Things to Do in West Michigan
Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography
From Boating to Golf to Museums, West Michigan Will Keep You Entertained
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 Historic White Pine 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!
River Run Canoe Livery
(231) 757-2266 riverruncanoerental.com 600 S. Main St., Scottville, MI 49454
Come paddle the scenic Pere Marquette, an easy flowing river for the whole family. Featuring Old Town kayaks, double kayaks, 3 seat canoes with cup holders and a cooler, tubes, and 4 person rafts. Equipment cleaned daily and we offer a variety of trips. Open Monday-Friday 10am-5pm; Saturday and Sunday 9am-5pm.
River Run Canoe Livery
(231) 757-2266 riverruncanoerental.com 600 S. Main St., Scottville, MI 49454
Dune Grass Concessions and Watercraft Rentals
(231) 843-1888 dunegrassludington.com Located in the Cedar Camp Store at Ludington State Park- 8800 M-116, Ludington, MI 49431
Offering the largest selection of watercraft rentals to explore beautiful Hamlin Lake, including paddle boats, canoes, kayaks, tandem kayaks, stand up paddle boards and rowboats. Also fishing and camping supplies, grocery and personal items, clothing, beach supplies/toys, and tubes to float the Sable River. Open seven days a week mid-May through October.
Dune Grass Concessions and Watercraft Rentals
(231) 843-1888 dunegrassludington.com Located in the Cedar Camp Store at Ludington State Park- 8800 M-116, Ludington, MI 49431
Historic White Pine Village
(231) 843-4808 masoncountymihistory.org 1687 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington, MI 49431
"Bringing History to Life!" A step back in time in a picturesque setting for the entire family. Tour historic buildings. Visit the old-fashioned ice cream parlor. Interact with characters in period costume as they provide a 1st-person interpretation of pioneer life in the late 1800's/early 1900's. Special events throughout summer and fall.
Historic White Pine Village
(231) 843-4808 masoncountymihistory.org 1687 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington, MI 49431
Port of Ludington Maritime Museum
(231) 843-4808 masoncountymihistory.org 217 S. Lakeshore Dr., (next to the Coast Guard Station), Ludington, MI 49431
Celebrate and remember Ludington's rich maritime history at the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum, where visitors will be entertained and enlightened with interactive exhibits and virtual experiences. Located within a former US Coast Guard Station, the museum is a landmark on the National Register of Historic Places and opened in 2017.
Port of Ludington Maritime Museum
(231) 843-4808 masoncountymihistory.org 217 S. Lakeshore Dr., (next to the Coast Guard Station), Ludington, MI 49431
Amber Elk Ranch
(231) 843-5355 amberelkranch.com 2688 W. Conrad Road, Ludington, MI 49431
Family fun for all ages! Take a wagon ride tour through 130 acres of pastureland to see huge bull elk, elk cows, spikers, and calves up close...a unique memory your family won't forget! Browse our gift shop, the Antler Shed. Don't miss the Saturday BBQ, also try our Premium Elk Meat and jerky!
Amber Elk Ranch
(231) 843-5355 amberelkranch.com 2688 W. Conrad Road, Ludington, MI 49431
Pere Marquette Expeditions, LLC
(231) 845-7285 pmexpeditions.com 1649 S. Pere Marquette Hwy., Ludington, MI 49431
Experience the Pere Marquette River Lake Trail in a single kayak, canoe, double kayak, or SUP board. Rental rates on our website. Bait, tackle, and sport licenses available here.. Huge selection of golf discs and accessories! Get your beer, wine, liquor, live bait, tackle, and camping supplies here! Open daily 6am-11:30pm.
Pere Marquette Expeditions, LLC
(231) 845-7285 pmexpeditions.com 1649 S. Pere Marquette Hwy., Ludington, MI 49431
Sandcastles Children's Museum
(231) 233-9326 sandcastleschildrensmuseum.com 129 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington, MI 49431
Create...discover...explore. Featuring 4 levels of interactive exhibits that promote hands-on discovery and inspire creativity, curiosity, awareness, and love of learning. Meet our new Bearded Dragon and explore our new Water Safety Exhibit. New ventilation system, sanitizing stations, and constant cleaning for a safe, fun experience. Check website for current hours.
Sandcastles Children's Museum
(231) 233-9326 sandcastleschildrensmuseum.com 129 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington, MI 49431
Inspired Parties
(231) 510-2528 myinspiredparty.com 3754 N. Jebavy Dr., Ludington, MI 49431
Celebrate your Bachelorette party the creative way by hosting a paint party with your friends! Pick a date, painting, and location, and we'll bring the supplies and provide full instruction. Choose a theme such as wine and paint to make it even more fun! With 10 or more guests, the Bachelorette paints free!
Inspired Parties
(231) 510-2528 myinspiredparty.com 3754 N. Jebavy Dr., Ludington, MI 49431
Ludington Area Jaycees Mini Golf
(231) 843-4663 jayceesminigolf.com 900 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington, MI 49431
Renovated in 2017, the Ludington Area Jaycees Mini Golf Course has 18 holes dedicated to the "Landmarks of Ludington". Putt-putt for a purpose as profits from the course are donated back to community enrichment projects and organizations. Open noon-9pm daily, Memorial Day-Labor Day. Owned by the local Jaycees organization.
Ludington Area Jaycees Mini Golf
(231) 843-4663 jayceesminigolf.com 900 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington, MI 49431
Golden Sands Golf & Bucket Bar
(231) 873-4909 goldensandsgolfcourse.com 2501 Wilson Rd., Silver Lake, MI 49436
Golden Sands is a 9-hole golf adventure, open year-round, with four sets of tees and a driving range. Ask about lessons and our summer youth golf camp! Enjoy live music every Sunday and some Friday/Saturday evenings during the summer. The course and restaurant are family and pet friendly with plenty of outdoor seating!
Manistee Harbor Tours
(231) 690-3587 Manistee Harbor Tours Website 480 River St., Manistee, MI 49660
Discover The Princess...a 65’ passenger vessel certified by the USCG to carry 150 passengers. Public/private cruises for offshore viewing of sand dunes, beaches, Manistee's scenic Riverwalk, Big Point Sable Lighthouse, and numerous other historic sites. Private cruises for weddings, reunions, birthdays, anniversaries, celebrations of life, or any occasion.
Enjoy the Jam Farm's homemade jams, jellies and marmalades with over 50 different flavors! All fruit comes from the Jam Farm or local neighbors. No preservatives or artificial flavors! Homemade gift baskets are always available and are great for any occasion! Stop by the produce stand on the farm, grown by the Jamdude!
More Ways to Play in West Michigan
There’s such a variety of things to keep you entertained while you’re in the West Michigan area! Check out the links below for more ideas.
