PONCHO'S favorite places
AROUND LUDINGTON
Many of our campers are always asking about our area - points of interest, scenic views, history, etc... So as a public service to our campers and friends, we hope some of our favorite places will become some of your favorite places too, because we're sure there is plenty to share around here.
The Big Sable Point Light
was built in 1867, and is currently being preserved by a local volunteer
organization. The Light is north of Ludington in the State Park. It is about a
1 1/2 hour round trip hike in the summer time, and a fun run on cross-country skis in the
winter too. Either season, it's waiting for the photographers among you.
History has it that
explorer Pere Jacques Marquette, a Jesuit priest and missionary, died while passing
through the area on a canoeing expedition around 1675. A lighted cross marks the
spot across the Ludington Harbor on South Lakeshore Drive.
The Lake Michigan Car Ferry currently operates the SS
Badger,
a car ferry from the port of Ludington. The Badger makes
daily crossings to Manitowoc, Wisconsin, in the summer months. The service is
designed for your traveling enjoyment. Most people are surprised at the magnificence
and hospitality of the ship.
The Ludington State
Park, 
five miles north of the city, is a favorite place for all
families. Trails are marked for hiking, biking, and cross country skiing. New
boardwalks are great for early morning and evening strolls along the marsh areas where
deer and small waterfowl abound.
The Nordhouse Dunes area can keep you entertained for a long weekend or two, hiking in this designated wilderness area. Hike the ridges overlooking Lake Michigan, or back into secluded Nordhouse Lake, and observe the deer, geese, loon and others in an undisturbed environment. No motorized vehicles, pack animals, or bicycles allowed. Hiking only !
Canoeing and fishing
opportunities
abound in the area. The Pine River offers white water
canoeing, but wear your life jackets, and paddle clear of those casting flies for hungry
trout. The Pere Marquette River is good for young families because 4 & 6 man
rubber rafts are available, and can be handled by adults.
There
are many Charter Boats
operating in Lake
Michigan and sail daily for Coho, King Salmon, Lake Trout, and Browns. If you check
the record books you will find many fish with state ranking came from the cool clear
waters off the Ludington Harbor. Many of the
Charter Boats are located in 2 of Ludington's
city marinas. Check out all of the big beautiful boats that come and go into
Ludington.
Want to spend an old
fashioned lazy afternoon, and take a step back in time? Then take a trip out to
White Pine Village in Buttersville, just across the Ludington Harbor, on South Lakeshore
Drive.
Most of the counties' earliest
buildings, such as a courthouse, blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, hardware store, and homes,
have been assembled into a small village, complete with a church. We are sure you
will find this trip a pleasant, interesting, and informative snapshot back in time.
Both the North and South Harbor Piers out into Lake Michigan are available for walkers at anytime. This walk adds a romantic effect for those special times with special friends. The best part is it is always there and still free, just take the time. The piers are covered with ice flows in the winter months and, of course, won't be safe, but in the warm summer months you can observe the fishing, and car ferry fleet moving in and out of the harbor. In the warmest months catch the sunbathers on one of nature's greatest sandy beaches, or better yet why not join them!
If you are interested in POWER, take a short drive south of town to the Consumers Hydro-electric Plant. It is one of the largest Hydro-electric power plants in the world. It will amaze you on it's size and how it makes it's power.
How about a Dune Buggy ride! Silver Lake Sand Dunes offers the public some of Michigan's largest public sand dunes. You can rent dune buggies, or take a guided tour of the dunes to see it's beauty.
Are you looking for
souvenirs? Ludington Downtown retailers offer many fine shopping stores, from
clothing to that special souvenir of Ludington.
Need a weather report to help you plan your ski, boating, fishing, camping, hiking, snowmobiling, and ice fishing activities...then check out Poncho's weather buttons.
And again, don't
forget our miles, and miles on clean, sandy beaches.
Stop in and enjoy! And
check out our RV sites any time.
http://www.poncho.com
Web Design by BraveScapes
Poncho's Pond | 5335 West Wallace Road | Ludington, Michigan 49431 | 1.888.308.6602
