Ludington, Hamlin Lake and Mason County Information
Don’t let the fun stop there. Waterside Resort is close to recreational and sight-seeing opportunities in the Ludington area, Hamlin Lake area and Mason County. Visit the Ludington Area for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Take walks on the beach and out to the North Breakwater Lighthouse and look out at beautiful Lake Michigan, watch the SS Badger set sail and experience all that Ludington has to offer. If nature is what you desire, visit the Ludington State Park. Here you can wander the trails, visit the Big Sable Point Lighthouse and spend time on Hamlin Lake. Mason County has so many great activities for visitors, come check out what the buzz is all about.
Make Waterside Resort where you begin your vacation memories!
Ludington State Park
Ludington State Park is comprised of nearly 5,300 acres of scenic sand dunes, shoreline vista, ponds, marshlands and forests. It is situated between Hamlin Lake and Lake Michigan with several miles of shoreline and beaches on both bodies of water.
There are three modern campgrounds at Ludington State Park -- Pines, Cedar and Beechwood -- with a combined total of 355 campsites including three mini-cabins. These sites have electricity and modern shower and bathroom facilities in each campground. Cedar Campground also has a small loop of eight tent-only sites separated from the modern site loop.
These tent sites do not have electricity but are within walking distance of the restrooms and showers. For backpack campers, Ludington offers 10 remote tent sites in the new Jack Pine Hike-In only campground. This campground has no electricity and the toilet facilities are rustic. Showers are available at the Pines modern campground during the site specific season.
All equipment and supplies must be backpacked or bicycle packed one mile into the sites from the designated parking area. Dogs are not allowed in any water area used for swimming or wading. They may not be left unattended, and must be on a leash no longer than six feet and under the owner's control at all times.
Big Sable Point Lighthouse
The Big Sable Point Lighthouse is a lighthouse on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan near Ludington in Mason County , Michigan, at the Ludington State Park. It is an active aid to navigation.
On July 28, 1866, Congress appropriated $35,000 for a new lighthouse at Big Sable Point. Approximately 933 acres (3.78 km 2 ) was deeded from the State of Michigan to the US at no cost and early 1867 construction began, making it the first light station in the area.
Built in 1867, the 112-foot (34 m) tower was originally made of yellow cream brick. It has a focal plane of 106 feet (32 m). The building was made of so-called Cream City Brick . The brick deteriorated and was thereafter covered with boiler plate in 1900.
Current status and getting there - Take state highway M-116 north from Ludington to Lakeshore Drive. Proceed north for 6.5-mile (10.5 km) to Ludington State Park .
A vehicle permit is required and a fee collected. It is under the care of the Sable Point Lightkeepers Association, which was formed in 1986.
The organization has been instrumental in restoring the light and associated buildings. A volunteer keeper program makes is possible for volunteers to live and work in the lighthouse for two week periods. There is a waiting list to do this. Tours are available, and events do occur (a calendar is available).
Ludington Art Fairs
In downtown Ludington, the City Park plays host to the West Shore Art League's Fine Arts and Crafts Show the first weekend in July and the Chamber of Commerce's Gold Coast artisans fair in August.
The West Shore Art League's Annual Fine Art and Craft Fair in the Ludington City Park has been ranked in the top 100 in the country according to Sunshine Magazine, and annually brings more than 150,000 people to view the works of art. You can expect to find paintings, drawings, sculpture, glass, jewelry, ceramic art & pottery, photography, fabric art, yard art and crafts and more.
The Chamber of Commerce's Gold Coast Artisan's Fair in the Ludington City Park has over 200 arts and crafts displays for people to browse and shop.
Macker Weekend
Gus Macker is a nationally recognized 3-on-3 tournament which is produced by local communities. Teams of various age, size and talent compete against other teams of similar makeup for the chance to win top quality trophies. Hundreds of thousands of dollars are brought into the community by this event. Over $1.3 million dollars have benefited our local charities throughout the last 16 years.
Ludington's Gus Macker is a great financial boost to our community, benefitting our region economically many times over. As in past years, The Gus Macker committee expects to sell-out, reaching the 900 team limit and bringing in 4,000 players and an estimated spectator crowd of 25,000 to the Ludington region.
Ludington North Breakwater Lighthouse
Completed in 1925, the Ludington North Breakwater Lighthouse stands 57 feet tall. The North Breakwater Lighthouse is just a half mile walk at the end of the pier. Sable Point Lightkeepers Association also takes care of this lighthouse, among others in the area. Guests can climb to the top of the tower and look out into Lake Michigan and back into the City of Ludington. While visiting the North Breakwater Lighthouse be sure to visit the small gift shop. This light is powered by solar panels and consists of green led lights.
Thousands of visitors walk out to the North Breakwater Lighthouse in Ludington daily during the summer. They also like to drive through stearns park in the winter and see the ice and snow formations on the lighthouse.
SS Badger Ferry
Built and launched in 1952, the SS Badger Ferry is the largest cross-lake passenger service on the Great Lakes. This four hour trip across Lake Michigan goes between Ludington. Michigan and Manitowoc, Wisconsin. The SS Badger can carry a crew of 50-60 people, 600 passengers, 180 automobiles, tour buses, RV's, motorcycles and commericial trucks. Visit the official website of the SS Badger for more information about the SS Badger and it's tour schedule.