Ludington Lumber Days Returns: October 2-4, 2026

A Celebration of History, Heritage, and Lumberjack Fun for All Ages

Step into Ludington’s past and celebrate the rich lumber heritage that helped build our community during Ludington Lumber Days, a fall festival weekend packed with lumberjack-inspired fun, history, music, and adventure for all ages.

Weekend Highlights:

Friday, October 2

• Plaidurday Pub Crawl (6–10 PM) – Throw on your flannel and join us for a night of craft beer and camaraderie, starting and ending at Ludington Bay Brewing Company. Make your way through Downtown Ludington’s Outdoor Social District and end your night with live entertainment at Ludington Bay (6-10 PM). 
• S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry Engine Room and Pilot House tours (8PM) will take place after the Badger docks for the evening in Ludington. Take a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of the carferry. For $50, you’ll get exclusive access to restricted areas, learn how the ship operates, and experience the S.S. Badger like never before. Tickets are limited. Learn more

Saturday, October 3

• Explore Ludington Historic Home Tours (10AM & 11:30AM) – Discover Ludington’s architectural and cultural heritage during the Explore Ludington Historic Homes Tour on October 3. This guided walking experience features first-person interpreters portraying notable historical figures at several of the community’s most significant homes. Admission is $25, and tours begin at the Mason County Research Center, 130 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
• Lumber Days Beer Garden (1–6 PM) – Brought to you by Jamesport Brewing Company, Ludington Bay Brewing Company and Iron Fish Distillery, you are invited to raise a glass while enjoying live music from Joe Stickney and Electric Red. ($29 ticket includes 4 drink tokens and a commemorative koozie or pay $5 to enter.) This a family-friendly event that will also feature kids’ activities.
• Big Sable Point Lighthouse open for tours (10AM–5PM). Visitors are welcome to explore the grounds, tour the original Keeper’s Quarters which have been converted into a gift shop, stroll along the sand dunes or climb the tower. Cost to climb the light: $8 for adults and $5 for students 17 and under; free for active service and veterans. Inside Ludington State Park, 8800 M-116, Ludington (pay on-site)
• Witness a logging encampment reenactment and experience our region’s logging life firsthand at Historic White Pine Village, (11AM-4PM) Costumed educators share the tools of the trade, and details of life and culture unique to Michigan’s late 1800’s frontier. 1687 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.
• Murder Mystery on the S.S. Badger (8PM) – Grab your friends, dress to kill, and get ready for an interactive dockside party of new memories to last a lifetime.

  As the clues unfold, you’ll mingle, investigate, and help solve an engaging whodunnit. Tickets are $45 a person, and a cash bar will be available! Due to scheduling logistics, this Dockside Event is only available in Ludington. There are just 100 tickets, so it will sell out FAST! Learn more

Sunday, October 4

• Logging encampment reeactment – Witness a logging encampment reenactment and experience the region’s logging life firsthand, as costumed educators share the tools of the trade and details of life and culture unique to Michigan’s late 1800s frontier. 11AM – 4PM at Historic White Pine Village, 1687 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington

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