West Michigan is a popular location for various races and runs... including the Lakestride Half Marathon and the Lighthouse Triathlon.
Photo by Ali Kazal on Unsplash.com
(Scroll down to see more events in January.)
West Michigan is a popular location for various races and runs... including the Lakestride Half Marathon and the Lighthouse Triathlon.
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
Michigan offers weekends during the year where residents and outstate visitors can fish, ORV, or snowmobile without permits.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Todd and Brad Reed offer Photography Workshops throughout the year. These classes are great for beginners as well as seasoned professionals.
West Michigan fishing tournaments give anglers a chance to add a little money to their pocket in addition to the fish in their bucket.
Beer, cider, wine, and more are at this wintertime festival! Stay warm with heaters and a large tent for shelter while you enjoy!
Current family-friendly events in West Michigan, great, fun, things to do for kids of all ages! Fun for the whole family!
The Miss Ludington Area Scholarship Program is typically held each September and is a precursor to the Miss Michigan program.
The park remains open year-round for hiking, snowshoeing, activities to give those who love winter something fun to look forward to!
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.
New Year’s Resolution Run 5k
Run course includes downtown Ludington and the 4th Ward area. For more information, visit downtownludington.com.
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.
Winter Hike
The Spirit of the Woods Chapter of the North Country Trail Association host this beginning at the Big M Cross Country Ski Trails- Wellston. Chili & hot chocolate will be served in the heated warming shelter at 12pm The hike will follow and out and back route in the Manistee National Forest. Parking is limited and unplowed. RSVP to hike coordinator, Loren Bach, at (231) 510-1963 or spw@northcountrytrail.org. For more info, visit facebook.com.
4-Week Charity Euchre Tournament
$30/player with proceeds to benefit Lakeshore Keepers. Prizes awarded on weeks 3 and 6 and space is limited. Register by visiting the brewery or contact Jamie: jamie@ludingtonbaybrewing.com or (248) 807-7723.
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.
4-Week Charity Euchre Tournament
$30/player with proceeds to benefit Lakeshore Keepers. Prizes awarded on weeks 3 and 6 and space is limited. Register by visiting the brewery or contact Jamie: jamie@ludingtonbaybrewing.com or (248) 807-7723.
Lantern Lit Hike
The hike begins at the Warming Shelter and has approximately 1 mile of lighted trails for walking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing. There are bonfires at both the Warming Shelter and the Amphitheater, along with free warm beverages at the Amphitheater. No registration is needed and lantern lit walks are free. Ludington State Park- 8800 M-116, Ludington.
Michigan’s Free Snowmobiling Weekend
Michigan offers the opportunity to snowmobilers to operate their machines without a snowmobile registration or trail permit.
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. Click here for more information.
Winter Speaker Series
“Ludington’s Titanic Connection” presented by Rob Alway at Mason County Historical Society- 103 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington. Cost is $10 for non-members and free for MCHS members.
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.
4-Week Charity Euchre Tournament
$30/player with proceeds to benefit Lakeshore Keepers. Prizes awarded on weeks 3 and 6 and space is limited. Register by visiting the brewery or contact Jamie: jamie@ludingtonbaybrewing.com or (248) 807-7723.
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). Diapers up to size 6 will be available. West Shore Family Support- 603 E. Tinkham Ave., Ludington.
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.
Michigan Adventure Race: Winter Edition
Teams race together to find as many checkpoints as possible via trail and off-trail running. Camp Roger- 8356 Belding Rd. NE, Rockford.
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.
4-Week Charity Euchre Tournament
$30/player with proceeds to benefit Lakeshore Keepers. Prizes awarded on weeks 3 and 6 and space is limited. Register by visiting the brewery or contact Jamie: jamie@ludingtonbaybrewing.com or (248) 807-7723.
Heaven on Hamlin Photography Workshop
Workshop presented by Todd & Brad Reed Photography.
4×4 Co-ed Volleyball Tournament
Check-in for this double elimination tournament begins at 8am on tournament day. All registration fees will be donated to Ludington Coats & Boots for Kids. Games will be held in the backyard at Jamesport Brewing Company- 410 S. James St., Ludington. To register and for more info, visit downtownludington.org.
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. For more info or to register, visit runsnow.com. 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. Visit facebook.com for more info.
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. Click here for more information.
Lantern Lit Hike
The hike begins at the Warming Shelter and has approximately 1 mile of lighted trails for walking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing. There are bonfires at both the Warming Shelter and the Amphitheater, along with free warm beverages at the Amphitheater. No registration is needed and lantern lit walks are free. Ludington State Park- 8800 M-116, Ludington.
Great Start Collaborative Winter Book Walk
Families are invited to walk, snowshoe, or ski the lantern lit path at the Ludington State Park. The first 100 families will receive a signed copy of the book by a featured author. There will be a bonfire and free warm beverages at the amphitheater.
West Michigan Symphony presents Superheroes at the Symphony
Frauenthal Center- 425 West Western Ave., Muskegon
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.
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.
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.
Beat the Blues Indoor Craft Fair/Yard Sale
Grip ‘n Rip Disc Golf- 120 S. Main St., Scottville.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Michigan offers weekends during the year where residents and outstate visitors can fish, ORV, or snowmobile without permits.
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!
Current family-friendly events in West Michigan, great, fun, things to do for kids of all ages! Fun for the whole family!
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
Todd and Brad Reed offer Photography Workshops throughout the year. These classes are great for beginners as well as seasoned professionals.
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
The park remains open year-round for hiking, snowshoeing, activities to give those who love winter something fun to look forward to!
Scottville Riverside Park, along the Pere Marquette River, has over 50 modern sites and is popular for camping and fishing.
Much of West Michigan is bicycle-friendly, and you’ll find many nice paths on which to ride. It’s great exercise with great scenery to enjoy.
Pere Marquette River, with it’s moderately fast current and clear water, is an extremely popular river for canoeists and kayakers.
Take one of the most scenic drives in the nation as you travel across M-22 in West Michigan. A long winding road of adventure awaits!
Beautiful color emerges come Fall. Take it all in with an afternoon drive, or stroll, through the many forests of West Michigan.
Along the Lake Michigan shoreline between Ludington and Manistee, you’ll find natural splendor- the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness area.