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.
In years past, Ludington has hosted weekly street parties on Friday evenings, called Friday Night Live. The event included live music, food vendors, booths by local organizations/businesses offering kid’s activities, bounce houses, live music, and more. The event was canceled in 2020 due to COVID restrictions and has not yet returned in it’s original format. We’re hopeful that it will return in some form eventually.
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.
One of the most popular state parks in the Midwest offers a vacation within itself. Enjoy beautiful natural resources and endless activities.
The black-and-white striped, 112 foot lighthouse at the Ludington State Park stands proudly on the shores of Lake Michigan.
The Ludington State Park offers winter activities. With snowshoeing tours, cross country skiing, and natural beauty, it’s a winter paradise!
The aerial view of Big Sable Point features Hamlin Lake, Ludington State Park, and Big Sable Point Lighthouse on Lake Michigan.
Enjoy this small, relaxing park as an easy place to place your boat in the water or throw a line out to catch some pan fish for dinner.
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.
Ludington visitors flock to the area to view our two majestic lighthouses, the North Breakwater Light and Big Sable Point Lighthouse.
Mason County is home to several trails that tell stories with fascinating histories. Explore these self-guided tours to learn about each one!
Within the downtown Ludington region, several murals grace the façades of local area businesses, telling stories of the area’s rich history.
No matter your experience level, Ludington area charter captains will guide you in what to bring and what to expect on the big lake.
Discover all of the different trails and tours that Ludington has to offer! Discover a water path, hiking trail, or an art work stop!
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