Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography 

Ludington Lake Jump

April 18th, 2026

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.

The 2026 Lake Jump beneficiary is the West Shore Amateur Hockey Association. Proceeds will support participation in hockey programs for youths who lack financial resources to do so on their own.

Jumpers head into the cold lake to take a dip for charity. | Todd & Brad Reed Photography

History of Lake Jump

2025 marks the 26th year for the Ludington Lake Jump, which began when two local disc jockeys made a dare. Since then, nearly $875,000 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

The Childhood Cancer Campaign received over $56,000 from the 2022 Jump. Over $60,000 in proceeds from the 2023 event went to the Youth Advisory Council of the Community Foundation for Mason County. In 2024, the Friends of the Ludington Police raised over $34,000 for their K9 program.

Most recently, over $33,000 went to the four senior centers in Mason County—Free Soil, Ludington, Scottville, and Tallman, a result of the 2025 Lake Jump.

Click here to see the current temperature of Lake Michigan.

For more information on the Ludington Lake Jump, please contact the event organizer:

Ludington Lake Jump Board of Directors

lakejump.org

Current Events

Family Friendly Events

Ludington hosts many events and activities that are geared toward kids and families, that’s part of what makes the area so great!

Annual Tree & Plant Sales

Every year, local organizations offers sales for tree seedlings and for native plants. Take advantage of this great service!

Fishing Tournaments & Events

Ludington fishing tournaments give anglers a chance to add a little money to their pocket in addition to the fish in their bucket.

Performances in West Michigan

Everyone enjoys a good play or concert, and Ludington blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us all year ’round.

Events Happening Soon

Scroll below for more articles about the Ludington area activities and attractions.
 

Experience the Activities and Attractions of Ludington!

Weather & Water Conditions

West Michigan weather – they say if you don’t like the weather in Ludington, wait a few minutes and it will change.

Ludington State Park Sand Dunes

Visit the Ludington State Park

One of the most popular state parks in the Midwest offers a vacation within itself. Enjoy beautiful natural resources and endless activities.

Mason County Cultural Trails

Mason County is home to several trails that tell stories with fascinating histories. Explore these self-guided tours to learn about each one!

Sunset Times

It rises and sets every single day, and nothing is more breathtaking than our spectacular sunsets over Lake Michigan.

Trails and Tours

Discover all of the different trails and tours that Ludington has to offer! Discover a water path, hiking trail, or an art work stop!