Ludington

Photos Courtesy of Ludington Area CVB

Some newer attractions will be open for the first time this winter like the Ludington Outdoor Social District and Legacy Plaza for outdoor gatherings.

• Pure Ludington Brrrewfest, Jan. 29, 1 – 6 p.m., Legacy Plaza. This popular outdoor winter beer festival returns after a one-year hiatus, moving to the new Legacy Plaza – featuring beer, cider and mead plus live music. Twenty-five-plus brewers will serve samples under the open pavilion space, with smaller warming tents and heaters spaced throughout the plaza. Disposable sample cups will be used, and commemorative glasses can be purchased as a take-home souvenir. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the gate, which includes six drink tokens. Tickets go on sale in December and will be limited to 1,000 attendees. Proceeds benefit Friends of Ludington State Park.
• NEW – Big Sable Point Lighthouse Virtual Escape Room, online. A new virtual escape room allows elementary school children to solve riddles to escape Big Sable Point lighthouse. An adult version will be coming out soon.

Outdoor Activities

Mason County also offers plenty of outdoor recreation ideal for fall:

• Downtown Ice Skating Rink, Through Jan. 31, Waterfront Park. This 30’x56’ synthetic-surface rink is open for skating, free of charge, seven days a week. Those who don’t have skates can check out one of 100 free pairs of new ice skates on loan at the Ludington branch of Mason County District Library with a Mason County District Library card. downtownludington.org/check-out-skates
• Lantern-Lit Skiing/ Snowshoeing Feb. 5 and 19, 6 – 8 p.m., Ludington State Park. Visitors can bring cross-country skis and/or snowshoes to follow a one-mile lighted, groomed trail through the park for this free* evening event. The lighted trail begins at the Warming Shelter and follows lanterns to a bonfire halfway along the trail for a warm-up and hot beverage. The park has 60 pairs of snowshoes to loan free on a first-come, first-served basis for visitors 10 years old to adult. Reservations not required. Michigan.gov/ludington
• Ludington Outdoor Social District, downtown. A new addition to downtown Ludington this past summer, the Ludington Outdoor Social District (LOSD) allows patrons to purchase alcoholic beverages in specially marked cups from participating downtown food and drink establishments and enjoy them in designated outdoor “zones” throughout downtown to encouraged dispersed socializing. LOSD businesses include Blu Moon Bistro, Jamesport Brewing, Luciano’s Ristorante, Ludington Bay Brewing, Mitten Bar, Old Hamlin Restaurant, Q Smokehouse, SandBar, Sportsman’s Restaurant, and Timbers Steak & Seafood. The social district includes Ludington Avenue along the 100 block east and west of James Street, James Street from Ludington Avenue south to Melendy Street, Rath Avenue from Ludington Avenue to the alley south of the businesses, and the alley north of Ludington Avenue from Rath to behind Old Hamlin. Look for the “Get LOSD” stickers on the pavement and on sign poles. downtownludington.org/LOSD.
• Waterways – In addition to Ludington’s 28 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, Mason County has 2,000 miles of streams, three rivers and more than 40 inland lakes perfect for fall paddling or fishing (the Pere Marquette River is especially popular for its salmon runs in October).
• Trails – Ludington has more than 40 miles of trails, from Cartier Pathway, to 25+ miles in Ludington State Park, to Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area. Cyclists have 10 miles of single track in the city limits.
• Mason County Cultural Trails – Six self-guided cultural trails offer audio narration about Mason County’s history along scenic drives. A popular fall tour is the Agriculture tour with 17 stops, including Orchard Market, five-generation Kistlercrest Farms, Christofferson Farms and The Jam Farm.

Traveling in Michigan and COVID-19
Per Michigan’s Executive Order 2020-147, a mask or face covering is legally required for entry and/or service at all indoor public spaces, and when outdoors and unable to consistently maintain a distance of six feet or more from individuals not of the same household. More information is at pureludington.com/COVID-19.
About Ludington 
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan with miles of beachfront and water access, Ludington offers a quintessential “Up North” experience close by. Ludington and Mason County deliver the perfect combination of unspoiled natural resources and unrivaled outdoor recreation with quaint, small-town charm – all within easy reach located at the intersection of U.S. 31 and U.S. 10. For information on the Ludington area including lodging, events, and other tools to help plan a Ludington getaway, visit PureLudington.com, facebook.com/ PureLudington, @PureLudington on Instagram and @Pure_Ludington on Twitter; or call 800-542-4600.

Article and photos submitted by Ludington Area CVB