Welcome to Up North, Close By
June 2009
School is out and the month of June kicks off the beginning of summer in the Ludington Area with a long list of events and activities that will create family memories, experiences that will reunite old friends, challenge the athlete in us all, and expand a child’s imagination.
29th Annual Ludington Lakestride
The Ludington Area’s lengthy list of summer tournaments and festivals kicks off with the29th Annual Ludington Lakestride Half-Marathon & 5-K on Saturday, June 13, 2009. The Lakestride welcomes all visitors and residents to participate in one of the most beautiful and scenic courses in Michigan. The half marathon challenges runners to travel north from Ludington into the Ludington State Park onto approximately 1.5 miles of wooded trail followed by a quick trip over a sand dune through the Ludington State Park along the Big Sable River to Lake Michigan. After exiting the State Park runners will travel alone beautiful M-116 running parallel with Lake Michigan finishing at Stearns Park Beach in view of the North Breakwater Lighthouse. Runners may also choose to run the 5K course, which heads through popular Cartier Park. If you haven’t registered for the 29th Annual Ludington Lakestride follow this link.
The Ludington Macker is back bigger and better than ever!
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The Ludington Gus Macker is one weekend earlier this year scheduled for June 20-21, 2009. Head down to Stearns Park Beach to check out local and visiting teams crash the boards for the chance to earn the coveted first place trophy against some of the top street basketball players this side of the Mississippi. Unlike any other Gus Macker tournament, the Ludington tournament is held right next to the beach in Stearns Park. After a tough day under the hoop, players and spectators can head down our beautiful sandy beach to take a quick swim in cool blue Lake Michigan. In between games or after a lazy day at the beach; head into downtown Ludington to sample the local eateries and shops. |
Scottville Summer Concert Series
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On Tuesday, June 2, 2009 Scottville kicked off their Summer Concert Series which is held from June 2 through August 25. The concerts are held each Tuesday evening at the Scottville Clown Band Shell, behind West Shore Bank. The month of June will feature the following artists: The Marek Music Makers, Tiger Bear Jon the Banjo Picker, Bob Simms Sing-Along, Cedar Creek Cloggers, and the Scottville Clown Band Patriotic Concert. |
Take in A Sunset Up North, Close By...
Each evening throughout the summer some of the most exceptional sunsets blanket the shore of the Ludington Area. Be sure you head down to the beach during your vacation to take in a sunset and experience Up North, Close By.
Pick up a Sunset Calendar the next time you near the Ludington Area Visitors Center in downtown Ludington, located at 226 W. Ludington Ave or contact the Ludington Area Convention & Visitor Bureau to request that a brochure be mailed directly to you.
Old Time Base Ball Tournament
Since 1993 the Ludington Mariners have been playing old time base ball in the Vintage Base Ball Association. The old time base ball team was organized by the Mason County Historical Society (MCHS) and is played by the rules and customs of any earlier period. Ballists don period uniforms and recreate the game ‘as it was meant to be played’. The activity of vintage base ball can be seen at open-air museums, re-enactments and city parks and is played on both open grass fields and modern baseball diamonds.
On Saturday, June 27, the Ludington Mariners are hosting the Kent Base Ball Team from Grand Rapids, the Fallasburg Cubs from Lowell, and the Bonneyville Millers from Elkhart, Indiana. Matches will be at 10:00 a.m.; 12:30; 2:00; 3:30 p.m. at Historic White Pine Village.
For more information, follow click here.
"Jazz in June on the Lake"
Come aboard for an evening of Jazz in the Cabana lounge as we cruise up and down the beautiful
Ludington Shoreline at sunset! The sunset cruise is being held Saturday, June 6, 2009 from 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. Passengers for the cruise will begin boarding at 7:30 p.m.
The cruise is $32 per person and includes all-you-can-eat Badger Party Buffet and live entertainment by “The New York City Teachers Jazz Band”!
For more information on the Lake Michigan Carferry follow this link!
Parade of Cars
7th Annual Parade of Cars Sponsored by the Ludington Area Jaycees on Saturday, June 6, 2009! 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. located on Ludington Ave, Downtown Ludington. For more information, visit the Ludington Area Jaycees website.
Begin Your Summer Exploration at Sandcastles!
Take the munchkins into Sandcastles Children’s Museum their new location in Downtown 
Ludington, 227 W. Ludington Ave, across the street from the Visitors Center, to visit and explore “Our Neighborhood” which features interactive exhibits!
There are special programs each week:
Munchkin Mondays – Fun activities geared for 2 to 4 year olds at 10:00 a.m.
Thrilling Thursday – Fun activities for kids 5 and up beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Sandcastles is open Mondays, 9:30a.m.–12:00 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-5:00p.m., and Friday evenings.
See what else is new at Sandcastles!
A Destination for the Entire Family!
Bring the pup and make it a great vacation for the entire family! The Ludington Area offers several beaches within the area which are dog-friendly! The beaches that are dog friendly include Buttersville Beach on South Lakeshore Drive, Summit Park and Beach also on South Lakeshore Drive, and Lake Michigan Recreation Area Beach on Forest Trail Road. Lastly, the south edge of the beach at Loomis Street boat in Ludington is open to dogs.
To receive a map to locate these areas, don’t hesitate to contact the Ludington Area CVB.
Packages & Deals
Anytime through the year, Visitors can take advantage of the many packages offered by Ludington Area lodging facilities and other CVB Members. Check out the current packages and member deals in the Packages & Deals section of out website.
