Buttersville Park and Beach
A serene Lake Michigan beach offering expansive sands, stunning lighthouse views, and a welcoming atmosphere for pets and families.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful beach, fewer people
Buttersville Park and Beach
Best Time
Peaceful beach, fewer people
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Lake Michigan beach offering expansive sands, stunning lighthouse views, and a welcoming atmosphere for pets and families.
"Found this hidden gem and couldn't have been happier. Barely anyone there for the size of the huge beach."
🚗 Plenty of Parking
Ample parking is available, making it easy to access the beach. Go during the week for the best chance of a close spot!
🐶 Pups Love It Here!
This beach is a dog's dream! Your furry friends will have a blast running and playing on the sand.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Expansive Lake Michigan Beach
Main beach area
Miles of pristine sand perfect for sunbathing, playing, and enjoying the pure Lake Michigan waters.
Lighthouse and Sailboat Views
Southern end of the beach
Catch breathtaking views of the lighthouse and a parade of sailboats and yachts gliding across the water.
Dog-Friendly Fun
Entire beach area
A paradise for pets! Dogs love to run, play, and splash in the waves on this wide, welcoming beach.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Weekday Visits Recommended
Pet-Friendly Paradise: Leashes Appreciated
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Plenty of Parking
Ample parking is available, making it easy to access the beach. Go during the week for the best chance of a close spot!
🐶 Pups Love It Here!
This beach is a dog's dream! Your furry friends will have a blast running and playing on the sand. +1
🚻 Porta-Potties Available
Conveniently located porta-potties are on-site for your comfort.
🛟 Life Jackets for Kids
Public life jackets are provided for children, adding an extra layer of safety.
lake access that DOESNT involve climbing a small sand mountain
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Plenty of Parking
Ample parking is available, making it easy to access the beach. Go during the week for the best chance of a close spot!
🐶 Pups Love It Here!
This beach is a dog's dream! Your furry friends will have a blast running and playing on the sand. +1
🚻 Porta-Potties Available
Conveniently located porta-potties are on-site for your comfort.
🛟 Life Jackets for Kids
Public life jackets are provided for children, adding an extra layer of safety.
🚶♀️ Easy Beach Access
Unlike some other local beaches, access from the parking lot is straightforward, with no major dunes to climb.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Buttersville Park and Beach is a highly recommended 'hidden gem' offering a beautiful, expansive Lake Michigan beach with easy access. Visitors rave about its pet-friendly atmosphere, stunning lighthouse and sailboat views, and peaceful setting, especially on weekdays. While amenities are basic, the natural beauty and relaxed vibe make it a must-visit.
"The view is incredible. We are going to go to Stearns beach but it was packed. Found this hidden gem and couldn't have been happier. There's a camp ground down the road as well. Barely anyone there for the size of the huge beach. Pure Lake Michigan. Pet friendly and it does have portable Patty's. You'll see the light house and many sailboats and big yachts that are beautiful to look at. It's a must see beach in Ludington!"
Raychele Shaw
"Perfect spot to take your dogs and enjoy the beach, nice wide beach area and can walk the beach south of the parking lot. Has two porta johns and also provides public lifejackets for kids. Plenty of parking, go during the week."
Kevin Valimont
"Awesome small stretch of public beach with great views. Visited on a Tuesday and had it to ourselves. And the pups loved it."
N and C Farrell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Buttersville Park and Beach is located south of the Ludington channel. It's easily accessible by car, with plenty of parking available. Many visitors mention it's a 'hidden gem' in the Ludington area.
Information on public transportation directly to Buttersville Park and Beach is limited. Driving is the most common and recommended method of access.
There is plenty of parking available at Buttersville Park and Beach, making it convenient for visitors. Going during the week is advised for the best parking experience.
Yes, it's generally easy to find, especially if you're familiar with the Ludington area. It's often described as a 'gem' south of the channel.
Yes, there's a campground located down the road, and the beach offers views of the Ludington lighthouse and passing sailboats.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Buttersville Park and Beach is a public beach and does not require an entrance fee or tickets. It's free to access and enjoy.
As a public park and beach, Buttersville Park and Beach is generally accessible from dawn until dusk. Specific hours are not usually posted, but it's best to visit during daylight.
There is no admission fee for Buttersville Park and Beach. It's a free public access point to Lake Michigan.
