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 Mason County Sculpture Trail was launched in 2012 and includes nine sculptures in Ludington, Scottville, and Fountain.
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.
The Ludington Skate Plaza is a popular spot for kids with skateboards or in-line skates, and also draws spectators to Stearns Park.
Discover small town life in the late 1800s and early 1900s at Historic White Pine Village in Ludington, overlooking Lake Michigan.
The Lumber Heritage Trail, highlighting Mason County's rich lumbering history, is one of four that comprise the Mason County Cultural Trails.
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!
Enjoy an afternoon drive around the Ludington area in October and fill your senses with the vibrant colors of fall.
Ludington is alive with an array of artistic events that take place throughout the year. There's music, photography, art galleries, and more.
The fun doesn't end when the sun goes down here in Ludington! Nightlife here includes festivals, cozy restaurants, and local performances.
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.
It rises and sets every single day, and nothing is more breathtaking than our spectacular sunsets over Lake Michigan.
The Ludington Area Center for the Arts (LACA) is the gathering place for community expression through arts and cultural experiences.
In addition to thousands of book titles, the Mason County District Library's Ludington and Scottville branches provide many free programs.
Within the downtown Ludington region, several murals grace the façades of local area businesses, telling stories of the area's rich history.
The three accessible walkways installed at Stearns Park Beach in Ludington allow everyone to make their way to the water and sand.
Just blocks from the beach is the heart of downtown Ludington, where you can shop, dine, and enjoy summertime events.
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".
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.
The Barn Quilt Trail, highlighting the lost art of barn decor, is one of four trails that comprise the Mason County Cultural Trails.
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 Ludington Pumped Storage Plant and Lakewinds Energy Park are the two main sources of energy that power Ludington! Check them out!
The black-and-white striped, 112 foot lighthouse at the Ludington State Park stands proudly on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Discover small town Michigan life in the late 1800s and early 1900s at Historic White Pine Village. Set upon 13 beautiful acres overlooking Lake Michigan, you can visit more than 30 buildings that depict Mason County's history. There's something for everyone, with exhibits encompassing many areas of interest such as maritime, lumbering, government, farm life, early education, business, health and more.
Putt putt for a purpose by visiting the Ludington Area Jaycees Mini Golf Course in Stearns Park, right on Lake Michigan.
No matter your experience level, Ludington area charter captains will guide you in what to bring and what to expect on the big lake.
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 Lake Michigan Carferry, S.S. Badger, has a long history and is the last remaining example of the Great Lakes rail/car ferry design.
Children can create, explore, and discover by playing with the numerous variety of exhibits of Sandcastles Children's Museum.
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.
Ludington’s lodging facilities provide the amenities to make your stay enjoyable. Motels and hotels welcome you with clean rooms and impeccable service, romantic inns offer whirlpools or fireplaces. There are rustic cabins or furnished rental homes. Many Victorian homes of Ludington have been transformed into lovely bed and breakfasts, and there are many resorts on Hamlin Lake to enjoy.
As you get ready to plan that picnic or party, fill your gas tank or simply satisfy a sudden craving, stop in at one of the many convenience or party stores in Ludington. No party is complete without a nice selection of beverages. Depending on the type and size of your event, local party stores can help you build your bar.
As you get ready to head out to the lake or plan that picnic, make your first stop at one of the delis or farm markets in the Ludington area. They feature your favorite meats, cheeses, breads, fresh fruits and vegetables, and pastries. Complete your shopping by picking up salads, chips and all the necessities to make your stomach happy!
When you choose one of Ludington’s charming bed and breakfasts with the ultimate hospitality, your time of relaxation promises to be a vacation like no other. Many lovely historic B&B homes line Ludington Avenue and are just a short walk to the downtown area. Whether you stay at a bed and breakfast or inn, your hosts will give you special attention.
Enjoy nature's beauty by sleeping under the stars at campgrounds, forests, or parks in West Michigan. Whether you pitch a tent or park your RV, you'll find swimming pools, convenience stores, playgrounds, fish freezers, and more at most campsites. Camping is a relaxing and affordable vacation, and the scenic backdrop of the West Michigan provides the perfect place for your fun.
Ludington is a paradise for those who love boating and fishing. Numerous marinas along Hamlin Lake rent a variety of boats, such as pontoons, canoes, and jet skis. For the Lake Michigan boater, our marinas are some of the most beautiful and offer modern facilities. We have many charter captains eager to make your fishing excursion a successful one.
When traveling away from home, you want to know where to find the necessities, and West Michigan offers the services you need! Information on financial, legal & insurance services, automotive repair, home improvement for your summer cottage- it's right here for your convenience. Need a haircut, desire a massage, or want to acquire an "indoor tan"? You've found the right place.
The friendly merchants welcome you to Ludington and invite you to shop until you drop! The variety of stores in the downtown area are not to be missed. These specialty stores offer convenient parking and personalized service such as custom orders, gift wrapping and more. Shop for clothing, souvenirs, sports equipment or leisurely browse through art, collectibles and home decor.
Families taking a vacation to Ludington enjoy staying at one of the many resorts or vacation rentals found in the area. Many cottages and cabins are located on Hamlin Lake, a 5,000 acre inland body of water with warm, calm waters. Some cottages are also in downtown Ludington near the Lake Michigan beach. Resorts can accommodate small to large groups, and most offer kitchens, grills, playgrounds, and swimming.
There’s no need to take a vacation from health or fitness while you’re enjoying yourself here in Ludington. Treat yourself to a manicure or pedicure, rejuvenate your skin with a facial..just sit back and relax! Choose from a variety of massage therapists, beauty and tanning salons–even yoga! Many are open into the evening hours and are minutes from the beach.
Ludington area hotels and motels offer all the amenities to make your next vacation or business trip an enjoyable one. Most of them offer complimentary coffee or breakfast, swimming pools, hot tubs, and in-room air conditioning and heating. Best of all, since they’re just minutes from Lake Michigan beaches, you’ll find easy access to Ludington attractions during your stay.
Most restaurants in Ludington are easily found on the US-10 corridor or in and around the downtown area. Choose from fine dining, pizzerias, ice cream parlors, cozy cafes, pubs, coffee shops and good old fashioned family restaurants. Each place comes with small-town, friendly service that makes your dining experience complete. During the busy summer months, call ahead to inquire about reservations.
There's so much to see and do in the Ludington area! Attractions and activities include trails and tours, exploring two Ludington lighthouses and our nearly endless beaches, watching the carferry as it sails into or out of Ludington, hiking, biking, and so much more! There are things to do in Ludington all year long!