Michigan’s Free Activity Weekends
The State of Michigan offers its residents and outstate visitors “free” weekends to fish, ORV, or snowmobile each year.
Photo by Andy Hu on Unsplash.com
The tournament was born back in 1974 in Lowell, Michigan. Scott McNeal (alias Gus Macker) got together with 18 friends and $18 to play a friendly 3-on-3 basketball game in his parent’s driveway. The tournament continued to grow, and due to the tremendous interest from outside communities, it took to the road and moved its home base from Lowell to Belding in 1987. Today, Macker is played in outdoor and indoor courts in over 75 cities throughout the country, drawing over 200,000 players and 1.7 million spectators. But even with this growth, it continues to feel like a “hometown” game. The Gus Macker tournament is always a wholesome activity for all ages and talent levels.
2020 would have marked the 29th anniversary of Gus Macker in Ludington but, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament had to be canceled. The tournament has also been cancelled for 2021 due to restrictions still in place.
Because of its longevity and beautiful location, the Ludington Gus Macker Committee and the Ludington & Scottville Chamber of Commerce were inducted into the Gus Macker Hall of Fame in 2018.
In 2023, the Chamber Alliance of Mason County announced that it would not be renewing it’s contract with Gus Macker. That fall, Dr. Andrew Reimer, owner of Reimer Eye Center and Stix Bar; and Chris Nicholas, owner of WMOM Radio; petitioned the Ludington City Council to allow them to take over the event. The Council approved this request so the event will be held on June 15th-16th, 2024.
In the 28 years of Macker in Ludington, over $300,000 has been returned to the area’s schools to purchase uniforms and equipment. These teams donate their time in setting up hoops, fences, and cleaning up. In order to make the tournament run smoothly, nearly 400 other volunteers are needed, from checking-in participants to being a Gus Buster.
Ludington Gus Macker
(833) 448-7657
The State of Michigan offers its residents and outstate visitors “free” weekends to fish, ORV, or snowmobile each year.
Ludington hosts many events and activities that are geared toward kids and families, that’s part of what makes the area so great!
Ludington is a popular location for various races and runs… including the Lakestride Half Marathon and the Lighthouse Triathlon.
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Hamlin Lake is where you want to be. It offers terrific summer recreation, including swimming, boating, tubing, and more!
Putt putt for a purpose by visiting the Ludington Area Jaycees Mini Golf Course in Stearns Park, right on Lake Michigan.
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Discover small town life in the late 1800s and early 1900s at Historic White Pine Village in Ludington, overlooking Lake Michigan.
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The S.S. Badger Carferry is a fun and relaxing shortcut across Lake Michigan between Ludington, Michigan and Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Cast your line into Upper Hamlin Lake or enjoy a picnic, the playground, or watch Hamlin Lake’s Independence Fireworks at Wilson Hill Park.
Discover all of the different trails and tours that Ludington has to offer! Discover a water path, hiking trail, or an art work stop!
Children can create, explore, and discover by playing with the numerous variety of exhibits of Sandcastles Children’s Museum.
Is your business located in Ludington? Contact us today to learn about advertising opportunities with VisitLudington.com.
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