and wait for the spectacular sunset that never disappoints. Make a game of it and predict the exact minute the golden orb seems to disappear into Lake Michigan. Ludington hosts a Sunset Bonfire Series each summer at Stearns Park Beach on the 4th Thursday of each month. Listen to live music while you gather around the large bonfire to watch the sun go down .
Have a picnic supper at Waterfront Park. There are plenty of tables and, while you eat, you can watch the various boats as they enter the marinas. The S.S. Badger carferry arrives from Manitowoc at 7pm and leaves again at 8:30pm, and you’ll have the perfect view at Waterfront Park. Kids can frolic on the playground and, after your meal, you can take a stroll to see the sculptures that are found throughout the park. West Shore Bank sponsors its Rhythm & Dunes Concert Series two Saturday nights in late July featuring top-notch musicians. This event is free to the public.
West Shore Community College in nearby Scottville is known for providing a great education to thousands of students of all ages, but the arts are also alive and well at the college. The Performing Arts Series features musicians, theater productions, one-man shows as well as the WSCC symphony orchestra, jazz band, and concert choir.
The Ludington Area Center for the Arts has proven to be a valuable and cultural asset to the city of Ludington. The Center hosts various concerts, exhibits, and speakers, as well as being home for the Lakeside Civic Players, a community theater group. The gift shop is open.
Along Ludington Avenue and on South James Street, there are a variety of bars and pubs, many of which offer live entertainment on weekend nights. If karaoke is what you’re looking for, you’ll find that, too. Good friends and good times last long into the night, with taxis available for safe rides home.
Fall means football, and Friday nights light up at Oriole Field. Prior to the game and at halftime, the Ludington High School marching band takes the field and fills the air with great music. Attend other outdoor sports, like cross country, tennis, and golf. Or stay warm inside and watch a volleyball match or a swim meet. Meet friends at your favorite tavern on Saturday or Sunday afternoon for exciting college and NFL football.
When the weather is less than ideal, there’s no need to sit home. Head out to a local bowling alley for a game of cosmic/laser bowling, or catch a movie at the local theater. Local coffeehouses are a great place to enjoy a beverage and perhaps catch some live entertainment. Many restaurants are open late ready to serve hungry patrons. Or, if you enjoy being outdoors on winter evenings, check out the guided, lantern-lit snowshoe hikes at the Ludington State Park!
There’s no better way to end the year than with a night in Downtown Ludington for the New Year’s Eve Lighted Ball Drop. Besides the ball coming down at midnight, there’s an entertainment tent with live music and fireworks following the drop.
With some of the best fishing and boating around, Hamlin Lake brings much delight as well as some of the most beautiful, scenic backdrops.
Cast your line into Upper Hamlin Lake or enjoy a picnic, the playground, or watch Hamlin Lake’s Independence Fireworks at Wilson Hill Park.
Step back in the past and learn about Ludington’s rich maritime history at the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum.
Your pet should feel right at home in Ludington. There are many businesses that allow pets and parks and beaches for them to play on.
If there’s one thing that Hamlin Lake is known for, it’s excellent fishing. Catch crappie, bluegill, and more across thousands of acres.
Advertisement – Please scroll below for more information.
Ludington visitors flock to the area to view our two majestic lighthouses, the North Breakwater Light and Big Sable Point Lighthouse.
Check out our picks for the top 50 coolest things to do in Ludington, Michigan, along the shores of Lake Michigan.
Discover all of the different trails and tours that Ludington has to offer! Discover a water path, hiking trail, or an art work stop!
Step back in the past and learn about Ludington’s rich maritime history at the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum.
Arrive in Ludington by boat and dock at one of three marinas: Ludington Municipal Marina, Harbor View Marina, & Pere Pointe Village Marina.
The three accessible walkways installed at Stearns Park Beach in Ludington allow everyone to make their way to the water and sand.
Find all of your favorite drinks, snacks, and foods right next to the beach at Sunset Side Concessions at Stearns Park Beach!
Ludington’s natural resources, charter captains, and outfitters provide great salmon fishing on Lake Michigan and the Pere Marquette River.
Putt putt for a purpose by visiting the Ludington Area Jaycees Mini Golf Course in Stearns Park, right on Lake Michigan.
It rises and sets every single day, and nothing is more breathtaking than our spectacular sunsets over Lake Michigan.
Is your business located in Ludington? Contact us today to learn about advertising opportunities with VisitLudington.com.
THANK YOU!