Michigan offers weekends during the year where residents and outstate visitors can fish, ORV, or snowmobile without permits.
Photo by Ali Kazal on Unsplash.com
(Scroll down to see more events in January.)
Michigan offers weekends during the year where residents and outstate visitors can fish, ORV, or snowmobile without permits.
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
Current family-friendly events in West Michigan, great, fun, things to do for kids of all ages! Fun for the whole family!
West Michigan fishing tournaments give anglers a chance to add a little money to their pocket in addition to the fish in their bucket.
West Michigan is a popular location for various races and runs... including the Lakestride Half Marathon and the Lighthouse Triathlon.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
The Miss Ludington Area Scholarship Program is typically held each September and is a precursor to the Miss Michigan program.
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
Beer, cider, wine, and more are at this wintertime festival! Stay warm with heaters and a large tent for shelter while you enjoy!
The park remains open year-round for hiking, snowshoeing, activities to give those who love winter something fun to look forward to!
Todd and Brad Reed offer Photography Workshops throughout the year. These classes are great for beginners as well as seasoned professionals.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pure Ludington Brrrewfest
Taste of the best and most unique flavors of beers, wines, ciders and meads from all around Michigan, and enjoy food and yard games. Rotary Park- corner of Lewis St. and Ludington Ave., Ludington.
Little River Festival of Lights
Get ready for a free drive through the Little River Casino Resort RV park. The park is filled with twinkling lights, dazzling displays, and festive cheer. 2700 Orchard Hwy, Manistee. For more info, visit facebook.com.
New Year’s Resolution Run 5k
Run course includes downtown Ludington and the 4th Ward area. For more information, visit downtownludington.com.
Miss Ludington Area Scholarship Program
Women between the ages of 18-28 from Mason, Manistee, Oceana, and Lake counties compete and are judged based on-talent, evening wear, on-stage interview, and their social impact initiative pitch. The winner is qualified to enter the Miss Michigan Pageant, a precursor to the Miss America Pageant. Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington. Enter by emailing missludington@gmail.com.
Dinner for a Cause
A portion of the proceeds from each ticket will be donated to Homeward Bound Animal Shelter. Tickets include a 5-course plated Italian themed meal and two $25 gift cards will be given away as door prizes. Tickets are available by visiting the restaurant. The Q Smokehouse- 225 S. James St., Ludington.
Charity Volleyball Tournament
4×4 co-ed volleyball tournament to benefit the Childhood Cancer Campaign. Cost is $25/person (will be placed on a team) or $150/team (team of 4-8 people). Jamesport Brewing Company- 410 S. James St., Ludington.
Beat the Blues Indoor Craft Fair/Yard Sale
Grip ‘n Rip Disc Golf- 120 S. Main St., Scottville.
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.
Winter Wednesdays Webinar Series
Information on Family Forest Carbon programs with Brittany Vanderwall. Either via Zoom or at the Scottville Library- 204 E. State St., Scottville.
Diapers & Desserts Giveaway
Families with children ages 3 and under are invited to attend and receive free diapers and treats. A parent or legal guardian must be present in order to receive diapers for the child(ren). West Shore Family Support- 603 E. Tinkham Ave., Ludington.
Sip, Savor, Support
Happy Hour with alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks and food will be available for purchase. A portion of proceeds will benefit United Way of Northwest Michigan. Traverse City Whiskey Company- 204 E. 14th St., Traverse City.
Grand Rapids Camper, Travel, & RV Show
Thursday from 3-9pm, Friday from 12-9pm, Saturday from 10am-9pm, and Sunday from 11am-5pm. Admission is $12 for adults, $5 for kids ages 6-14, and free for kids 5 & under. There is also an adult multi-day ticket option for $18 (good for all 4 days- online purchase only). Purchase tickets online at showspan.com/grv. For more information, call (616) 447-2860. Devos Place- 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids.
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.
Michigan’s Free Snowmobiling Weekend
Michigan offers the opportunity to snowmobilers to operate their machines without a snowmobile registration or trail permit.
Annual Blessing of the Sleds
Sleds gather & breakfast starts at 9am, blessing at 11am. Free, donations accepted. Skinner Park- 5074 W. 10 ½ Mile Rd, Irons.
Navigation Workshop
Spirit of the Woods Conservation Club will host this workshop in Walhalla from 10am-12pm with a potluck lunch to follow. A trail hike to practice using Avenza will follow lunch. Exact location will be given upon registration. Space is limited. Register by emailing Monica Hatch at mlhatch8@hotmail.com.
Great Start Book Walk
Held in conjunction with the Lantern Lit Event, families will receive a free copy of the book “One Light” (first come, first serve). Ludington State Park- 8800 M-116, Ludington.
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.
Heaven on Hamlin Photography Workshop
Workshop presented by Todd & Brad Reed Photography. Heaven on Hamlin- 3795 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.
Monster Pike Ice Fishing Tournament
Sponsored by PM Expeditions. There will be a 100% payout for the longest pike. This tournament is only for pike- no other fish will be included. Participants must be in line for measuring at Suttons Landing by 5pm. Call (231) 845-7285 for more information.
Bigfoot Snowshoe Race
The course is a snowy jaunt through the woods with plenty of logs to jump and branches to duck. Gather pre-race around a roaring fire, and stick around post race to warm up with a bowl of chili. Timber Ridge Nordic Center- 4050 Hammond Rd., Traverse City.
Benefit Dog Sled Derby
Event includes Kid ‘n Mutt 1-Dog Dash and sanctioned dog weight pull. Proceeds benefit Grandma’s Cupboard Baby Pantry and the Baldwin High School Band.
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.
Lantern Hike at the Garden
This free event includes family-friendly story time with author Bill Smith of “A Chickadee Year” at 5pm followed by sunset viewing and a self-guided lantern-lit walk through the gardens. Parking is limited and no registration is required. The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park- 1490 Red Dr., Traverse City.
4-Week Charity Euchre Tournament
$25/player with proceeds to benefit the Land Conservancy of West Michigan. Prizes will be given to the top scoring players at the end of week 4. Only 24 seats are available. Register by visiting the brewery or contact Jamie: jamie@ludingtonbaybrewing.com or (248) 807-7723.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
During the summer is the Petunia Parade in Ludington featuring 30,000 petunias lining Ludington Avenue and the marina.
West Michigan fishing tournaments give anglers a chance to add a little money to their pocket in addition to the fish in their bucket.
West Michigan is the location for many Car Shows during the summer. Various awards and plaques are presented at these car shows.
Every year, the Mason-Lake Conservation District offers sales for tree seedlings and for native plants. Take advantage of this great service!
The Traverse City area has several arts and crafts fairs scheduled throughout the year, offering many unique handcrafted items.
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
The Caswell Horse Park at the Mason County Fairgrounds in Ludington is a busy place from May-October, with many horse shows.
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
After a busy day at the beach or at work, it’s time to kick back and relax a while. What better way than to listen to some music.
Take a tour on the Historic S.S. City of Milwaukee car ferry and the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Acacia docked in Manistee, Michigan.
The colorful attire and crazy antics of the Scottville Clown Band amuse people, but they also have extraordinary musical talent.
The Grand Traverse Lighthouse is situated at the end of the Leelanau Peninsula within, about eight miles north of the town of Northport.
Created in 1980, this trail has 1,000 miles running through Michigan, which also runs through the Huron-Manistee National Forest.
Various farm markets around Traverse City offer a bounty of the best-tasting produce around, with many open from May until early fall.
The Manistee Riverwalk follows the Manistee River from Jones Street, under the US-31 bridge, behind downtown, and ends at First Street beach.