West Michigan Area
Things To Do
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Let's see--we have boating, fishing, swimming, golfing--and what else? There's such a variety of things to keep you entertained while you're in the West Michigan area! Tour a historic village or enjoy a thrilling dune ride at the Silver Lake Sand Dunes, or visit the popular Ludington State Park. Take the family out for a game of mini-golf, bowling, or catch a concert. You can't leave the area without visiting one of the spectacular lighthouses of the region, and just catching the sunset over Lake Michigan is worth the trip. View the S.S. Badger carferry as it sails into or out of Ludington, or hop on board yourself for the four-hour trip across the big lake. Boredom is never a problem here in West Michigan!
Where do you go for one-stop-fun? Hey, it's AJ's! Featuring go-karts, miniature golf, slick track, bumper boats, bowlingo, laser tag and over 50 arcade and redemption games. AJ's is the perfect location for your group's outing, or a family fun day. AJ's specializes in indoor and outdoor fun, all year long.
Baldwin Canoe Rental
P.O. Box 269, South M-37, Baldwin, MI 49304, (800) 272-3642
Largest, most complete canoe, raft, and kayak service in the north central United States serving the Pere Marquette River. Kayaking, tubing, canoeing, and rafting---it's good, clean outdoor recreation for the entire family. Bus service, all equipment included. River hours 9am-6pm, last launch 2pm. (231) 745-4669. Like us on Facebook.
Cedar Camp Store
in the Cedar Campground within the Ludington State Park, Ludington, MI 49431, (231) 845-8582
Enjoy the beauty and fun of Hamlin Lake by boat. We offer rentals of canoes, rowboats, paddleboats, and kayaks. Or purchase a tube and spend a hot, summer day drifting down the lazy Sable River. We also offer camping supplies, food and beverages for picnics, souvenirs. Open 8am-10pm summers, reduced hours spring/fall.
Disc Golf
c/o Mason County Disc Golf Organization, Ludington, MI 49431, (231) 843-7628
The Ludington area has six different courses to choose from. Mason County Park by the Ludington Pumped Storage Project is the site for three 24-hole courses: Beauty, Beast, and Goliath. Just off Jebavy Drive is Leviathan, which includes two courses. The Edge is in Scottville's Riverside Park. Only $1 per person, per round.
Duffy Park
Monroe St., c/o City of Manistee, Manistee, MI 49660, (231) 723-4051
Here you'll find a play area, basketball court, and Mucha Field, a full size little league baseball field.
Hamlin Lake Boat Rentals
at Sauble Resort, 3461 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington, MI 49431, (231) 843-8497
Explore Hamlin Lake's beauty from the water by renting a pontoon, jet ski, runabout, or fishing boat. Captains available. Pull the kids tubing behind a luxury pontoon for hours of entertainment. Visit sand dunes where the only access is by boat. Available by the hour, day, week. Guided sunset cruises. Reservations suggested.
Hamlin Lake Jet Ski, LLC
3298 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington, MI 49431, (231) 843-2090
Located at Waterside Resort. Nothing is more exciting than hopping on a jet ski, and this summer you can experience it for yourself! Rent from one-half hour to all day. It's a great way to explore the waters of Hamlin Lake. Be sure to ask about our new three-seater Yamahas.
Designed in 2001 by nationally acclaimed architect Raymond Hearn, soon after named "Top Ten Best New Affordable Courses in America" by Golf Digest. Hemlock Golf Club is a formidable 18-hole, 7,030 yard course sculpted from natural landscape. Full service clubhouse, pro shop, driving range, and practice putting green. Tee times available online. (888) 490-FORE.
Historic White Pine Village
1687 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington, MI 49431, (231) 843-4808
Experience a new look at Historic White Pine Village. Attractive interpretive and educational signs now grace the Time Museum, Car Museum, and areas of the Farmstead complex. Take a self-guided tour to relive Mason County's past as you visit 29 museum buildings rich in local history.
Trade highway miles for cruise ship smiles! The 410' S.S. Badger offers an affordable cruise experience and the lowest cross-lake fares. Passengers enjoy low-cost Wi-Fi Internet, free entertainment, movies, food, shopping, and more. Cars, RVs, motorcycles travel with you. Group and frequent sailor discounts available. Big ship, more fun, best value!
