Hugged by tall sandy dunes, the neighboring resort towns of Pentwater and Ludington sit along Lake Michigan's eastern shore in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. These classic beach towns offer diverse cultural and recreational activities. From art to lighthouses to dune trails and community festivals, the towns extend an open invitation to experience their natural beauty and year-round recreational options.
Trail Activities
- Area trails invite diverse adventures. Situated between Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake, Ludington State Park offers a 2 mile paved bike trail following Big Sable River to Hamlin Lake. Bikes are also permitted along Lighthouse Road leading to Big Sable Lighthouse. A 21.5 mile hiking trail traverses woods and dunes allowing for short and long treks. Winter's peace blankets the park's 10 miles of cross-country ski trails, including the 3-mile groomed Logging Trail.Mears State Park in Pentwater offers a 1 mile interpretive trail leading to the peak of Mount Baldy dune. Hikers reaching the top are rewarded with sweeping views of Lake Michigan, the boat harbor and Pentwater village.
Historic Attractions
- The S.S. Badger, the nation's only coal-fired steamship and the largest car ferry to sail the Great Lakes, docks in Ludington. Still making daily public cruises across Lake Michigan to Wisconsin during fair weather, the S.S. Badger is a registered National Historic Site and a Michigan and Wisconsin Registered Historic Site.Situated just south of Ludington White Pine Village takes visitors back to yesteryear. The state Registered Historic Site includes more than 30 buildings. Self-guided tours showcase local history pertaining to lumbering, agriculture and maritime industries. A one-room schoolhouse and old-fashioned ice cream parlor delight the young and young at heart.Downtown Ludington's self-guided Mural Walk includes 11 large murals on building facades, each showcasing area life and history.
City Pleasures
- A relaxed pace of life defines small town life in the sister cities. Shopping and dining experiences complement multiple amenities. Ludington's Waterfront Park showcases nine bronze sculptures, a walkway, playground, amphitheater and two marinas. Sandcastles Children's Museum provides hands-on exploration and learning. Pentwater keeps the spirit of creativity alive with a series of art festivals and events. The summer season kicks off with Chalk it Up in Pentwater, a sidewalk chalk art contest. In July, art lovers flock to the annual Pentwater Fine Art Fair and the Garden Walk and Blooming Art event. September engages art lovers with the Wine and Art at the Harbor, an art auction and wine tasting event. FallFest, also a September event, focuses on arts, crafts and antiques. Ludington shines during summer's West Shore Art Fair, Freedom Festival and the West Michigan Fair, a traditional country fair.
Water Play
- Ludington and Pentwater park beaches are signature assets providing swimming, sunbathing and sunset shoreline strolls. Pentwater pier attracts those interested in casting a line, as does Pentwater Lake, which is also favored for ice fishing. The sister cities are among Lake Michigan's leading salmon fishing ports. Fifty local charter captains offer experiences for novice and master anglers, individuals and groups. Sail charter companies include Pentwater's Irish Wake and Ludington's Let's Go Sail. Chart your own course at Northern Breezes Sailing School by learning basic and advanced sailing techniques. From shore, spectators enjoy weekly sail races sponsored by Pentwater Yacht Club. Paddlers take on Ludington State Park's 4 mile canoe trail that traces the shores of Hamlin Lake's Desperation Point.
