West Michigan Area
Things To Do

Let's see--we have boating, fishing, swimming, golfing--and what else? There's such a variety of things to keep you entertained while you're in West Michigan! Tour Historic White Pine Village, enjoy a thrilling dune ride,take the family out for a game of mini-golf, bowling, or catch a concert. You can't leave the area without visiting one of the spectacular lighthouses of the region, and just catching the sunset over Lake Michigan is worth the trip. View the S.S. Badger carferry as it sails into or out of Ludington, or hop on board yourself for the four-hour trip across the big lake. Boredom is never a problem here in West Michigan!

Check out the Festivals & Events page for a perpetual calendar of monthly events, the Calendar of Events page for dates and times, and the Family Friendly Events page for fun things to do for families and kids!

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Amber Elk Ranch
2688 W. Conrad Road, Ludington, MI 49431, (231) 843-5355
Family fun for all ages! Take a wagon ride tour through 130 acres of pastureland to see huge bull elk, elk cows, spikers, and calves up close...a unique memory your family won't forget! Browse our gift shop, the Antler Shed. Don't miss the Saturday BBQ, also try our Premium Elk Meat and jerky!
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Dale & Gail's Music & Art Gallery LLC
27 S. State St., Hart, MI 49420, (231) 301-8089
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Downtown Ludington
400 S. Harrison St., Ludington, MI 49431, (231) 845-6291
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Sandcastles Ad
Dune Grass Concessions and Watercraft Rentals
Located in the Cedar Camp Store at Ludington State Park, Ludington, MI 49431, (231) 843-1888
Offering the largest selection of watercraft rentals to explore beautiful Hamlin Lake, including canoes, kayaks, tandem kayaks, stand up paddle boards and rowboats. Also fishing and camping supplies, grocery and personal items, clothing, and beach supplies/toys. Open seven days a week mid-May through October.
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Fast Trax
8424 Hazel Rd., Mears, MI 49436, (231) 873-7617
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Hamlin Lake Jet Ski, LLC
3298 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington, MI 49431, (231) 843-2090
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Henry's Landing Campground & Canoe Rentals
701 S. Scottville Rd., Scottville, MI 49454, (231) 757-0101
Kayak/canoe/raft/SUP board rentals and vehicle spotting on the relaxing Pere Marquette River, 9 miles east of Ludington. Clean equipment, friendly service, and 41 campsites on the riverbank! The PM River has excellent seasonal salmon fishing. Our tackle shop will handle of all your salmon and steelhead needs! Find us on Facebook.
Historic White Pine Village
1687 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington, MI 49431, (231) 843-4808
"Bringing History to Life!" A step back in time in a picturesque setting for the entire family. Tour historic buildings. Visit the old-fashioned ice cream parlor. Interact with characters in period costume as they provide a 1st-person interpretation of pioneer life in the late 1800's/early 1900's. Special events throughout summer and fall.
Jump Around Fun Center
1830 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington, MI 49431, (231) 852-4909
Lake Michigan Sand Dunes
If you love the thrill of climbing a sand dune and enjoying a beautiful panoramic vista, then visit this website about Lake Michigan's most popular sand dunes including Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness, Silver Lake Sand Dunes, and more. Pure Michigan sugar beach sand, clear waters, magnificent sunsets...discover Lake Michigan Sand Dunes.
Lakeshore Family Guide
What's a family to do in West Michigan? We've got the answer at Lakeshore Family Guide, a local website which highlights fun, wholesome, and inexpensive activities for children and families. Includes details about kids programs at the library, mini golf courses, petting zoos, the best beaches, and so much more!
Ludington Area Disc Golf
The Ludington area has seven different courses to choose from. Mason County Park is the site for three 24-hole courses: Beauty, Beast, and Goliath. Just off Jebavy Drive is Leviathan, The Edge is in Scottville's Riverside Park, Labyrinth is located at West Shore Community College and Flip City is in Shelby.
Ludington Area Jaycees Mini Golf
900 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington, MI 49431, (231) 843-4663
Renovated in 2017, the Ludington Area Jaycees Mini Golf Course has 18 holes dedicated to the "Landmarks of Ludington". Putt-putt for a purpose as profits from the course are donated back to community enrichment projects and organizations. Open noon-9pm daily, Memorial Day-Labor Day. Owned by the local Jaycees organization.
Ludington Nights
Ludington Youth Sailing School
P.O. Box 132, Ludington, MI 49431, (231) 690-3710
The Ludington Youth Sailing School is a non-profit organization that promotes the safety and enjoyment of sailing, with on the water classrooms. Students, ages 8-17, will learn the fundamentals of sailing, basic terminology, and life-long sailing skills. US Sailing Association certified instructors provide a safe and comfortable atmosphere to learn.
Mac Wood's
629 N. 18th Ave., Silver Lake, MI 49436, (231) 873-2817
Manistee Harbor Tours
400 River St., Manistee, MI 49660, (231) 690-3587
Discover The Princess...a 65’ passenger vessel certified by the USCG to carry 150 passengers. Public/private cruises for offshore viewing of sand dunes, beaches, Manistee's scenic Riverwalk, Big Point Sable Lighthouse, and numerous other historic sites. Private cruises for weddings, reunions, birthdays, anniversaries, celebrations of life, or any occasion.
Manistee PBX
77 Hancock St., Manistee, MI 49431, (231) 723-2811
Marlins Wildlife Safari
US 10, Custer, MI 49410
Michigan Audubon/Lake Bluff Center
2890 Lakeshore Rd., Manistee, MI 49660, (231) 723-4042
Performing Arts
Come experience the magic and pleasure of performing arts. Our current series of music, theater and specialty acts offer a delightful diversion from the everyday. Relax and unwind with quality performances, proudly presented by local and well-known talent.
Port of Ludington Maritime Museum
217 S. Lakeshore Dr., (next to the Coast Guard Station), Ludington, MI 49431, (231) 843-4808
Celebrate and remember Ludington's rich maritime history at the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum, where visitors will be entertained and enlightened with interactive exhibits and virtual experiences. Located within a former US Coast Guard Station, the museum is a landmark on the National Register of Historic Places and opened in 2017.
Ramsdell Theatre
101 Maple St., Manistee, MI 49660, (231) 723-9948
Built in 1903 by local lawyer and philanthropist Thomas Jefferson Ramsdell, the historical Ramsdell Theater is home to the Manistee Civic Players' productions and hosts plays, ballet performances, art exhibits, proms, weddings, and other special events.
S.S. Badger Lake Michigan Carferry
P.O. Box 708, Ludington, MI 49431, (800) 841-4243
Big Ship, More Fun! The SS Badger is the largest operating passenger steamship in the United States. At 410' she provides a fun, reliable cruise experience across Lake Michigan. Enjoy free entertainment, movies, food, shopping, and more. Cars, RVs, and motorcycles travel with you. Group, car and motorcycle club discounts available.
Sandcastles Children's Museum
129 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington, MI 49431, (231) 233-9326
Create...discover...explore. Featuring 4 levels of interactive exhibits that promote hands-on discovery and inspire creativity, curiosity, awareness, and love of learning. Meet our new Bearded Dragon and explore our new Water Safety Exhibit. New ventilation system, sanitizing stations, and constant cleaning for a safe, fun experience. Check website for current hours.
Shrine Of The Pines
8962 S. M-37, Baldwin, MI 49304, (231) 745-7892
Spindrift Cyclesports
102 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington, MI 49431, (231) 425-4999
Stearns Park
N. Lakeshore Dr., c/o City of Ludington, Ludington, MI 49431, (231) 845-6237
Probably the most well known park in Ludington, located at the beach at the end of Ludington Avenue. In addition to its great location and view of the North Breakwater Lighthouse, Stearns has a large, shaded picnic area on grass, grills, play equipment, restrooms, and of course, great swimming.
West Shore Community Ice Arena
3000 N. Stiles Rd., Scottville, MI 49454, (231) 843-5900



