Welcome to West Michigan!

This online guide will help you to discover many West Michigan destinations along the Lake Michigan shoreline as well as communities further inland:

• Ludington
• Ludington State Park
• Hamlin Lake
• Scottville
• Pere Marquette River
• Pentwater
• Silver Lake Sand Dunes
• Manistee

Scroll down for information about each Michigan Destination!

Visit Ludington

Home of the Lake Michigan Carferry - S.S. Badger

Here along the shoreline of Lake Michigan lies our beautiful city of Ludington - home to historic lighthouses, sandy beaches, and the ever popular Ludington State Park. We're glad you've chosen our area for your vacation, whether it be for business or pleasure. Here you'll discover hospitality the way it was meant to be, which brings people back time and time again.

Visit Ludington State Park

Queen of the State Parks

We love to talk about this wonderful place--the Ludington State Park. It's known as the most popular state park in the Midwest. Within its 5,300 acres just north of Ludington, you'll discover all nature has to offer, including marshlands, scenic sand dunes, hardwood forests, and nearly seven miles of Lake Michigan shoreline along its western border. Campers, hikers, fishermen, and families flock to the park every year to enjoy the multitude of activities. Here, you can swim, climb a dune, walk along the beach, hike, bike, boat, fish, and relax...surrounded by endless scenery that's varied and unique.

Hamlin Lake

A Lake for all Seasons

If you're looking for a fun, inexpensive family vacation, then Hamlin Lake is where you want to be. It offers terrific summer recreation, including swimming, boating, tubing, and fishing. At more than 12 miles long and 5,000 acres large, there's more than enough space for everyone without feeling crowded. Hamlin Lake touches Manistee National Forest on the north, towering dunes in the west and miles of undeveloped wilderness all around. This man made lake originated during the logging hey-day when lumbermen dammed the Big Sable River to make an enormous holding pond for trees felled upstream.

Scottville

Home of the Scottville Clown Band

The city of Scottville is a small community in the heart of Mason County, approximately eight miles east of Ludington and Lake Michigan. Scottville is home to West Shore Community College, the Western Michigan Old Engine Club and the world famous Scottville Clown Band. Scottville Riverside Park, on the Pere Marquette River, has over 50 full service sites--and a swimming pool--perfect for tent and trailer camping.

Pere Marquette River

Fishing and Canoeing Paradise

The Pere Marquette River (locally called "PM River") located in portions of Lake, Mason, Newaygo and Oceana counties, the Pere Marquette River system drains an area of approximately 740 square miles. Roughly 53 percent of the watershed is in Lake County. The mainstream starts at the confluence of the Middle Branch and Little South Branch, known as the "Forks" and flows in a westerly direction for approximately 66 miles past the communities of Baldwin, Branch, Walhalla, Custer and Scottville to its mouth at Pere Marquette Lake, just south of the City of Ludington, Michigan.

Pentwater

Quaint Waterfront Village

Pentwater is an artsy village on the western shore of Michigan. Pentwater's tree-lined streets show off charming Victorian homes and cottages framed by beautiful gardens. Almost everything is within walking distance of the marinas, retail district, public beach and Village Green, where Thursday evening band concerts have been a tradition every summer for more than 50 years.

Silver Lake Sand Dunes

"Just Dune It!"

For generations the nationally known Silver Lake Sand Dunes have provided families with exciting memories of driving, riding and walking on these spectacular mountains of desert-like sand! The Silver Lake Sand Dunes area offers numerous opportunities for exciting outdoor activities. Dune rides, jeep tours, water sport rentals, golf, horseback riding, miniature golf, bumper boats and a go-kart track are just a few of the attractions that are available at Silver Lake Sand Dunes.

Manistee

Victorian Port City

This is where history, beauty, and nature come together to form a unique town that is a favorite destination in Michigan. Manistee has so much to offer today's traveler, and it's a terrific getaway for families or friends. Lake Michigan beckons you to its golden beaches and spectacular sunsets, a guaranteed evening event! The magnificent Manistee National Forest stretches for miles and is a nature-lover's paradise. Here, wildlife is found in its natural habitat, and recreation activities include camping, hiking, and biking. The 1.5 mile Riverwalk is a must-see, and while you're enjoying Manistee, take in a play at the Historic Ramsdell Theater or see a movie at the Vogue Theater.

West Michigan Festivals & Events

West Michigan is full of fun all year long! We have listed our area events in our festivals & events story so you can see at a glance what's happening when. You can get event details by checking our calendar of events pages and selecting a specific month. There's always something fun going on, no matter what time of year. You'll never be bored in West Michigan!

Some of West Michigan's Top Events

• Free Fishing Weekends
• Ice Fishing Tournaments
• Ludington's Freedom Festival
• Manistee's Forest Festival
• State Park Programs
• West Michigan Fireworks

Friendly Businesses to Serve You!

When you visit a community away from home, it's typical to find yourself eating out, shopping, or looking for things to do. West Michigan merchants are happy to serve you with a smile! So, take some time and discover the many businesses ready to entertain you, or to provide you with a variety of services.

Quick Links for West Michigan Businesses

• Boating & Fishing
• Restaurants
• Shopping
• Things to Do
• Lodging
• Camping

More West Michigan Websites...

West Michigan Specialty Websites

• Home & Garden Living
• West Michigan Business Directory
• West Michigan Weddings & Celebrations

Destinations in the West Michigan Area

• Ludington
• Pentwater
• Scottville
• Pere Marquette River
• Silver Lake Sand Dunes
• Manistee County
• Benzie County
• Leelanau County

Many West Michigan destinations are along the route of the Lake Michigan Circle Tour.