Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography
Each year during the transition from winter to spring, area residents and businesses take pledges and try to raise as much money as possible for the Ludington Lake Jump. In return, that person must run into the icy waters of Lake Michigan at Stearns Park Beach on Lake Jump Day. Many local businesses also help out with hot drinks and food at the event.
Over $60,000 in proceeds from the 2023 event went to the Youth Advisory Council of the Community Foundation for Mason County. The group is made up of teens attending school in Mason County and “engages young people in solving real problems affecting their communities and peers.” They serve as a local panel of experts on issues affecting Mason County youth and give recommendations to the Community Foundation board on grants to be awarded from the fund each year.
The 2024 beneficiary is the Friends of Ludington Police K9 Unit which serves to promote and support programs, services, and community outreach endorsed by the City and Police Department.
2021 marked the 22nd year for the Lake Jump, which began when two local disc jockeys made a dare. Since then, over $650,000 has been raised for local charities, such as West Shore Family Support, Sandcastles Children’s Museum, the Rotary’s STRIVE program and the Ludington Area Center for the Arts.
In 2015, the Ludington Lake Jump beneficiary was the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum and over $24,000 was raised. In 2016, the Ludington Area Jaycees Mini Golf Renovation benefited to the tune of over $7,800, and in 2017 the Mason County Sports Hall of Fame received the proceeds, totaling $22,100. The Lake Jump raised more than $42,000 in 2018, and with the matching gift, a total of $91,700 was donated to the Lakeshore Food Club. In 2019, over $70,000 was raised for the Ludington Splash Pad and the modified 2020 event benefited Lakeshore Food 4 Kids and netted over $76,000. In 2021, West Shore Family Support was the beneficiary and received over $49,839. The Childhood Cancer Campaign received over $56,000 from the 2022 Jump.
Click here to see the current temperature of Lake Michigan.
Ludington Lake Jump Board of Directors
Every year, local organizations offers sales for tree seedlings and for native plants. Take advantage of this great service!
Ludington hosts many events and activities that are geared toward kids and families, that’s part of what makes the area so great!
Todd and Brad Reed offer Photography Workshops throughout the year. These classes are great for beginners as well as seasoned professionals.
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The S.S. Badger Carferry is a fun and relaxing shortcut across Lake Michigan between Ludington, Michigan and Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
Visit the new Value of Sports Museum located at Historic White Pine Village just a short drive from Ludington.
Find all of your favorite drinks, snacks, and foods right next to the beach at Sunset Side Concessions at Stearns Park Beach!
A children’s flotilla that’s a miniature replica of the historic S.S. Badger carferry. Children get to ride in one of many “cars”.
Discover small town life in the late 1800s and early 1900s at Historic White Pine Village in Ludington, overlooking Lake Michigan.
Take a paddle down the Hamlin Lake Canoe Trail. Venture out on the trip yourself, or join a guided trip lead by Dune Grass Concessions.
There are so many things to see and do in Ludington! Don’t miss a single activity during your visit by exploring VisitLudington.com!
There are activities going on in the Ludington area to keep everyone happy all year long. Longstanding events make Ludington special.
Ludington is home to several different museums for people of all ages! Highlighting our area’s careers, businesses, history, and culture!
Small destinations within themselves, visitors of Hamlin Lake will go on an adventure to find their perfect dune.
Is your business located in Ludington? Contact us today to learn about advertising opportunities with VisitLudington.com.
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