Enjoy the Beauty of the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness between Ludington & Manistee
Along the Lake Michigan shoreline between Ludington and Manistee, you’ll find natural splendor- the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness area.
West Michigan Guides Photo
Every now and then, we all need a break, especially those from the city! What better way to relax and have some fun than to go out in the country and spend some time with farm life. Whether your farm adventure includes enjoying animals in a petting zoo, going for a horse back ride or a hay ride, or many other fun farm activities, the whole family is sure to have great fun! In the West Michigan area, there are many places to visit with the family for a fun day on the farm. How about picking some fresh fruit right from the orchards?
There are many U-Pick farms in the area to get the freshest, juiciest, most delicious fruit from, and the whole family can have fun picking their share! Or visit a farm market in the area and get fresh fruit and produce that was just picked the morning of, as well as homemade baked goods and other delicious delights. At the end of the day, no matter which activity you choose, you’ll feel refreshed and relaxed after a day outdoors.
Children love to spend time with animals, getting to know them in the petting zoo. It’s such a fun learning experience, and a great way to expose your children to the outdoors and farm life in a family friendly atmosphere. Below are local petting zoos and family friendly farms to visit.
Up North Farm Market: 3890 W. Monroe Rd., Hart, (231) 301-8601
Circle Rocking “S” Children’s Farm, Inc: 5487 Tuttle Road,
Free Soil, MI 49411, (231) 462-3732
Every year, the Western Michigan Fair is held at the Mason County Fairgrounds, and several other surrounding locations. The Fair is a great opportunity for a fun family experience, especially for children. Families can enjoy the amusement park rides, 4-H exhibits, as well as many other activities including the Demo Derby.
Fairs and 4-H Exhibits in the Area Include:
The Mason County Fairgrounds in Ludington is a busy place from May-October, with a variety of horse shows for the equestrian. Throughout the season Ludington plays host to the Mason County Saddle Club Open Horse Shows, Gold Coast Futurity Horse Shows, and the MIHA District IX Meet. See the horse show schedule for the summer here.
Nothing beats riding a horse through a field or trail, feeling the wind on your face and sun on your back, and the strong muscles of the horse along your legs. Whether you’re a pro at riding a horse, or you’ve never had the opportunity to hop on a horse’s back, these horse ranches are sure to provide a fun-filled day of horseback riding!
Rainbow Ranch: 4345 S. 44th Ave. New Era, MI 49446
(231) 861-4445
Double JJ Resort: 5900 Water Rd., Rothbury MI 49452
(800) 368-2535
Mosher Meadows Arabian Horse Farm: Rothbury, Michigan 49452 (231) 343-9577 or (231) 343-9577
There’s no fruit or produce better than fresh-picked off the farm! Especially when you can pick for yourself!
How about some homemade bakery items and treats to add to your day? Or fresh fruit and produce from local farms, picked the morning of? It’s important to know exactly where your food comes from, and the process it takes to get to your plate. By shopping at a farm market, you can be sure to get your hands on fresh food from local farms who can control exactly what happens to all the food, so you know where exactly it comes from.
Are you looking for a barn venue to host a special event such as a family reunion? Shagway Arts Barn is the perfect setting to have a special event. There’s even a gazebo tent available to set up in the surrounding 40 ares! The Barn and many of the surrounding areas are handicap accessible, as well as the bathroom on site.
In addition, Trillium Creek Rustic Barn & Cottage Rental is a beautiful craftsman style house and rustic barn venue used for weddings, birthdays and parties. Trillium Creek offers a 4 bedroom home and a renovated 30×45 rustic barn for your event. Packages are based on the number of guest.
Along the Lake Michigan shoreline between Ludington and Manistee, you’ll find natural splendor- the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness area.
A magnificent display of color; the Northern Lights can be viewed at the right time of year at the right place in West Michigan!
Agriculture plays a large role in the economics of Mason County. Take this self-guided tour to learn about agriculture in Mason County.
Various farm markets around Traverse City offer a bounty of the best-tasting produce around, with many open from May until early fall.
Visit the Old Mission Peninsula, situated between the west arm and east arm of Grand Traverse Bay.
Beautiful color emerges come Fall. Take it all in with an afternoon drive, or stroll, through the many forests of West Michigan.
Visit the new Value of Sports Museum located at Historic White Pine Village just a short drive from Ludington.
The Pentwater River provides opportunities to experience a paddle sport for the first time or take on a challenge for those more experienced.
The Silver Lake State Park is 3,000 acres and is situated between Silver Lake and Lake Michigan, offering boating, fishing, swimming, & ORV.
The Manistee Riverwalk follows the Manistee River from Jones Street, under the US-31 bridge, behind downtown, and ends at First Street beach.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!