Photo by City of Ludington
Ludington is known for many things, including its expansive beaches, lighthouses, and the Ludington State Park. But any visitor to Ludington will tell you that one of the most beautiful sights during the summer is the Petunia Parade. Each spring, hundreds of volunteers gather along Ludington Avenue, the downtown boulevards, and the marina to plant 30,000 red, white and blue petunias, grown by Gustafson’s Greenhouse. The Petunia Parade has become an annual tradition, started by Ellery and Sue Sabin in 1987. Petunias were chosen because they are vibrantly colorful, spread nicely, and grow well in sun or shade.
By the time of the Ludington Area Jaycees July 4th Freedom Festival, the petunias are in full bloom and a wave of color lines the avenue from Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital all the way down to the beach. Each block is assigned a captain who is responsible for making sure the petunias in that block are well maintained throughout the season. From planting the petunias to watering and weeding, it literally “takes a village” to keep this tradition going.
The cost for the planting season is approximately $10,000. The Ludington Petunia Parade is a 501(c) non-profit organization which relies solely on donations for funding.
Ludington Petunia Parade Committee
P.O. Box 5, Ludington, MI 49431
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Ludington hosts many events and activities that are geared toward kids and families, that’s part of what makes the area so great!
Everyone enjoys a good play or concert, and Ludington blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us all year ’round.
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Just blocks from the beach is the heart of downtown Ludington, where you can shop, dine, and enjoy summertime events.
The black-and-white striped, 112 foot lighthouse at the Ludington State Park stands proudly on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Hamlin Lake is where you want to be. It offers terrific summer recreation, including swimming, boating, tubing, and more!
The three accessible walkways installed at Stearns Park Beach in Ludington allow everyone to make their way to the water and sand.
Children can create, explore, and discover by playing with the numerous variety of exhibits of Sandcastles Children’s Museum.
With some of the best fishing and boating around, Hamlin Lake brings much delight as well as some of the most beautiful, scenic backdrops.
Cast your line into Upper Hamlin Lake or enjoy a picnic, the playground, or watch Hamlin Lake’s Independence Fireworks at Wilson Hill Park.
Ludington’s natural resources, charter captains, and outfitters provide great salmon fishing on Lake Michigan and the Pere Marquette River.
Disc golf is a big deal here in the Ludington area, with up to 20,000 people per year visiting one of our six courses.
Within the downtown Ludington region, several murals grace the façades of local area businesses, telling stories of the area’s rich history.
Is your business located in Ludington? Contact us today to learn about advertising opportunities with VisitLudington.com.
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