Maritime Heritage Trail
The Maritime Heritage Trail highlights the lighthouses, industries, art, and figures that make up the maritime history of Mason County!
Sandcastles Children’s Musuem Courtesy Photo
Children can Create, Discover, & Explore at Sandcastles Children's Museum
Current Hours are
Thursdays & Fridays from 9:30am-1pm, Saturdays from 9:30am-5pm, & Sundays from 12-4pm
Special Winter Break Hours:
Current hours plus December 22nd, 23rd, 29th, & 30th; 2025 from 9am-3pm
History of Sandcastles
Sandcastles Children’s Museum has been in operation since 2006, and first began as a “summer sampler museum.” Visitation to the Museum has grown from 1,500 its first year to more than 20,000 annually since 2011. They first occupied a small building on South James Street, then moved to a larger facility four times bigger on West Ludington Avenue.
Now they have found a permanent home in the former Elks Lodge, at the corner of North Harrison and Ludington Avenue and now have four levels of exhibits. Through donations and many volunteers, the building has been renovated to transform it into a kid-friendly and sought after destination.
Seasonal Hours
- Summer hours begin in June and are Monday-Saturday 9:30am-5pm and Sunday 12pm-4pm.
- Fall/Spring Hours begin after Labor Day and are Thursdays & Fridays from 9:30am-1pm, Saturdays from 9:30am-5pm, and Sundays from 12-4pm.
- Winter Hours from February 1st until June are Thursdays & Fridays from 9:30am-1pm, Saturdays from 9:30am-5pm, and Sundays from 12-4pm.
Have your child’s next birthday party at Sandcastles Children’s Museum!
2025 Membership Options:
Regular Family Membership
- $130, includes four children from one family and 1-2 adults to accompany them. Each additional family member is $10. Adults are interchangeable, children are not.
Grandparent Membership
- $130, includes two adults and up to four of their grandchildren. Children are interchangeable, adults are not.
Just Two
- $90, includes one adult and one child. Adult is interchangeable, child is not.
2025 Daily Admission
- $9.50 per person. Children under age 1 are free
Call or visit Sandcastles during open hours to purchase your membership!
Sandcastles Children’s Museum
129 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington, MI 49431
(231) 233-9326
Discover more around Ludington!
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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.
Hamlin Lake
Hamlin Lake is where you want to be. It offers terrific summer recreation, including swimming, boating, tubing, and more!
Hamlin Lake Dam
Read about the mighty dam that lives in Hamlin Lake, how it came to be and how it is utilized to help protect this man-made lake.
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Experience the Activities and Attractions of Ludington!
Hamlin Lake Canoe & Kayak Trails
Take a paddle down the Hamlin Lake Canoe Trail. Venture out on the trip yourself, or join a guided trip lead by Dune Grass Concessions.
Arts & Crafts Classes in Ludington
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Charter Boat Fishing
No matter your experience level, Ludington area charter captains will guide you in what to bring and what to expect on the big lake.
Lake Michigan S.S. Badger Carferry
The S.S. Badger Carferry is a fun and relaxing shortcut across Lake Michigan between Ludington, Michigan and Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
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.
Victory Township Park on Upper Hamlin Lake
Enjoy a picnic by Upper Hamlin Lake. With grills, a pavilion and picnic tables available, this park provides the perfect family setting.
