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 the West Michigan area! Tour Historic White Pine Village or enjoy a thrilling dune ride at the Silver Lake Sand Dunes, or visit the popular Ludington State Park. 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!
Featured Advertiser
Inspired Parties
Located in Ludington, Serving West Michigan, (231) 510-2528
A traveling paint studio offering a unique night out! Flex your creative muscles while our artist guides you step-by-step in the creation of your very own masterpiece. We offer public events-partnering with local businesses. Or host a private party for family and friends in the venue of your choice.
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Duffy Park
Monroe St., c/o City of Manistee, Manistee, MI 49660, (231) 723-4051
Here you'll find a play area, basketball court, and Mucha Field, a full size little league baseball field.
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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 paddle boats, canoes, kayaks, tandem kayaks, stand up paddle boards and rowboats. Also fishing and camping supplies, grocery and personal items, clothing, beach supplies/toys, and tubes to float the Sable River. Open seven days a week mid-May through October.
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Fifth Ave. Beach
5th Ave., c/o City of Manistee, Manistee, MI 49669, (231) 723-4051
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Historic Manistee Fire Hall (1888)
281 First St., Manistee, MI 49660, (231) 723-1549
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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.
Inspired Parties
Located in Ludington, Serving West Michigan, (231) 510-2528
A traveling paint studio offering a unique night out! Flex your creative muscles while our artist guides you step-by-step in the creation of your very own masterpiece. We offer public events-partnering with local businesses. Or host a private party for family and friends in the venue of your choice.
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!
A full day of fun awaits at Lewis Farms & Petting Zoo where we grow Fruit, Fun, & Memories on West Michigan’s lakeshore! SHOP the market for fresh produce and homemade goodies, EXPLORE over 46+ activities for all ages, and MEET over 75+ unique animals including camels and kangaroos!
Ludington Area Center for the Arts
107 S. Harrison, Ludington, MI 49431, (231) 845-2787
LACA is the center of the area's art scene, offering monthly exhibits, classes/workshops and live music. The art center is also home to a number of creative groups. LACA's gift shop features creative items from an array of local and Michigan artists. LACA hosts the West Shore Art Fair annually in July.
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 Fishing Reports
The Ludington area offers some of the best fishing in West Michigan. This website includes information you need about Lake Michigan charter boat captains, river charters, boat/motor rentals, launches, marine weather, bait/tackle shops, ice fishing, and more. Current local fishing reports for Ludington, Hamlin Lake, Pere Marquette River, Pentwater, and Manistee.
Manistee County Historical Museum
425 River St., Manistee, MI 49660, (231) 723-5531
Permanent exhibits at the Manistee County Historical museum include a special drug exhibit kept in remembrance of the store's earlier history, period rooms including a lumberman's business office, a life-size log cabin replica, a dentist's office, a Victorian dining room, parlor, bedroom, and kitchen. Also on display is an extensive collection of Victorian antiques and photographs.
Onekama Village Park
Main St & Portage, Onekama, MI, (231) 889-3171
This park on Portage Lake is popular for fishing, swimming and special events, such as Concerts in the Park, Onekama Days, Fall Festival, and Winterfest. Families enjoy the park for parties and reunions.
Parrot's Landing
8110 W. Hazel Rd., Mears (Silver Lake), MI 49436, (231) 873-8400
Enjoy Silver Lake and the sand dunes at Parrot's Landing. Our recreational rentals provide thrills on sand or water. Rent or take a guided tour in a 4-door Jeep Wrangler. Ski boats with tow tubes and jet skis are also available for rent by the half day or full day.
Pere Marquette Expeditions, LLC
1649 S. Pere Marquette Hwy., Ludington, MI 49431, (231) 845-7285
Experience the Pere Marquette River Lake Trail in a single kayak, canoe, double kayak, or SUP board. Rental rates on our website. Bait, tackle, and sport licenses available here.. Huge selection of golf discs and accessories! Get your beer, wine, liquor, live bait, tackle, and camping supplies here! Open daily 6am-11:30pm.
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.
Red Szymarek Park
5th Ave/Monroe St., c/o City of Manistee, Manistee, MI 49660, (231) 723-4051
A wooded park with plenty of shade trees, it features a children's playground and a volleyball court.
Reitz Park
Forest Ave., c/o City of Manistee, Manistee, MI 49660, (231) 723-4051
Home to the Manistee Saints, a local semi-professional baseball team. Located in this park are a children's playground, wooded picnic area, and a basketball court.
River Run Canoe Livery
600 S. Main St., Scottville, MI 49454, (231) 757-2266
Come paddle the scenic Pere Marquette, an easy flowing river for the whole family. Featuring Old Town kayaks, double kayaks, 3 seat canoes with cup holders and a cooler, tubes, and 4 person rafts. Equipment cleaned daily and we offer a variety of trips. Open Monday-Friday 10am-5pm; Saturday and Sunday 9am-5pm.
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.
West Michigan Golf Courses
The beauty of our blue lakes can only be matched by the rolling green landscape of our numerous golf courses. All along the Lake Michigan shoreline you'll find golf courses that challenge you, relax you, and offer wonderful scenic views. This website features details about golf courses from Manistee, Mason and Oceana counties. Fore!
For more activities & attractions, check out these additional links for Things to Do in West Michigan:
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.