Discover Ludington in West Michigan!
Welcome to Ludington — the land of beautiful beaches on the coast of Lake Michigan, with plenty of outdoor adventures and lots of fun!
The Best Beaches!
There are so many Ludington beaches to discover! You’ll find miles of clean, sandy beaches along Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake, just minutes from wherever you are in the area.
Stearns Park is the most popular beach, with FREE parking, concessions, playground, Skate Park, mini golf, and shuffleboard.
Whether you enjoy swimming, skiing, tubing, boating, or fishing– Ludington’s beaches and lakes provide hours of relaxing enjoyment and exhilarating adventure.
S.S. Badger Carferry
Ludington is the home port of the largest carferry to sail the Great Lakes. The S.S. Badger carferry makes its voyage from Ludington to Manitowoc, Wisconsin mid-May to mid-October.
This 410′ ship carries up to 620 passengers and 180 vehicles. Onboard you can play Badger Bingo, watch a movie, shop, or enjoy a meal in one of their two restaurants. Kid’s activities include a video arcade, coloring contests, and playroom. The best part of the journey is sitting on deck and enjoying the view–including spectacular sunsets. The S.S. Badger is on the National Register of Historic Places. Read about the best places to watch the carferry sail and helpful hints when arriving by the carferry.
Two Lighthouses!
That’s right! Two Ludington lighthouses to discover! These beautiful and historic structures are an integral part of our community.
The North Breakwater Light is in downtown Ludington at the end of Ludington Avenue and the Big Sable Point Lighthouse is within the Ludington State Park just north of town.
In addition to the two lighthouses in Ludington, if you venture 30 miles north or south you’ll find Manistee’s North Pierhead Lighthouse and Little Sable Point Lighthouse in the Silver Lake State Park. Most lighthouses are open for tours in the summertime, offering a glimpse into Great Lakes maritime history.
Ludington State Park
Midwest Living Magazine voted the Ludington State Park the #1 state park in the Midwest, with seven miles of Lake Michigan shoreline.
Enjoy camping, boating, fishing, swimming or hike on one of eight marked trails that wind through the park and bring you face to face with nature’s beauty.
Two highlights of the Ludington State Park are the Hamlin Lake Dam and the Big Sable Point Lighthouse. While you’re at the Lake Michigan Beach be sure to visit the Beach House for concessions and a great view or head over to Hamlin Beach and rent a canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or paddle boat for hours of fun.
Fantastic Fishing!
Anglers from all over know that Ludington is the #1 salmon port on Lake Michigan.
Numerous Ludington charter captains have years of experience on the big lake and are eager to take you on a fishing excursion.
Check out our current and archived Fishing Reports for Lake Michigan charter fishing. Ludington area inland lakes are wonderful for fishing as well. Hamlin Lake is full of northern pike, bass, perch, and bluegill- or ice fish in the winter for panfish and walleye.
There’s also great fishing in nearby Pere Marquette Lake and the Pere Marquette River.
Activities & Attractions
From vacations to staycations — Ludington has all you want in a fun adventure. Discover our top attractions and activities...
The fun doesn't end when the sun goes down here in Ludington! Nightlife here includes festivals, cozy restaurants, and local performances.
The S.S. Badger Carferry is a fun and relaxing shortcut across Lake Michigan between Ludington, Michigan and Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
One of the most popular state parks in the Midwest offers a vacation within itself. Enjoy beautiful natural resources and endless activities.
Your pet should feel right at home in Ludington. There are many businesses that allow pets and parks and beaches for them to play on.
Sandcastles Children’s Museum with it's four floors of fun and a party room, is the perfect place to host your child’s next birthday party!
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!
No matter your experience level, Ludington area charter captains will guide you in what to bring and what to expect on the big lake.
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
In addition to thousands of book titles, the Mason County District Library's Ludington and Scottville branches provide many free programs.
Ludington is alive with an array of artistic events that take place throughout the year. There's music, photography, art galleries, and more.
Ludington fishing tournaments give anglers a chance to add a little money to their pocket in addition to the fish in their bucket.
Step back in the past and learn about Ludington's rich maritime history at the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum.
The Mason County Sculpture Trail was launched in 2012 and includes nine sculptures in Ludington, Scottville, and Fountain.
Check out our picks for the top 50 coolest things to do in Ludington, Michigan, along the shores of Lake Michigan.
Disc golf is a big deal here in the Ludington area, with up to 20,000 people per year visiting one of our six courses.
Ludington has many beautiful beaches and parks to explore. Enjoy a day on the shores of Lake Michigan or take in the scenery at a local park.
Children can create, explore, and discover by playing with the numerous variety of exhibits of Sandcastles Children's Museum.
The black-and-white striped, 112 foot lighthouse at the Ludington State Park stands proudly on the shores of Lake Michigan.
A children's flotilla that's a miniature replica of the historic S.S. Badger carferry. Children get to ride in one of many "cars".
Enjoy an afternoon drive around the Ludington area in October and fill your senses with the vibrant colors of fall.
Just blocks from the beach is the heart of downtown Ludington, where you can shop, dine, and enjoy summertime events.
There are many places for anglers to try their luck, and Ludington has such a great variety of fish. The area also has great charter captains.
The three accessible walkways installed at Stearns Park Beach in Ludington allow everyone to make their way to the water and sand.
The Ludington Pumped Storage Plant and Lakewinds Energy Park are the two main sources of energy that power Ludington! Check them out!
The Lumber Heritage Trail, highlighting Mason County's rich lumbering history, is one of four that comprise the Mason County Cultural Trails.
The bronzed sculptures in Ludington's 5-acre Waterfront Park sets it apart from other parks. The park is situated on the Lake Michigan inlet.
It rises and sets every single day, and nothing is more breathtaking than our spectacular sunsets over Lake Michigan.
Discover small town life in the late 1800s and early 1900s at Historic White Pine Village in Ludington, overlooking Lake Michigan.
Within the downtown Ludington region, several murals grace the façades of local area businesses, telling stories of the area's rich history.
Putt putt for a purpose by visiting the Ludington Area Jaycees Mini Golf Course in Stearns Park, right on Lake Michigan.
Find Local Businesses
Small businesses are at the heart of the Ludington area. Select a business category to find the experience, product, or service to make your visit complete.
Most restaurants and dining establishments in Ludington are found on the US-10 corridor or in the downtown area.
When traveling away from home, you want to know where to find the necessities, and the Ludington area offers all the services you need!
The friendly merchants welcome you to Ludington and invite you to shop until you drop! The variety of stores is not to be missed.
You'll find personal, friendly, and cozy accommodations at a Ludington Bed & Breakfast, many of which are located within Victorian homes.
Stop into a West Michigan party or convenience to store to get your beverages, ice, snacks, lotto tickets, gas, and more.
Ludington area hotels and motels offer all the amenities to make your next vacation or business trip an enjoyable one.
There are a huge variety of things to do that will keep you entertained while you're in the Ludington area!
Ludington's lodging facilities provide all the amenities to make your stay enjoyable and keep you coming back.
Families taking a vacation to Ludington enjoy staying at one of the many resorts or vacation rentals found in the area.
Enjoy nature's beauty by sleeping under the stars at clean campgrounds, forests, or parks in the Ludington area.
You'll find personal, friendly, and cozy accommodations at a Ludington Bed & Breakfast, many of which are located within Victorian homes.
Read more about all the festivals and events going on in communities in the popular town of Ludington, right on Lake Michigan.
There's no need to take a vacation from your health, beauty routine, or fitness while you're enjoying yourself here in the Ludington area.