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!

Baldwin Canoe Rental
P.O. Box 269, South M-37, Baldwin, MI 49304, (800) 272-3642
Largest, most complete canoe, raft, and kayak service in the north central United States serving the Pere Marquette River. Kayaking, tubing, canoeing, and rafting---it's good, clean outdoor recreation for the entire family. Bus service, all equipment included. River hours 9am-6pm, last launch 2pm. (231) 745-4669. Like us on Facebook.
Hamlin Lake Jet Ski, LLC
3298 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington, MI 49431, (231) 843-2090
Located at Waterside Resort. Nothing is more exciting than hopping on a jet ski, and this summer you can experience it for yourself! Rent from one-half hour to all day. It's a great way to explore the waters of Hamlin Lake. Be sure to ask about our new three-seater Yamahas.
Lake Michigan Carferry
P.O. Box 708, Ludington, MI 49431, (800) 841-4243
Trade highway miles for cruise ship smiles! The 410' S.S. Badger offers an affordable cruise experience and the lowest cross-lake fares. Passengers enjoy low-cost Wi-Fi Internet, free entertainment, movies, food, shopping, and more. Cars, RVs, motorcycles travel with you. Group and frequent sailor discounts available. Big ship, more fun, best value!
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! This new website will remind you of just how much there is to do in the evening. From summertime events like Friday Night Live and Movies in the Park, to concerts, sunset boat cruises, live entertainment, and more!
Pere Marquette Expeditions, LLC
1649 S. PM Highway, Ludington, MI 49431, (231) 845-7285
Located on the Pere Marquette River. Experience the Marquette Loop in a kayak or canoe. Ask us about offsite pick-up and delivery. Offering sandwiches, groceries, wine, and over 400 different beer brands, including beer and wine making supplies. Also, fishing supplies and bait, sports licenses--even golf discs. Open daily 6am-11pm.
Sandcastles Children's Museum
129 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington, MI 49431, (231) 233-9326
Create...discover...explore. Join us for fun and learning. Featuring 23 interactive exhibits designed to inspire creativity, curiosity, awareness, and love of learning. Special programs: Creative Kids Day-every Tuesday, all day. Fun Fridays-special events every Friday at 11am. Check website for hours. Admission $4.50; annual family memberships $75.
Todd & Brad Reed Photo Gallery
114 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington, MI 49431, (231) 843-0777
Let photographers Todd and Brad Reed share their years of experience with you during their photo workshops, held every Thursday during the summer. Includes afternoon in-classroom instruction followed by evening shooting, usually on the Lake Michigan shoreline. Or choose the "Picture Perfect Weekend" workshops, conducted in the spring and fall.
West Michigan Golf Courses
The beauty of our blue lakes can only be matched by the rolling green landscape of our numerous golf courses. All along the Lake Michigan shoreline you'll find golf courses that challenge you, relax you, and offer wonderful scenic views. This website features details about over a dozen area golf courses. Fore!
West Shore Community Ice Arena
3000 N. Stiles Rd., Scottville, MI 49454, (231) 843-9712
Located across from the Rec Center at West Shore Community College. Home to the West Shore Wolves Youth Hockey Association and the Manistee Chippewa hockey team. Skating is a great activity for all ages, and the Ice Arena offers public skating throughout the year; call the above number for times.
West Shore Recreation Center
at West Shore Community College, 3000 N. Stiles Rd., Scottville, MI 49454, (231) 845-6522
The Recreation Center is a premier recreational facility available to the community for leisure/fitness activities. Indoor facilities include a wellness center with aerobic circuit weight training and cardiovascular equipment. Also, racquetball court, basketball, and 25 meter swimming pool with Red Cross certified lifeguards.

For more activities and fun things to do in the Pere Marquette River area, check out these additional links to destinations close by:


Things to Do in Manistee, Michigan -- Enjoy exploring the Manistee River in the heart of the Manistee National Forest, and discover Manistee's historic downtown district and riverwalk.
Activities and things to do in Ludington, Michigan -- A favorite vacation spot, Ludington on Lake Michigan has a children's museum, the Lake Michigan Carferry, sand dunes and hiking trails at the Ludington State Park and more!
Hamlin Lake Things to Do -- Just 4 miles north of Ludington, Hamlin Lake is a great destination for boating and fishing. The Hamlin Lake shoreline is also part of the Ludington State Park.
Silver Lake Sand Dunes Fun Things to Do -- 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.
Pentwater, Michigan Activities -- Nothing is quite like the quaint, artsy, harbor town village of Pentwater. Don't miss the popular Charles Mears State Park on the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Fun in Scottville, Michigan -- Home of the zany Scottville Clown Band. Discover the Riverside Park along the National Scenic Pere Marquette River, great for canoeing and fishing.
Things to Do on the Pere Marquette River near Scottville, Michigan -- Fishing and canoeing on the National Scenic Pere Marquette River is a great way to spend the day.

And be sure to check out West Michigan Things to Do for our largest list of West Michigan Activities.