Father Marquette Memorial Park

Father Marquette Memorial Park offers boat ramp access to Pere Marquette Lake in Ludington, located on the scenic Buttersville Peninsula along South Lakeshore Drive, north of Buttersville Park Campground. The site provides practical access for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboaters looking to explore the lake and Pere Marquette River system. The park commemorates the historic spot where French Jesuit explorer Father Jacques Marquette died in 1675, adding cultural significance to your visit.

The access point is well-suited for paddlers planning to explore Pere Marquette Lake and venture upriver toward the Pere Marquette River. As you paddle inland, you'll encounter a mix of industrial and natural scenery, including the Occidental Chemical Corporation facility before reaching more pristine areas. The site offers good birdwatching opportunities and provides a unique waterfront perspective of the Ludington area. Be aware that motorboat traffic is common on the lake, so paddlers should stay alert and follow standard water safety practices.