Pere Marquette River Area
Things To Do

Let's see--we have boating, fishing, swimming, golfing--and what else? There's such a variety of things to keep you entertained while you're exploring the Pere Marquette River near Ludington in West Michigan! Tour a historic village or enjoy a thrilling dune ride at the Silver Lake Sand Dunes, or visit the popular Ludington State Park. Take the family out for a game of mini-golf, bowling, or catch a concert. You can't leave the area without visiting one of the spectacular lighthouses of the region, and just catching the sunset over Lake Michigan is worth the trip. View the S.S. Badger carferry as it sails into or out of Ludington, or hop on board yourself for the four-hour trip across the big lake. Boredom is never a problem along the Pere Marquette River in West Michigan!

Check out the Festivals & Events page for a perpetual calendar of monthly events, the Calendar of Events page for dates and times, and the Family Friendly Events page for fun things to do for families and kids!

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Amber Elk Ranch
2688 W. Conrad Road, Ludington, MI 49431, (231) 843-5355
Family fun for all ages! Take a wagon ride tour through 130 acres of pastureland to see huge bull elk, elk cows, spikers, and calves up close...a unique memory your family won't forget! Browse our gift shop, the Antler Shed. Don't miss the Saturday BBQ, also try our Premium Elk Meat and jerky!
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PM Expeditions
Henry's Landing Campground & Canoe Rentals
701 S. Scottville Rd., Scottville, MI 49454, (231) 757-0101
Kayak/canoe/raft/SUP board rentals and vehicle spotting on the relaxing Pere Marquette River, 9 miles east of Ludington. Clean equipment, friendly service, and 41 campsites on the riverbank! The PM River has excellent seasonal salmon fishing. Our tackle shop will handle of all your salmon and steelhead needs! Find us on Facebook.
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Historic White Pine Village
1687 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington, MI 49431, (231) 843-4808
"Bringing History to Life!" A step back in time in a picturesque setting for the entire family. Tour historic buildings. Visit the old-fashioned ice cream parlor. Interact with characters in period costume as they provide a 1st-person interpretation of pioneer life in the late 1800's/early 1900's. Special events throughout summer and fall.
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Calendar of events
Ivan's Campground, Canoe Rental & Cabins
7332 S. M 37, Baldwin, MI 49304, (231) 745-9345
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Lake Michigan Sand Dunes
If you love the thrill of climbing a sand dune and enjoying a beautiful panoramic vista, then visit this website about Lake Michigan's most popular sand dunes including Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness, Silver Lake Sand Dunes, and more. Pure Michigan sugar beach sand, clear waters, magnificent sunsets...discover Lake Michigan Sand Dunes.
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Lakeshore Family Guide
What's a family to do in West Michigan? We've got the answer at Lakeshore Family Guide, a local website which highlights fun, wholesome, and inexpensive activities for children and families. Includes details about kids programs at the library, mini golf courses, petting zoos, the best beaches, and so much more!
Ludington Area Jaycees Mini Golf
900 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington, MI 49431, (231) 843-4663
Renovated in 2017, the Ludington Area Jaycees Mini Golf Course has 18 holes dedicated to the "Landmarks of Ludington". Putt-putt for a purpose as profits from the course are donated back to community enrichment projects and organizations. Open noon-9pm daily, Memorial Day-Labor Day. Owned by the local Jaycees organization.
Ludington Nights
Ludington is well known for stellar sunsets and pristine Lake Michigan beaches. But the fun doesn't end when the sun goes down! Check out LudingtonNights.com to discover all there is to do in the evening. From summertime events like Friday Night Live and Movies in the Park, to concerts, live entertainment, and more!
Pere Marquette Expeditions, LLC
1649 S. Pere Marquette Hwy., Ludington, MI 49431, (231) 845-7285
Experience the Pere Marquette River Lake Trail in a single kayak, canoe, double kayak, or SUP board. Rental rates on our website. Bait, tackle, and sport licenses available here.. Huge selection of golf discs and accessories! Get your beer, wine, liquor, live bait, tackle, and camping supplies here! Open daily 6am-11:30pm.
Performing Arts
Come experience the magic and pleasure of performing arts. Our current series of music, theater and specialty acts offer a delightful diversion from the everyday. Relax and unwind with quality performances, proudly presented by local and well-known talent.
River Run Canoe Livery
600 S. Main St., Scottville, MI 49454, (231) 757-2266
Come paddle the scenic Pere Marquette, an easy flowing river for the whole family. Featuring Old Town kayaks, double kayaks, 3 seat canoes with cup holders and a cooler, tubes, and 4 person rafts. Equipment cleaned daily and we offer a variety of trips. Open Monday-Friday 10am-5pm; Saturday and Sunday 9am-5pm.
S.S. Badger Lake Michigan Carferry
P.O. Box 708, Ludington, MI 49431, (800) 841-4243
Big Ship, More Fun! The SS Badger is the largest operating passenger steamship in the United States. At 410' she provides a fun, reliable cruise experience across Lake Michigan. Enjoy free entertainment, movies, food, shopping, and more. Cars, RVs, and motorcycles travel with you. Group, car and motorcycle club discounts available.
Waterside Resort & Boat Rentals
3298 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington, MI 49431, (231) 843-2090
Family-friendly fun on Lower Hamlin Lake! Rent a pontoon boat for pleasure or fishing. Also 14' and 16' fishing boats with 8 hp to 25 hp motors. Our store has live bait, tackle, outboard gas, fishing licenses,and picnic supplies. Also cottages for rent on the lake! For lodging, call (231) 843-8481.




For more activities & attractions, check out these additional links for Things to Do in West Michigan:


West Michigan Map
Ludington Activities & Things to Do -- Play on a beautiful beach, take a tour at Historic White Pine Village, or explore the barn quilt trail, murals or sculptures in the county--Ludington offers many fun things to do for the entire family!
Have Fun in Manistee, Michigan -- Explore Manistee's historic downtown district and riverwalk, hike the Manistee National Forest, canoe on the Manistee River, and more.
Hamlin Lake -- Just 4 miles north of Ludington, Hamlin Lake is a great destination for boating, fishing and climbing dunes! The Hamlin Lake shoreline is also part of the Ludington State Park.
Silver Lake Sand Dunes -- Visiting the Silver Lake Sand Dunes makes for a terrific vacation because you can take your off-road vehicle for a spin on the scenic sand dunes overlooking Lake Michigan and Silver Lake.
Things to Do in Pentwater, Michigan -- Nothing is quite like the quaint, artsy, harbortown village of Pentwater. Don't miss the popular Charles Mears State Park beach on Pentwater's Lake Michigan shoreline.
Lots of Activities in Scottville, Michigan -- Explore the Riverside Park along the National Scenic Pere Marquette River.
Canoeing or Fishing on the Pere Marquette River -- Many boat liveries offer canoe rentals.
Also, check out West Michigan Guides and our locally produced WestMichigan.MichBiz.com directory for our largest lists of Things to Do in West Michigan.





Cruise across Lake Michigan on the S.S. Badger carferry and explore Wisconsin.


Eastern Wisconsin Things to Do -- There are a variety of activities in Eastern Wisconsin. Visit an amusement park, take a train or trolley tour, go kayaking, go for a cruise, visit a lighthouse, check out a garden, visit Lambeau Field, home to the Green Bay Packers, and much more.