There's no better place than Ludington for good old fashioned family fun! We're a top vacation destination in Michigan, thanks to our wonderful natural resources, lakes and beaches, and small town friendliness.

***TOP SUMMER PICKS***

Swimming
We have miles of Lake Michigan shoreline with clean, sugar sand beaches. As you soak up the sun, the kids entertain themselves with splashing in the surf or building sandcastles. Choose the very popular Stearns Park Beach or a quieter place such as Buttersville Park, Summit Park or Hamlin Lake Beach at the Ludington State Park. Interested in indoor swimming? There are three local pools that can be used by the public. The Donald C. Baldwin Community Pool at O.J. DeJonge Middle School offers open swim on weekend afternoons, Sunday nights and weekday early mornings. The pool at West Shore Community College has open hours. Call 845-5543 for hours. And Ramada of Ludington has family swim Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday nights.

Water Fun
Our wonderful waterways offer more than just swimming. Head to Hamlin Lake just a few miles north of Ludington and rent a boat from one of the resorts. Choose from pontoons, fishing boats, speed boats and jet skis. If piloting a pontoon is a bit intimidating, you can rent a captain. Then you and your family can sit back and relax while you enjoy your day on the lake. Sunset cruises are now available for just $20 a person...the perfect way to end your day. The Hamlin Lake Beach within the Ludington State Park rents canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, and rowboats for exploring the natural habitat around the park. For true relaxation, tube down the Sable River on a lazy summer afternoon.

Festivals
All summer long, we have festivals and fairs that guarantee to entertain everyone. Th fun starts in June with the Ludington Lakestride Half Marathon and 5K Run. Thousands flock to town for the Gus Macker 3-on-3 Charity Basketball Tournament.Held at Stearns Park, participants love the location right along the shoreline. The highlight of the summer is the Freedom Festival. A children's and pet parade starts the fun on July 3, with the Grand Parade at 1pm and fireworks at dusk. In late July and early August there's Friday Night Live in downtown Ludington. The area is closed to traffic and filled with games, food vendors, and music. The Western Michigan Fair is a week-long event in late July which features a midway, 4-H exhibits and grandstand events. Then every Thursday night in August you can head to Ludington's City Park for Movies in the Park. A different family film is shown each night under the stars.

Almost Free!
Good times are certainly inexpensive here in Ludington. When you've had enough fun on the water, take in a rousing game of mini-golf. There are 3 courses in town, each unique in its design. Or how about Disc Golf? Ludington has five courses, one off Jebavy Drive and the other at Mason County Park by the Pumped Storage Project. These courses are some of the finest in the country, and the great thing about disc golf is that anyone of any age or ability can play. If you love the great outdoors, your family will find so much to do at the Ludington State Park. Take a hike on one of the eight marked trails, or ride your bikes around the park. Visit the Big Sable Point Lighthouse where you can climb to the top for a small fee. The view is fantastic and there's so much to learn about Lake Michigan's maritime history. The other lighthouse you don't want to miss is the North Breakwater Light at Stearns Park in downtown Ludington. Take a stroll on the half-mile pier out and tour the lighthouse. If you're lucky, the S.S. Badger carferry may be sailing in or out of port, and you'll never be closer to viewing it than from the lighthouse.

***WINTER FUN***

The crisp, cold air of West Michigan beckons you outside to enjoy the beauty of winter. Get out your sled or toboggan and try your luck at Suicide Hill at the Ludington State Park, or Water tower hill on South Staffon and Melendy Streets in Ludington. We're blessed to have the West Shore Community Ice Arena, across from the Rec Center at West Shore Community College. Throughout the week, they have open hours for ice skating, providing a fun and safe activity for people of all ages. Cross country skiing is a vigorous activity, and the Ludington State Park has eight miles of trails ready and waiting. It's also a great place to snowshoe, and they have guided snowshoe walks every Saturday during January and February.

If you prefer the warmth of the indoors, open swimming is available at the Donald C. Baldwin Community Pool at Ludington High School, West Shore Community College Rec Center, and the Ramada of Ludington.

Indoor Children's Programs
Bring the kids to downtown Ludington, where they can learn and have fun at the same time. Look for the bright yellow awning at the corner of Ludington Ave. and Harrison St. and you've found Sandcastles Children's Museum. During the fall, they're open Fri & Sat 10am-3pm. Exhibits here include "Down on Grandpa's Farm," the Badger Playship, an interactive bank, and water table. The Mason County District Library has special programs for kids, like story time, book clubs, dance and movement, and holiday crafts.

It truly is a "staycation" when you choose to visit Ludington.