Ludington Lake Jump
Each April, area residents and businesses take pledges and try to raise as much money as possible for the Ludington Lake Jump.
Photo by Billy Huynh on Unsplash.com
The love of flight is one that can be nurtured with experience in the air but flights can be costly and hard to come by for many.
This is a prime reason that pilot members of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) provide free flights to kids at their Young Eagles Rallies in Mason, Oceana, and Grand Traverse Counties every year. Young Eagles Rallies happen annually all over the country to nurture the love of flight and, to date, over 2 million kids have received free flights through the Young Eagles Program.
The Experimental Aircraft Association 772/Mason County Pilot’s Association host their annual Young Eagles Rally each July at the Mason County Airport- 5530 W. US 10 in Ludington. At the event, kids ages 8-17 are invited to take a free airplane ride with a local pilot. Pilots involved in the event donate their time and use of their aircraft.
Families are encouraged to arrive early as the event fills up quickly. All kids must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in order to fly.
In 2023, 106 children received free plane rides at the event.
The Oceana County Young Eagles Rally, also hosted by EAA 772, is held each September from 9am-12pm at the Oceana County Airport- 1805 W. Baseline Road in Shelby.
EAA 234 hosts multiple opportunities throughout North-West Michigan each year.
The Young Eagles Program through EAA 234 also has a Young Eagles Club that holds monthly meetings and introduces young people ages 12-16 to aviation and STEM related activities. These activities lead to the ability to understand the principles of flight, navigation, airplane and airport terminology, airspace, and air traffic control.
The EAA group here also offers the Young Eagles Private Pilot Education Mentoring Program, through which kids receive a free coupon to Sporty’s Online Private Pilot Ground School. This course can qualify those interested for the FAA Private Pilot Written Exam. This program hosts twice monthly mentoring sessions to help with the material that is presented in the online ground school.
Mason County Aviation offers charter flights as well as airplane rides along the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline. Call (231) 843-6873 or visit the Mason County Airport in Ludington for more info.
This would be a great way to check out the view from above Big Sable Point, Hamlin Lake, Nordhouse Dunes and many other beautiful areas in West Michigan!
Each April, area residents and businesses take pledges and try to raise as much money as possible for the Ludington Lake Jump.
Todd and Brad Reed offer Photography Workshops throughout the year. These classes are great for beginners as well as seasoned professionals.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Advertisement – Please scroll below for more information.
The Michigan Audubon Society Lake Bluff Center overlooks Lake Michigan near Manistee and features wildlife and a bird sanctuary.
Beautiful color emerges come Fall. Take it all in with an afternoon drive, or stroll, through the many forests of West Michigan.
The spring/fall runs of steelhead and salmon, the resident brown trout and “brookies” make the PM River extremely popular for fishing.
Along the Lake Michigan shoreline between Ludington and Manistee, you’ll find natural splendor- the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness area.
Take one of the most scenic drives in the nation as you travel across M-22 in West Michigan. A long winding road of adventure awaits!
The Annual Show of the Western Michigan Old Engine Club is held the first weekend of August at Scottville’s Riverside Park.
The West Michigan area, with many small lakes and rivers to explore, is a popular location for paddle sports.
Manistee National Forest together with the Huron National Forest occupies almost a million acres of land in Michigan’s lower peninsula.
The Traverse City Opera House has a 700-seat theater which offers a place for quality arts and cultural entertainment.
Take a tour on the Historic S.S. City of Milwaukee car ferry and the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Acacia docked in Manistee, Michigan.