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Ludington’s Summer Buzz: Ferry Rides and Beach Bonfires Spark Summer Fun for 2024!

Ludington at Sunset

Summer Kicks Off in Ludington

If the calendar of events has anything to say about it, it’s clear that summer has started in Ludington. From lighthouse celebrations to festivals, this small beach town has a lot to look forward to, including three sunset beach bonfires complete with live music.

Here’s what you can look forward to in Ludington this summer:

Badger Crossings and Special Cruises

After a hiatus late last summer, the legendary S.S. Badger is back in action, resuming its summertime route to Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

Starting in June, you can hop on the last coal-fired steamship in the U.S. for twice-daily crossings plus special two-hour shoreline cruises from Ludington for

  • July 4: Celebrate Independence Day with a cruise and fireworks for $70 per person.
  • July 24 & August 21: Chill on the lake for $58 per person.
SS Badger in Ludington
S.S. Badger departs Ludington

Love Ludington Weekend: June 7-9, 2024

Love Ludington Weekend is a local favorite and is back for summer 2024 with new activities like a car show, a historical society exhibit unveiling, and the 100th-anniversary celebration of the Ludington North Breakwater Light.

Love Ludington Weekend

Celebrate Big Lighthouse Anniversaries

Two Ludington lighthouses are celebrating big milestones this year:

  • June 8, 2024 – 100th Anniversary Party for Ludington North Breakwater Light: Celebrate with a Blessing of the Boats and a killer laser light show.
  • August 17, 2024 – 150th anniversary of Little Sable Point Lighthouse: Loads of family-friendly activities are planned to celebrate this historic landmark.
Walking the Ludington North Breakwater Light
Ludington North Breakwater Light

Happening this Summer at Ludington State Park

Enjoy everything Ludington State Park has to offer this summer, including:

  • Extra Bus Days for Big Sable Point Light: May 11, May 25, June 22, July 6, July 18, August 3, August 15, August 31.
  • Extended Hours for Big Sable Point Light: Open daily in July, 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Summer Concert Series: Free concerts on select Tuesdays and Saturdays from June 11 to August 31 – don’t miss out on the good vibes and live music.
Big Sable Point Lighthouse, Ludington State Park

Heads up: Ludington State Park is fully open this summer with no construction disrupting the fun. However, starting in September, the park will undergo a major improvement project that involves some closures. For the latest updates and details on the construction project, follow Ludington State Park on Facebook.

Lake-Michigan-at-Big-Sable-Point-Lighthouse-Ludington-State-Park
Lake Michigan at Big Sable Point Lighthouse, Ludington State Park

More Ludington Summer Events

Ludington’s summer calendar is packed:

Ludington Beach bonfires - pure ludington
  • Glenlore Trails Christmas Lights in Michigan

    Step Into a Mile of Twinkles at Aurora: A Winter Wonderland – 2024

  • It’s Spooky Season, Grand Rapids! Your Guide to Haunted Houses, Adult Halloween Parties & Family Fun for 2024

  • Boy with Santa

    Lansing’s Ultimate Santa Guide 2024: Photos, Parades & Family Fun

  • Howell Fantasy of Lights Parade Christmas Parades

    Lansing’s Holiday Glow: Christmas Tree Lighting Events & Dazzling Parades – 2024


Melody VanderWeide

INFJ. Mom of 3. Idea chaser-People believer-Inspiration seeker. Together we make GR amazing – Let’s go!

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