For more activities & attractions, check out these additional links for Things to Do in West Michigan:


West Michigan Map
Ludington Activities & Things to Do -- Play on a beautiful beach, take a tour at Historic White Pine Village, or explore the barn quilt trail, murals or sculptures in the county--Ludington offers many fun things to do for the entire family!
Have Fun in Manistee, Michigan -- Explore Manistee's historic downtown district and riverwalk, hike the Manistee National Forest, canoe on the Manistee River, and more.
Hamlin Lake -- Just 4 miles north of Ludington, Hamlin Lake is a great destination for boating, fishing and climbing dunes! The Hamlin Lake shoreline is also part of the Ludington State Park.
Silver Lake Sand Dunes -- Visiting the Silver Lake Sand Dunes makes for a terrific vacation because you can take your off-road vehicle for a spin on the scenic sand dunes overlooking Lake Michigan and Silver Lake.
Things to Do in Pentwater, Michigan -- Nothing is quite like the quaint, artsy, harbortown village of Pentwater. Don't miss the popular Charles Mears State Park beach on Pentwater's Lake Michigan shoreline.
Lots of Activities in Scottville, Michigan -- Explore the Riverside Park along the National Scenic Pere Marquette River.
Canoeing or Fishing on the Pere Marquette River -- Many boat liveries offer canoe rentals.
Also, check out West Michigan Guides and our locally produced WestMichigan.MichBiz.com directory for our largest lists of Things to Do in West Michigan.





Cruise across Lake Michigan on the S.S. Badger carferry and explore Wisconsin.


Eastern Wisconsin Things to Do -- There are a variety of activities in Eastern Wisconsin. Visit an amusement park, take a train or trolley tour, go kayaking, go for a cruise, visit a lighthouse, check out a garden, visit Lambeau Field, home to the Green Bay Packers, and much more.