MASON COUNTY
County Offices
304 E. Ludington Avenue
Ludington 231-843-8202
www.masoncounty.net
Chamber of Commerce
5300 West US 10231
Ludington 231-845-0324
www.ludington.org
Newcomers are drawn to Mason County for its delightful small but thriving cities, the progressive attitude toward quality development, and the close proximity of urban amenities. However, the natural beauty and resources of this area range from pristine forests to the scenic Pere Marquette River and some of the nation’s finest four-season recreation.
Services
Students of all ages will find quality educational opportunities in Mason County, home to the West Shore Community College. In addition to serving as the off-campus location for Central Michigan University programs, WSCC plays a vital role in the growth and health of the local economy. The college has been working closely with business and industry since it opened its doors in 1967 and can customize a training program to fit every need. Based in Scottville, WSCC provides an affordable higher education and a performing arts series that benefits the entire community. Long known for its personalized attention and “small college” atmosphere, WSCC is always embarking on additions and improvements like the new Campus Center between the Arts & Sciences and Technical Centers. The center houses a new library and other services that support students and learning through computer and study areas, lounges, and labs as well as tutoring, and counseling. Another highlight on the campus is the West Shore Ice Arena, a 36,000-square-foot facility for figure skating, hockey, and open skating.
State-of-the-art healthcare services are available right in Mason County at the Memorial Medical Center in Ludington, distinguished as the first hospital in Michigan to receive ISO 9002 certification. This rigorous quality management system assures the entire community of the highest quality possible in medical services in a patient-centered environment. The hospital offers a comprehensive range of specialties from obstetrics to home health care and has one of the most technologically advanced cardiac catheterization labs in the state. A dedicated staff of 45 skilled physicians covers nearly 20 specialties, including vascular surgeons and neurologists. The two most recent additions to the campus are the West Shore Pregnancy Care Center and the Women’s Imaging Center. The county is also home to the Oakview Medical Care Facility, which focuses on long-term care and rehabilitative services.
Lifestyle
Beautiful Mason County features the charming city of Ludington as the seat of county government and the hub of healthcare, entertainment, and commerce. The nearby city of Scottsville adds its own unique attractions including an amenity-rich community college campus. Ludington was features in the book Boomtown USA as one of the nation’s top small towns based on population and employment growth with ties to both agriculture and a metropolitan statistical area. That simple classification tells the story of Mason County’s appeal to vacationers as well as seasonal and permanent residents. Visitors flock to the area’s delightful campgrounds and their range of amenities. Whether they pitch a tent or roll up a large RV, they will find swimming pools, convenience stores, playgrounds, fish freezers, laundry rooms, and games at most campsites. Ludington State Park combines wonderful campgrounds with a wide variety of hiking trails, while the Mason County Campground and picnic area is another popular choice for connecting with nature. Golfing, canoeing, kayaking, charter fishing, hiking, biking, and horseback riding are just a few of the available outdoor adventures.
Ludington and Scottville are home to a number of attractions including charming shops for merchandise, gifts, and antiques. Three times each year, large antique shows and sales draw visitors from across the region to collectible treasures and deep discounts. Local art galleries feature jewelry, pottery, paintings, photography, and exquisite blown-glass items. Art fairs are popular in the summer months and many murals beautify the walls of local businesses. Those who appreciate literature will want to attend the poetry festival or one of many writer’s events, and West Shore Community College ensures an outstanding performing arts series of plays and concerts each year. Other highlights include the Sandcastles Children’s Museum, Little River Casino & Resort, and Historic White Pine Village. From its breathtaking natural environment to the appeal of its communities, Mason County is a community on the rise.
City of Ludington
City Offices
231-845-6237
www.ludington.mi.us
Chamber of Commerce
231-845-0324
www.ludington.org
The largest city in Mason County serves as the heart of the region, providing an all-season recreational destination as well as a warm and friendly hometown. As one of the Great Lakes port cities, Ludington balances growth and development along the waterfront and adjoining areas to blend recreational, commercial, and industrial interests. This area is home to the SS Badger car ferry, the largest charter fishing fleet on the Great Lakes, Ludington State Park, Manistee National Forest, and the Pere Marquette River—designated as a National Wild and Scenic River. More charters originate out of Ludington and more trout and salmon are caught from its port than any other site in Michigan. At the same time the community offers a charming downtown district filled with wonderful shops and stores, a strong arts community, a children’s museum, unique restaurants, a major medical center, and the vast natural playground of Ludington State Park.
City of Scottville, Hamlin Township
City Offices
231-757-4729
www.cityofscottville.org
Town Hall
231-845-7801
www.hamlintownship.org
Chamber of Commerce
231-845-0324
www.ludington.org
Just eight miles east of Ludington and the Lake Michigan shoreline, the smaller city of Scottville and Hamlin Township offer a warm and inviting setting for residential life. Some of the highlights in this proud community include the Mason County Central Spartans school athletic team, West Shore Community College, the Scottville Riverside Park, the Western Michigan Old Engine Club, and the world famous Scottville Clown Band. Located at the intersection of US Highways 10 and 31 in the center of the county, Scottville has been an incorporated city since 1889. The surrounding area is a natural playground of Lake Michigan splendor, the Pere Marquette River, and many inland lakes for some of the nation’s finest fishing and canoeing. Sports enthusiasts enjoy hunting for deer and smaller game, and the region is traversed by miles of trails for winter sports or peaceful walks through pristine woods. One of the jewels in this area is Hamlin Lake, 5,000 acres in size and more than 12 miles in length. Touching Manistee National Forest on the north, it features towering dunes on the west and miles of wilderness in every direction. Hamlin Lake dam is located just outside of Ludington State Park, marking an historical spot and a popular beach. Fishing continues throughout the winter when the frozen lake is dotted with tip-ups and shanties.
