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 Ludington Lake Jump takes place in spring at Stearns Park Beach. Participants raise funds for a non-profit and jump in the lake.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Todd and Brad Reed offer Photography Workshops throughout the year. These classes are great for beginners as well as seasoned professionals.
Advertisement – Please scroll below for more information.
Enjoy an afternoon drive around the Ludington area in October and fill your senses with the vibrant colors of fall.
Arrive in Ludington by boat and dock at one of three marinas: Ludington Municipal Marina, Harbor View Marina, & Pere Pointe Village Marina.
Discover small town life in the late 1800s and early 1900s at Historic White Pine Village in Ludington, overlooking Lake Michigan.
Just blocks from the beach is the heart of downtown Ludington, where you can shop, dine, and enjoy summertime events.
Cast your line into Upper Hamlin Lake or enjoy a picnic, the playground, or watch Hamlin Lake’s Independence Fireworks at Wilson Hill Park.
Ludington’s North Breakwater Light is the number one lighthouse to see in Michigan! Take a trip along the breakwater path to see it up close!
Ludington has miles of beautiful beaches, the Ludington State Park, and all the activities that take place in Mother Nature’s playground.
Small destinations within themselves, visitors of Hamlin Lake will go on an adventure to find their perfect dune.
Hamlin Lake is where you want to be. It offers terrific summer recreation, including swimming, boating, tubing, and more!
Ludington is alive with an array of artistic events that take place throughout the year. There’s music, photography, art galleries, and more.
Is your business located in Ludington? Contact us today to learn about advertising opportunities with VisitLudington.com.
THANK YOU!