Open your car windows, turn up the music and enjoy a drive through Mason County, while taking in some scenery and fresh air to help curb cabin fever. Here a few places we are fond of and hope you will also enjoy this spring:
M-116
This stretch of highway proceeding north to the Ludington State Park is one of the most scenic in the Midwest. On one side you will experience vast Lake Michigan and its sand dunes; on the other, more dunes, wetlands and native vegetation. This is one spot that makes you feel like you’ve left town for a vacation.
South Lakeshore Drive
Get a view from atop the Consumers Energy hydroelectric plant on Lake Michigan by driving south on Lakeshore Drive. There is a parking lot at the site on the east side of the road, and you may walk to the top of the reservoir. Information about hydroelectrics is at your disposal, so you can make it an educational trip.
Follow a Cultural Trail
Celebrate the culture and heritage of the area by following an agricultural, lumber, barn quilt, music, sculpture or maritime heritage trail. Each of these trails uses the technology of QR codes and will give you important information on each stop of the trail by scanning the code with your smartphone. Or you may dial a number at each location. Find more on this network of trails here.
A Forested Route
Take the “back roads” north, Stiles Road to Quarterline, and enjoy the tree-dotted landscape on the route to Nordhouse Dunes Recreation Area. Here, you will find windblown dunes, wetlands, and rolling hills of hardwoods and conifers. Chances are, the birds will be chirping and the Lake Michigan waves crashing. This is a perfect place to get out of the car while maintaining social distancing.
Explore Mason County’s Beaches
See how the water levels are faring at your favorite local beaches. Check out Hamlin Lake and the Lake Michigan beach at the Ludington State Park, Stearns Park Beach and the public beach on the Buttersville Peninsula. Scope out your spot for summer, and dream of warmer days when flip flops and sandcastles will be part of our celebrations.
Many times, the journey is just as important as the destination. We hope you are able to find a driving journey that suits you. Stay well and share you photos with us using #PureLudington.
