West Michigan Guides Photo
First called Mason Center because of its location, it later became Sweetland, after James Sweetland, who built a sawmill there in 1878. Sweetland sold to Hiram Scott who officially platted the land in 1882 and named it after himself. Scottvile became a village in 1889 and a city in 1907. Today, Scottville is still an agricultural hot spot in Mason County.
Camping is a favorite summer activity in Mason County and Scottville Riverside Park is one of the most popular campgrounds in the region. It sits along the Pere Marquette River and offers over 50 modern sites and many amenities including Wi-Fi, heated pool, shuffle board, basketball, volleyball, horseshoe pits, playground, off-site boat ramp, marked hiking trails, quality trout and salmon fishing, and a disc golf course. The park also has pavilions available for rent for parties or other gatherings.
The Western Michigan Old Engine Club is a local favorite and features their show at the end of July with tractor pulls and a Kid’s Day.
Everyone has heard about the world famous Scottville Clown Band. For over 100 years they’ve been entertaining audiences with their foot-thumping music and amusing attire. You can catch a performance during Ludington and Manistee’s July 4th celebration, at Baldwin’s Troutarama, Pentwater’s Homecoming, and many Scottville events. When you see the Scottville Clown Band, you’re amused by their colorful attire and crazy antics.
When you hear them play, you’re amazed at their extraordinary talent. Perhaps their best performances are during the summer parades, with “The Stripper” being the favorite number. The horns, cymbals, and drums give the Clown Band their other name, “The Big Noise from Scottville.”
Although Scottville is a small community, when they host events, there’s nothing small about them! Scottville’s Summerfest and Harvest Festival were recently combined into the Scottville 10 + 31 Celebration. The event includes a Princess Pageant, live music, car show, Rubber Ducky Race, and much more. Another popular event in Scottville are the Western Michigan Old Engine Club Shows. This group holds shows from June-October each year with their big annual show happening in August.
The Ludington & Scottville Area Chamber of Commerce
119 S. Rath Ave., Ludington, MI, 49431
Planning a visit to the Scottville area? Have questions about your trip? Here’s where you can find help:
West Shore Community College in Scottville offers classes, the West Shore Ice Arena, and a complete recreation center.
The colorful attire and crazy antics of the Scottville Clown Band amuse people, but they also have extraordinary musical talent.
Scottville Riverside Park, along the Pere Marquette River, has over 50 modern sites and is popular for camping and fishing.
Scottville, Michigan may be small but they do their events in a big way. This rural community knows how to have fun!
The Annual Show of the Western Michigan Old Engine Club is held the first weekend of August at Scottville’s Riverside Park.