No, spots cannot be reserved at Buttersville Park and Beach as it is a public access area. Arrive early, especially on weekends, for the best experience.
The main restriction is to be respectful of the environment and other visitors. Dogs are welcome, and it's a pet-friendly location.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy sunbathing, swimming in Lake Michigan, walking along the expansive beach, watching sailboats, and playing with your dogs. It's also a peaceful spot for sunsets. +1
Yes, it's great for families! The beach is wide, access is easy, and public life jackets are available for kids. Dogs are also welcome, making it fun for the whole family.
There are portable restrooms (porta-potties) available at Buttersville Park and Beach for visitor convenience.
Absolutely! Buttersville Park and Beach is very pet-friendly, and dogs are welcome to enjoy the sand and water. +1
Expect incredible views of Lake Michigan, the Ludington lighthouse, and numerous sailboats and yachts. Sunsets here are particularly beautiful.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no on-site restaurants or food vendors directly at Buttersville Park and Beach. Visitors typically bring their own snacks and drinks.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks to enjoy on the beach.
Yes, Ludington has several dining options. Stix Bar, mentioned in a TikTok, has a great beer garden and food, and is located in Ludington.
Information regarding alcohol consumption at Buttersville Park and Beach is not explicitly stated in reviews. It's advisable to check local ordinances or err on the side of caution.
Ludington offers various eateries. Stix Bar is noted for its food and beer garden. For other options, exploring downtown Ludington is recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the vast Lake Michigan shoreline, the iconic lighthouse, passing sailboats and yachts, and beautiful sunsets. The wide beach also offers great landscape photography.
Absolutely! Buttersville Park and Beach is renowned for its peaceful setting and beautiful sunsets, making it a prime spot for photographers.
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, while evenings provide dramatic sunset colors. Midday can be good for capturing the vibrant blue of Lake Michigan.
The Ludington lighthouse is a prominent landmark visible from the beach, offering a classic photographic subject.
Yes, it's a fantastic location for dog photography! The open beach and water provide a natural and fun environment for pets. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's also a fantastic spot for families with dogs, as pets are welcome and seem to thoroughly enjoy the open space. The views of the lake and passing boats can also provide entertainment for curious young minds. Visiting on a weekday is recommended to avoid larger crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience for everyone.
🐶 Dog Owners
The easy access from the parking lot is a significant advantage for dog owners, making the trip to and from the beach much smoother. It's a place where both you and your canine companion can relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Lake Michigan shoreline.
📸 Photographers
The beach is also ideal for capturing candid shots of dogs playing in the water and sand, offering unique and lively photographic opportunities. Visiting on a weekday can provide a more serene environment for focused shooting.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Shores of Lake Michigan
Beyond the immediate beach experience, the park offers captivating views. You can spot the Ludington lighthouse in the distance, a picturesque landmark that adds to the coastal charm. The waters are often graced by sailboats and larger yachts, creating a dynamic and beautiful seascape. This combination of natural beauty and maritime activity makes Buttersville Park and Beach a visually engaging destination.
For those seeking a tranquil experience, visiting during the week is highly recommended. Reviews consistently mention that weekdays offer a much less crowded atmosphere, allowing for a more peaceful enjoyment of the beach and its surroundings. This 'hidden gem' status means you can often find a quiet spot to relax and soak in the beauty of Lake Michigan.
A Haven for Four-Legged Friends
While the beach is welcoming to dogs, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other beachgoers and local regulations. Keeping your dog under control, especially in busier times, ensures a positive experience for everyone. The presence of public life jackets for children also suggests a family-friendly environment where safety and consideration are valued.
The ease of access from the parking lot is another plus for dog owners, as it means less hassle getting your pet to and from the car, especially after a fun-filled day at the beach. This makes Buttersville Park and Beach a convenient and enjoyable outing for the entire family, including the furry members.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Buttersville
A key photographic element is the view of the Ludington lighthouse, which can be seen from the beach. This iconic structure, combined with the presence of sailboats and yachts on the water, creates classic coastal imagery. The dynamic nature of the lake, with its changing light and weather, ensures that each visit can yield unique photographic results.
For pet photographers, the beach is an ideal setting. The freedom for dogs to play and interact with the water provides candid and joyful moments to capture. Visiting on a weekday can offer a less crowded environment, allowing for more focused and unobstructed photography sessions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit