Farmers Markets & U-Pick Farms in West Michigan
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
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The lakeshore communities of West Michigan do a fantastic job of hosting events and activities that include the whole family. There’s so much happening that is geared specifically toward kids and families as a whole, and that’s part of what makes being here so amazing!
Every season in West Michigan has it’s unique, fun things to do for kids of all ages- from babies up to the “young at heart”. Indoors or outdoors, no matter the time of year, there’s always something great going on along the lakeshore for families to experience together!
In addition to the following list, check out all the special events and programs provided by Sandcastles Children’s Museum and the Ludington and Scottville branches of the Mason County District Libraries.
Fat Tire Biking Season
Riders can enjoy 450 acres of open sand dunes, elevation changes of 80-100 feet, access to Lake Michigan, and sunsets over the lake from the top of the dunes. For more info, visit michigan.gov. Silver Lake State Park- 8890 West Shore Dr., Mears.
Snowfest
Event includes outdoor activities, soup and chili, and more for all ages. For the most updated info, visit jcimuskegon.org.
Hart Winterfest
Event features a Classic/Vintage Snowmobile Show & Swap Meet, a Soup Walk, Golf Outing, and more. For more information, visit takemetohart.org/winterfest.
White Pine Stampede 50k, 20k, 10k Point-to-Point Cross Country Race
Cross Country Race beginning at Mancelona High School- 9300 W. Limits Rd. and winding through Northwest Michigan, ending at Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire. For more information or to register, visit whitepinestampede.org.
Special Lantern-Lit Event
Walk at the Ludington State Park (8800 M-116, Ludington) using the trail along the south side of the Big Sable River on the open southern portion of the park. The route will be marked with lit lanterns and there will be a bonfire at the amphitheater. Parking will be in the lot at the end of the Amphitheater road adjacent to the Skyline Trail.
Lantern Lit Hike
The event is hosted by the Friends of Orchard Beach and includes a half-mile hike on a lighted trail. Warm up with hot drinks around the fireplace in the historic Shelter Building. Open to hikers, snowshoers, and cross country skiers. No reservations are required. Orchard Beach State Park- 2064 N. Lakeshore Rd. Manistee.
Soup-er Bowl Par-Tea Fundraiser
Celebrate the Super Bowl and support the Miss Ludington Area Scholarship Pageant at this event where attendees will learn some etiquette from a professoinal etiqette coach while enjoying a meal of locally made soups. Dress up as your favorite superhero, princess, or football inspiration. Adults are required to attend with children. Tickets are $20 for those 16 and up and $35 for kids 15 and under. For tickets, visit eventbrite.com. United Methodist Church- 5810 Bryant Rd., Ludington.
Winter Wonderland Daddy/Daughter Dance
Event includes dinner, photos, dancing, and a glow party. Tickets are $25/each. Radiant Church- 409 S. Washington Ave., Ludington.
Lantern Lite Forest Adventure
Guided hike with snowshoes (if weather allows), dinner provided, nature activities, and more. Spirit of the Woods Conservation Club- 12555 Coates Hwy, Brethren.
FiveCAP’s Walk for Warmth
Groups, individuals, and businesses are encouraged to form walking teams for the 2-mile walk and gather pledges to benefit FiveCAP’s program to subsidize heat for families and seniors in need. Contribution and pledge sheets are available at fivecap.org. Registration is at 9:30am with the walk taking place between 10am-12pm. The walk starts at the Community Church- 109 N. Harrison St., Ludington.
Pentwater Winterfest
Events include fishing tournaments, cross country skiing, sledding, and ice skating.
Snowman Scram 1 Mile Fun Run & 5k
Fundraiser for the Pentwater Cross Country and Track Teams. Pentwater Public School- 600 E. Park St., Pentwater.
Sleeping Bear Dune Hike
Rangers are lighting the one mile hike to the Dune Climb with candlelit luminaries to set the path aglow for night hikers. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore– 9922 Front St., Empire.
Ski Free Sundays
The Oceana Cross Country Ski Association will host a free cross country skiing event on the Pentwater Pathways Trail. The event includes use of OCCSA’s adult and children’s ski equipment. Equipment use will be first come, first serve and the event will be contingent upon weather and appropriate ski conditions. Visit oceanaski.org for more information.
Special Lantern-Lit Event
Walk at the Ludington State Park (8800 M-116, Ludington) using the trail along the south side of the Big Sable River on the open southern portion of the park. The route will be marked with lit lanterns and there will be a bonfire at the amphitheater. Parking will be in the lot at the end of the Amphitheater road adjacent to the Skyline Trail.
Snowshoe Stampede to Stomp Out Cancer
This event includes a outdoor fire pits, snowshoe walk, live music, bake sale, raffles, cornhole tournament and more with proceeds benefiting the Stomp Out Cancer Fund. For more information, visit soc-fund.org/events. The Inn at Manistee National- 4797 Grant Highway, Manistee.
Gettin’ Jiggy Ice Fishing Tournament
Sponsored by PM Expeditions. Entry fee is $10 and there is a 100% payout for the longest fish in each category: Bluegill, Crappie, and Perch. You must be in line for measuring by 6pm. Call (231) 845-7285 for more information.
Frostbite Winter Festival & Chili Cook-Off
Variety of activities at multiple downtown Manistee establishments including the chili cook-off. For a complete list of activities, visit facebook.com.
Special Lantern-Lit Event
Walk at the Ludington State Park (8800 M-116, Ludington) using the trail along the south side of the Big Sable River on the open southern portion of the park. The route will be marked with lit lanterns and there will be a bonfire at the amphitheater. Parking will be in the lot at the end of the Amphitheater road adjacent to the Skyline Trail.
Yeti Fest
This annual festival features fun for the whole family in Suttons Bay. For detailed information, visit suttonsbayarea.com.
Michigan’s Free Fishing Weekend
The State of Michigan offers its residents and outstate visitors two Free Fishing Weekends per year.
Osborn’s Big Ice Fishing Tournament
Prizes are awarded to adults and to children, in separate categories, for pike, walleye, perch, smelt, bluegill and crappie. There is also a biggest fish prize, and several door prize drawings. Osborn’s- 8929 Chippewa Hwy., Bear Lake.
Performance of the Swan Lake Ballet
Corson Auditorium- 4000 M-137, Interlochen.
Diapers & Donuts
Families with children ages 3 and under are invited to drive up to the side door for diapers & desserts. A parent or legal guardian must be present to receive diapers for the child(ren). Diapers up to size 6 are available. Car seat safety checks will be available upon request. Sponsored by Tanya Lesinski of Edward Jones. West Shore Family Support- 603 E. Tinkham Ave., Ludington.
Performance of The Addams Family
Fridays-Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays (AND March 15th) at 2pm. Old Towne Playhouse
Performances- 148 E. Eighth St., Traverse City.
Lakeshore Mama & Me Expo
This free event allows parents to connect with other parents, meet support providers, enjoy fun activities with their kiddos, and learn about various pregnancy & parenting topics. For more information, visit facebook.com. Ludington Elementary School- 5776 Bryant Rd., Ludington.
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
West Michigan fishing tournaments give anglers a chance to add a little money to their pocket in addition to the fish in their bucket.
Every year, the Mason-Lake Conservation District offers sales for tree seedlings and for native plants. Take advantage of this great service!
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Before you make a splash in Lake Michigan, check out the water temperatures for beaches from Manistee, Ludington, Pentwater, and Silver Lake.
Manistee National Forest together with the Huron National Forest occupies almost a million acres of land in Michigan’s lower peninsula.
The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts is a cultural center in West Michigan and plays an integral part in Manistee’s history.
The Annual Show of the Western Michigan Old Engine Club is held the first weekend of August at Scottville’s Riverside Park.
Todd and Brad Reed offer Photography Workshops throughout the year. These classes are great for beginners as well as seasoned professionals.
West Michigan is home to wineries galore! Enjoy a wine tasting tour and sample award winning wines.