Winter Fun in the Ludington Area
There's no need to hibernate during the winter months in Ludington--not with all the great outdoor activities that use the snow for fun!
For those who love snowshoeing or cross country skiing, you won't have to travel far to enjoy your sport:
Pentwater Pathways
Take the Monroe Rd. exit off US-31, turn west on Long Bridge Rd. and south on Wayne Rd. Entrance is about one mile south.
Nearly 15 miles of well-marked trails that loop through marshes and woodlands. Snowshoers are requested to travel beside the trails rather than on them.
Ludington State Park
Traveling west on US-10 through Ludington, turn right on Lakeshore Drive/M-116 and drive north until you reach the park.
Eight miles of trail are open to winter enthusiasts, with the Logging Trail offering two shelters. This is a very popular place to cross country ski and snowshoe-the park even hosts workshops for making your own snowshoes. A State Park sticker is needed to enter the park.
The Big M
From Wellston, take M-55 west four miles to E. Udell Hills Rd., then turn south for three miles to entrance.
This cross country ski trail winds through the Manistee National Forest, with groomed trails covering over 18 miles. There is no cost to use the trails.
Hart-Montague Rail Trail (primarily for snowmobilers)
Take either the Hart, Shelby, New Era, or Rothbury exits off US-31 and follow signs.
Popular in the summer for biking, this 22 mile trail stretches from Hart to Montague, with trailheads in each of the towns in between. Most of the trail is flat with long, straight stretches. If there is more than four inches of snow on the ground, the trail is open to snowmobiles.
Crystal Valley Trail
Take the Monroe Rd. exit off US-31, turn east and travel until you reach 126th Ave. When it turns into Jefferson Rd. turn north back onto 126th, travel just over a mile to River Rd. and turn east.
Located in a remote section of the Manistee National Forest, this is a fairly new trail, which makes up two tracks over four miles. Just the opposite of the Hart-Montague Trail, this is anything but straight-traveling around curves and over uneven ground. Those on snowshoes should travel beside the trails rather than in them.
If you don't own your own cross country skis, you can rent some at Provisions Sport Shop in downtown Ludington. They carry many varieties of equipment, and are open 10am-5:30pm.
The closest downhill skiing resorts are within an hour and a half from Ludington. Both offer lodging, ski packages, programs, and special activities.
Crystal Mountain, located in Thompsonville
Follow US-31 north out of Manistee for 21 miles, then turn east on County Rd. 602. Travel seven miles to M-115, turn west into entrance.
Voted #1 Resort in the Midwest by SKI Magazine. Featuring 45 slopes, plus more than 40 kilometers of cross-country ski trails. Crystal offers ski & snowboard schools, horse-drawn surrey rides, ice skating, bonfires, and moonlight hikes. Nice variety of lodging facilities, and scheduled for completion this winter, the brand new Crystal Spa.
Caberfae Peaks, located in Cadillac
Out of Ludington, take US-10 east to Baldwin, and turn north on M-37. Follow until you reach M-55 and turn east, then left into entrance.
Enjoy the relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere at Caberfae., featuring 34 runs that offer big vertical drops. Their day lodge has a cafeteria and bar, and overnight lodging is also available, with the outdoor heated pool and spa. Very economical specials available, including Family Fun Sunday, Ladies Day and College Night.
For fun in the snow with just your sled or toboggan, try your luck at Suicide Hill at the Ludington State Park, or Water tower hill on South Staffon and Melendy Streets in Ludington.
We're blessed to have the West Shore Community Ice Arena, across from the Rec Center at West Shore Community College. Throughout the week, they have open hours for ice skating, providing a fun and safe activity for people of all ages.
If you just can't handle the cold, there are great indoor activities, also. You'll find indoor pools at Ludington's Middle School, West Shore Community College Rec Center and Ramada Inn. They all offer open swimming hours for the public as follows:
Donald C. Baldwin Community Pool (O.J. DeJonge Middle School, Ludington):
Lap Swim, Monday-Friday, 6-7:30am.
Open Swim, Tuesday and Wednesday, 7:30-8:30pm.
Open Swim, Saturday and Sunday, 2-4pm.
Family Swim, Sunday 6:30-8:30pm.
Cost is $2 for adults, $1 for children.
6 month individual pass is $30; family $50.
West Shore Community College Pool at the Rec Center
Call (231) 845-5543 for open hours.
Cost is $7 per individual; also includes entry into the gym, weight room, and racquetball courts
Ramada Inn (US-10 in Ludington)
Open Swim, Tuesday and Wednesday, 7:30-8:30pm.
Family Swim, Sunday 6:30-8:30pm.
Cost is $2 per adult and $1 per child.
You can always rent a movie at Family Video---or choose from one of eight movies currently showing at Harbor Cinema on US-10.
Don't wait for summer---enjoy all that winter has to offer here in the beautiful Ludington area!
