West Michigan Guides Stock Photo

Amber Elk Ranch

Perhaps the most thrilling experience of the tour is when the wagon pauses to feed the elk. Smelling the grain carried in buckets on the wagon, the elk move near, curious and seemingly at ease with the tour guide and passengers. Often, a friendly elk can be enticed to gently nibble from your hand.

Tours leave approximately every hour in-season, starting at 11:30 a.m.

Amber Elk Ranch Owner Bob Northrup gives tours through elk-filled pastures on his comfortable wagon. | Courtesy Photo

Visit the Antler Shed Gift Shop

While waiting for the next wagon, visitors can browse the wonderful gift shop, the Antler Shed. It’s a great place to spend time browsing among unusual items for sale, ranging from rustic furniture and antler decor, to stuffed animals and many antler products. Elk meat and jerky are also available. Along the log-rail fence hang dried elk antlers, sold for making lamps, knives, ornaments and other products. Each spring, a new elk antler begins to grow at up to an inch per day for several months before it starts to calcify and turn hard.

A Bull Elk shows off its massive antlers. | Courtesy Photo

When a Bull Elk throws his head back and bugles, his call can send shivers down your spine! This haunting sound is heard frequently at Amber Elk Ranch, just minutes from Ludington. Visitors can take a tour of this 130 acre ranch aboard a comfortable wagon towed by a big farm tractor. The tour travels through fenced-off sections of pasture and pine groves holding pregnant cow, elk, yearling elk, and fully-antlered bulls.

Don’t Miss the Saturday BBQ!

The ranch also welcomes you to their Saturday BBQ from 1-7pm, weather permitting.

Menu includes delicious options such as their famous elk burger, spare ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, corn on the cob, baked beans, chips, and beverages.

Prices are very reasonable, even for a large family!

Enjoy the Saturday BBQ! | Courtesy Photo

Come Visit the Elk Ranch Soon!

Amber Elk Ranch is open Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day and on fall weekends. 

Thanks for your interest in Amber Elk Ranch!

Below are more businesses in the Ludington “Featured Business” section. We encourage you to support small businesses in the Ludington area. Thank you!

More Featured Ludington Area Businesses

Lakeview Campsite

Just north of Ludington, Michigan you’ll find Lakeview Campsite, set among shade trees and overlooking Upper Hamlin Lake.

MD Home Services

MD Home Services owner Mike Darke has 18 years of construction experience. Licensed/insured. Serving Manistee, Mason, and Oceana counties.

Top-Rated Hotels

Stay at a top-rated hotel in Ludington. Hotel brands include Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Best Western Lakewinds, and Comfort Inn.

Todd & Brad Reed Photography

Set in the heart of downtown Ludington is the Todd & Brad Reed Photo Gallery, and it’s a must-see for anyone who appreciates true beauty.

The Market

The Market is located at Stiles and US-10. It’s a one-stop shop for fresh produce, landscaping products, farmhouse decor, and more.

Value of Sports Museum

Visit the new Value of Sports Museum located at Historic White Pine Village just a short drive from Ludington.

Ludington Truck Tops

Ron Soberalski has built Ludington Truck Tops with hard work and honesty. From running boards to tonneau covers, Ron has you covered.

AJ’s Party Port

Beer cave stocked with craft & domestic beer, a variety of liquor, and over 300 different kinds of wine. Plus tobacco, groceries, ice, etc.

The Jam Farm

The Jam Farm in Ludington is the place to get all the best homemade jams, jellies, butters, marmalades, and other homemade goodies!

Pierrot Hair Design

Pierrot Hair Design in downtown Ludington specializes in hair cuts, color, highlighting, keratin hair-straightening, and perms.