We’re in that “in-between” season here in Northwest Michigan.  Guests are booking summer travel, and seasonal businesses are gearing up to re-open.  The melt (though this year, there isn’t much of that!) is in process, trees are showing buds, and the “early birds” are starting to return.  Spring steelhead are beginning their migration in the Pere Marquette River and will be at their prime later this month into early April.  It may have been a mild winter, but we’re more than ready for the Spring season, and based on all signs, it really is almost here!

We’re often asked “if we book a Spring stay, will there be anything to do?”  Yes!  And here’s a list of our favorite ways to enjoy Spring – we hope this inspires you to go exploring and make your own memories!

1. Get out the bikes – A popular destination for cyclists’ year ‘round, there are plenty of trails to enjoy in the area.  Experience the 10-mile loop right in the heart of Ludington that connects all three of our local parks, or enjoy a scenic cruise along M116 that to Ludington State Park.  Rather avoid road traffic?  Enjoy 4 miles of paved trails at Ludington State Park.
2. Go for a hike – Cooler days and fewer tourists make this a great time of year to get out and experience the trails at Ludington State Park.  We recommend the hike out to Big Sable Point Lighthouse, or the Island, Ridge and Lost Lake Trails.  The Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area is another beautiful location to explore.  It’s a truly picturesque area that offers interdunal ponds, hiking trails and a stunning stretch of Lake Michigan beach area!
3. Enjoy a round of Golf – As soon as the weather allows, the courses in the area open to welcome golfers.  Home to three distinctly different, beautiful courses, you’ll enjoy a round at any of these courses!  (Pssst – The Lamplighter offers a Stay & Play Package!) For a truly unique golf experience, try Hemlock Golf Club.  This course incorporates the natural dunes area, with large fairways in a beautiful wooded area, for a memorable and beautiful golf experience.  If you’re new to the game or just want to enjoy a leisurely pace, head to Lakeside Links, where you’ll find 27 challenging and meticulously maintained holes.  An award-winning, 18-hole course, Lincoln Hills Golf Course is challenging yet playable for any skill level.
4. Play a round of Disc Golf – Mason County is home to SIX disc golf courses, offering the perfect opportunity to get out and try something new!  Mason County Park offers three, 24-hole courses (including Goliath, the 3^rd largest course in the world!).  Leviathan, located in the Ludington School Forest, includes two courses.  Just East of Ludington, in Scottville, you’ll find The Edge, located in Scottville Riverside Park.  And lastly, you can play the Labyrinth, a par-3 course at West Shore Community College.
5. Go fish! – Whether your fishing out in the Lake, off a pier or the edge of the river, there’s plenty of brown trout, steelhead and salmon to be caught!  Ludington holds the title of being the #1 Salmon Fishing Port in Lake Michigan, and some of the best charter captains on Lake Michigan call Ludington their home port.  If you’re looking for more information on Spring fishing, check out our fishing charter packages!
6. Hit the trails…on horseback – We highly recommend Stony Lake Stables, located in New Era!  They’re known for their gentle, well-trained horses and experienced wranglers.  The family and team are celebrating 75 years of offering guided trail rides and works hard to provide an enjoyable experience for each and every guest.  Book a 1 or 1 ½ hour trail ride and enjoy scenes throughout the West Michigan countryside.
7. Experience Restaurant Week – The third week of April, foodies are invited to taste their way through Downtown Ludington!  This event showcases new menu items, as well as pre-set pricepoints, and depending upon the location, participants may offer additional courses.
8. Taste local craft brews–With three breweries and the infamous Mitten Bar (voted one of the best beer bars in America) all minutes away from each other, you can easily spend an afternoon tasting your way through Ludington and other “brewed in Michigan” flights.  Click here for more details on local breweries and craft brew stops in Ludington.
9. Be a history buff – Spend an afternoon at White Pine Village and The Port of Ludington Maritime Museum and immerse yourself in local history – you’ll be amazed at all there is to learn and experience at these award-winning locations!  Or, hit the cultural trails throughout Mason County and enjoy an interactive experience that celebrates our heritage, culture and environment.
10. Cruise the Coast – For one of the most scenic drives in the Midwest, start in Ludington with M-116!  One side offers views of dunes and Lake Michigan, while the other features more dunes, wetlands and native vegetation. After enjoying M-116, head North to M-22, which was named one of the Top Five Greatest Driving Tours in America by Rand McNally.  M-22 begins just 30 minutes North of Ludington, and offers picturesque scenery (views of the Arcadia Bluffs are worth the stop!), and wonderful restaurants and shopping.

Join Us For Your Spring Adventure

We Invite You To Our Ludington, Michigan Bed and Breakfast

As you plan your Spring Getaway along the West Coast of Michigan, consider staying at our casually elegant bed and breakfast in Ludington, Michigan.  Centrally located along the avenue, we’re walking distance to Jamesport Brewery, Ludington Bay Brewing and The Mitten Bar, plus many other shops, restaurants and miles of Lake Michigan beachfront (or snow covered trails)!  We have 5 rooms that offer a variety of amenities based on your needs, and also provide a full, hearty breakfast each morning.  Give us a call or reserve your room online and begin planning your visit to Ludington, Michigan today!