Lake Michigan Sand Dunes
If you love the thrill of climbing a sand dune and enjoying a beautiful panoramic vista, then visit this website about Lake Michigan's most popular sand dunes including Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness, Silver Lake Sand Dunes, and more. Pure Michigan sugar beach sand, clear waters, magnificent sunsets...discover Lake Michigan Sand Dunes.
Ludington Area Jaycees Mini Golf
900 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington, MI 49431, (231) 843-4663
Miniature golf, an all time family favorite, overlooking beautiful Lake Michigan. What could be better? The Ludington Area Jaycees have operated the mini golf for years, using the proceeds for community development projects. Good fun for a good cause. Open noon-9pm every day. Discounts for groups and children's parties.
Ludington Fishing Reports
The Ludington area offers some of the best fishing in Western Michigan. Our site includes all the information you need about charter boat captains, boat/motor rentals, marine weather, bait/tackle shops, and more. Current local fishing reports for Lake Michigan, Hamlin Lake, Pere Marquette Lake, and Pere Marquette River.
Manistee Business Directory
Visit Manistee, just a short drive north of Ludington. Enjoy the victorian charm of the downtown district while you stroll along the Manistee Riverwalk. For more information about Manistee, Michigan businesses, check out ManisteeYellowPages.com today!
Parrot's Landing
8110 W. Hazel Rd., Mears (Silver Lake), MI 49436, (231) 873-8400
The fun of Silver Lake and the sand dunes starts at Parrot's Landing. Our recreational rentals provide thrills on sand or water. Rent or take a guided tour on a Jeep Wrangler. Dune buggies, quads, ski boats with tow tubes, and jet skis are available by the hour or half day.
We bring you the very best in summertime family fun. Our 18 hole mini golf course is full of moving parts which make the game challenging and full of surprises! Conveniently located in downtown Pentwater on the way to the beach.
Pere Marquette Expeditions, LLC
1649 S. PM Highway, Ludington, MI 49431, (231) 845-7285
Located on the Pere Marquette River. Experience the Marquette Loop in a kayak or canoe. Ask us about offsite pick-up and delivery. Offering sandwiches, groceries, wine, and over 400 different beer brands, including beer and wine making supplies. Also, fishing supplies and bait, sports licenses--even golf discs. Open daily 6am-11pm.
Come experience the magic and pleasure of performing arts. Our current series of music, theater and specialty acts offer a delightful diversion from the everyday. Relax and unwind with quality performances, proudly presented by local and well-known talent. For ticket information, contact the box office at (231) 843-5507.
Red Szymarek Park
5th Ave/Monroe St., c/o City of Manistee, Manistee, MI 49660, (231) 723-4051
A wooded park with plenty of shade trees, it features a children's playground and a volleyball court.
Reitz Park
Forest Ave., c/o City of Manistee, Manistee, MI 49660, (231) 723-4051
Home to the Manistee Saints, a local semi-professional baseball team. Located in this park are a children's playground, wooded picnic area, and a basketball court.
Sandcastles Children's Museum
129 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington, MI 49431, (231) 233-9326
Create...discover...explore. Join us for fun and learning. Featuring 23 interactive exhibits designed to inspire creativity, curiosity, awareness, and love of learning. Special programs: Creative Kids Day-every Tuesday, all day. Fun Fridays-special events every Friday at 11am. Check website for hours. Admission $4.50; annual family memberships $75.
Summit View Farms Corn Maze
3217 Schoedel Rd., Manistee, MI 49660, (231) 723-6885
Enjoy a casual, 30 minute corn maze throughout 10 acres high on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan at the Schoedel Family Farm. View farm animals including cows, goats and ducks. Pumpkins and bundles of corn stalks are available for sale. Open Saturdays 3-8, Sundays 1-4. Call 231-499-6841 or 231-690-7477. The Corn Maze is on Schoedel Road just off scenic M-22 across from the new Douglas Valley Vineyards, just two miles north of Little River Casino in Manistee. Open weekends in September & October. $5 per person, $15 per family. Larger groups are accepted other times by appointment. Hayrides, bonfires, and pig roast parties may also be arranged by appointment.
The Pumpkin Patch
at Major Produce, 9476 N. 120th Ave., Hart, MI 49420, (231) 873-5281
Great family fun the 2nd and 3rd weekend each October! Enjoy a hay ride along the river, pick your favorite pumpkin, romp in the hay fort, wander through the corn maze or haunted hall. Family games, food, refreshments. Many activities are inside the greenhouses, so come rain or shine!
