Ludington Business Network

Michigan's four seasons offer wonderful recreational activities for everyone. We hardy souls who brave the cold weather months are rewarded with fresh outdoor fun that reddens our cheeks and clears our minds.

Cross Country Skiing
If you enjoy the vigorous exercise of cross country skiing, Ludington has the perfect setting. The Ludington State Park is very popular for their marked trails and beautiful landscape, plus they have a warming shelter. Other area trails include the Ludington School Forest off Bryant Road, Pentwater Pathways on Wayne Road and Big M Ski Area south of M-55 in Manistee. Scottville's Riverside Park, just a few miles east of Ludington, offers trails along the Pere Marquette River.

Snowshoeing
It may be the old fashioned way to get around in the snow, but it works! And one hour of moderate snowshoe walking burns 700 calories. The Ludington State Park offers free guided snowshoe walks every Saturday in January and February, at 3pm and 7pm. The one and a half hour walk begins at the warming shelter, and the park loans out 40 pairs of snowshoes on a first come, first served basis. Good exercise, fresh air, and gorgeous State Park scenery-what a way to spend a Saturday!

Sledding
Whatever your mode of travel-sled, toboggan, or saucer-find the closest hill and re-live those childhood memories. The scary-sounding Suicide Hill at the Ludington State Park offers the most thrilling downhill slide, but any local hill will do!

Ice Skating
Ice skaters can enjoy their sport at the West Shore Community Ice Arena, home to the West Shore Wolves Youth Hockey Association. Located across from the Rec Center at West Shore Community College, this is also the site for all the home games of the Manistee Chippewa Hockey team, comprised of high school students from Manistee, Scottville, Ludington, Shelby, and Hart. The West Shore Community Ice Arena sponsors many tournaments throughout the year, bringing hundreds of skaters and their families to Ludington. Open skating hours are Saturday from 1-2:50pm and Sunday from 4-5:50pm.

Ice Fishing
A drive along frozen Hamlin Lake finds ice shanties dotting the surface of the inland waters. Only diehard fishermen venture out in these conditions, but the abundance of bluegill, yellow perch, walleye, and northern pike make it all worthwhile.

Downhill Skiing
Downhill skiing is just over an hour away at Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville. They offer groomed downhill trails and snowboarding. For another great skiing option, head north through the Victorian town of Manistee, then east to Cadillac, to Caberfae Peaks Ski & Golf Resort. Take advantage of their "cool deals," such as Family Fun Sunday and College Night.

Snowmobiling
If the exhilaration of snowmobiling is more your style, the Huron-Manistee National Forest has 350 miles of trails just waiting for you to swoosh through the tall pines. If you don't have your own machine, rentals are available from local businesses.