Plan to take a trip to the lakeshore this winter season! You won’t be disappointed in the attractive events Pure Ludington has to offer that are unique to this West Michigan community. Pack your warm gear to take advantage of these outdoor activities that celebrate the season.
Snowshoe/Ski Hikes
Lantern-lit snowshoe hikes, winding through the forest of the Ludington State Park, are such a special treat for visitors to this protected area. Smiling faces from the Friends of Ludington State Park group greet you upon arrival, get you fitted with snowshoes, and assist you to the trailhead.
The trails are clearly and beautifully marked with 75 nostalgic, old-school lanterns that will light your way through the woods. Enjoy the fresh crisp air, slowly falling snow on the Big Sable River, and crunching underfoot.
Lantern-Lit Snowshoe/Ski Events (6-8 p.m.):
December 9; January 6, 20; February 3, 17; March 2
Guided Saturday Afternoon Snowshoe Walks (2 p.m.):
January 6, 27; February 3, 17
Guided nature/history walks through the wooded sand dunes on snowshoes.
Guided Saturday Night Snowshoe Walks (6 p.m.):
January 27
Guided nature/history walks through the wooded sand dunes under the stars and moonlight.
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If you’re unable to attend an official scheduled event, the state park is open year round and has miles of trails and dunes available for exploration. The park is also open for winter camping. Make your reservation HERE.
*If there is no snow, the event will still be held for hikers. Snowshoes provided for those who need them (ages 8 and up). Seventy-five pairs are available.
New Year’s Eve Ball Drop
Celebrating 13 years of lighting up the night on New Year’s Eve, Ludington packs a punch for its most famous annual event and one of its biggest annual celebrations.
The Pure Ludington New Year's Eve Ball Drop is your quintessential celebration – complete with outdoor beer garden, music, fireworks, and the ball drop with 6,000 LED lights – all set against the charming backdrop of downtown Ludington. Think of it as one giant street party, as Ludington’s main intersection of James Street and Ludington Avenue is open only to pedestrians that night after 9 p.m.
Make a safe, walkable evening of it and book lodging within walking distance of downtown Ludington such as Stearn’s Hotel, Ludington Beach House, or one of the historic bed and breakfasts lining Ludington Avenue. Area businesses are sponsoring free rides and towing service that evening. Ludington Mass Transportation Authority provides free rides to and from downtown from 9 p.m. Dec. 31 through 4 a.m. Jan. 1 by reservation at 231.845.6218.
Start the New Year on the right foot (and burn off those partying calories) Jan. 1 with Ludington’s Resolution 5K at 11 a.m. through downtown. The $25 entry fee includes a custom die-cast finishers medal and a #RunLudington Fandana.
Register online or on race day from 10 to 11 a.m.
Pure Ludington BRRRewfest
Sample some of Michigan’s finest brews during the annual winter beer festival, Pure Ludington Brrrewfest, in Downtown Ludington! This lively day of tasting, music, food and more will chase away the winter blues and keep you entertained – so bring your family and friends for an afternoon of fun!
This outdoor event is set to take place January 27 in Legacy Plaza. BRRRewfest will host 20 Michigan breweries showcasing their best brews, with a variety of beer, wine, mead and cider for tasting. Admission is $40 and includes seven drink tokens. Tickets go on sale in December, so be sure to watch for information.
Attendees may enjoy all of the festivities from 1-6 p.m., and warm up by the fire in the plaza or take advantage of the warming tent available on site.
View more events at pureludington.com/events.