Todd & Brad Reed Photo Gallery
114 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington, MI 49431, (231) 843-0777
Let photographers Todd and Brad Reed share their years of experience with you during their photo workshops, held every Thursday during the summer. Includes afternoon in-classroom instruction followed by evening shooting, usually on the Lake Michigan shoreline. Or choose the "Picture Perfect Weekend" workshops, conducted in the spring and fall.
Trolley tours
180 Memorial Dr. & Washington, Manistee, MI 49660, (231) 723-6525
Take a leisurely tour of Manistee on a charming trolley. Stop by the terminal on Memorial Drive, or hail one as it goes by. You'll get a wonderful glimpse of Manistee...from the downtown region to the majestic historic homes to the beaches. Available May-September.
Visit Manistee Michigan
Enjoy a short trip to nearby Manistee, Michigan where you can shop the historic downtown business district and stroll along the popular Manistee Riverwalk.
Waterside Resort & Boat Rentals
3298 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington, MI 49431, (231) 843-2090
On Lower Hamlin Lake. Everything you need for boating or fishing. Rentals of 14' and 16' fishing boats with eight hp to 25 hp motors. Pontoon boats for pleasure or fishing. Jet ski and tube rental. Our store has live bait, tackle, outboard gas, fishing licenses, picnic supplies, ice cream cones. Cottages available.
West Michigan Golf Courses
The beauty of our blue lakes can only be matched by the rolling green landscape of our numerous golf courses. All along the Lake Michigan shoreline you'll find golf courses that challenge you, relax you, and offer wonderful scenic views. This website features details about over a dozen area golf courses. Fore!
West Shore Community College
3000 N. Stiles Rd., Scottville, MI 49454, (231) 845-6211, (800) 848-9722
Offering quality instructional programs leading to immediate employment or transfer to four-year institutions. Check the Performing Arts schedule (phone extension 5507) for upcoming plays and concerts. The Ice Arena and Recreation Center (phone extension 5584) are open to the public - indoor heated pool, whirlpool, indoor tennis, racquetball, basketball, weight room and more.
West Shore Community Ice Arena
3000 N. Stiles Rd., Scottville, MI 49454, (231) 843-9712
Located across from the Rec Center at West Shore Community College. Home to the West Shore Wolves Youth Hockey Association and the Manistee Chippewa hockey team. Skating is a great activity for all ages, and the Ice Arena offers public skating throughout the year; call the above number for times.
West Shore Recreation Center
at West Shore Community College, 3000 N. Stiles Rd., Scottville, MI 49454, (231) 845-6522
The Recreation Center is a premier recreational facility available to the community for leisure/fitness activities. Indoor facilities include a wellness center with aerobic circuit weight training and cardiovascular equipment. Also, racquetball court, basketball, and 25 meter swimming pool with Red Cross certified lifeguards.
For more activities and fun things to do in West Michigan, check out these additional links to destinations close by:
Things to Do in Manistee, Michigan -- Enjoy exploring the Manistee River in the heart of the Manistee National Forest, and discover Manistee's historic downtown district and riverwalk.
Activities and things to do in Ludington, Michigan -- A favorite vacation spot, Ludington on Lake Michigan has a children's museum, the Lake Michigan Carferry, sand dunes and hiking trails at the Ludington State Park and more!
Hamlin Lake Things to Do -- Just 4 miles north of Ludington, Hamlin Lake is a great destination for boating and fishing. The Hamlin Lake shoreline is also part of the Ludington State Park.
Silver Lake Sand Dunes Fun Things to Do -- The Silver Lake Sand Dunes makes for a terrific vacation because you can take your off-road vehicle for a spin on the scenic sand dunes overlooking Lake Michigan and Silver Lake.
Pentwater, Michigan Activities -- Nothing is quite like the quaint, artsy, harbor town village of Pentwater. Don't miss the popular Charles Mears State Park on the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Fun in Scottville, Michigan -- Home of the zany Scottville Clown Band. Discover the Riverside Park along the National Scenic Pere Marquette River, great for canoeing and fishing.
Things to Do on the Pere Marquette River near Scottville, Michigan -- Fishing and canoeing on the National Scenic Pere Marquette River is a great way to spend the day.
And be sure to check out West Michigan Things to Do for our largest list of West Michigan Activities.
