Farmer’s Markets & U-Pick Farms
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography
Maritime Heritage Trail
These are the Maritime Heritage Trail stops approved by the Cultural Economic Development Task Force. Dial (231) 480-3084 and use the following extensions for an audio narrative:
- (500) The Salt Industry
- (501) The Commercial Port
- (502) The Carferries
- (503) The Lumbering Era
- (504) Commerical Fishing
- (505) The Ship Building Industry
- (506) Ghost Towns
- (507) Station Fleet
- (508) Station Boat Launch
- (509) 1934 Coast Guard Station
- (510) Developing the Harbor
- (511) Life-Saving Station
- (512) North Breakwater Light
- (513) S.S. Badger
- (514) Big Sable Lighthouse
- (516) Little Sable Lighthouse
- (517) White River Light Station
The Salt Industry
The Salt Industry began here when sawmill owners discovered massive underground brine wells. Ludington soon became one of America’s top salt-producing cities.
The Commercial Port
Built for the lumber industry, it later served the salt, sand, and chemical industries and established Ludington as a major Great Lakes port.
The Carferries
The Carferries were initiated in 1896 at Ludington by the F&PM Railroad. Today, Lake Michigan Carferry Service carries on that tradition with the Badger.
The Lumbering Era
The Lumbering Era flourished in Ludington with nine sawmills using the river to move cut trees from vast inland pine forests and Lake Michigan to ship out milled lumber.
Commercial Fishing
Commercial Fishing began here in the late 19th century, and the area later became one of the Lake Michigan’s most popular sport fishing destinations.
The Ship Building Industry
The Shipbuilding Industry began here with the first schooner built in 1869. Local shipbuilders produced over 50 commercial vessels and dozens of pleasure boats.
Ghost Towns
Ghost Towns were all that remained on the Buttersville Peninsula after the pine forests were depleted and lumber industry workers and fishermen relocated.
Station Fleet
The Station Fleet, consisting of eight different life saving vessels, including the beloved 44-foot motor lifeboat, operated for 70 years at the 1934 Coast Guard Station.
Station Boat Launch
The Station Boat Launch originally allowed rescue vessels, including the beloved 44-foot motor lifeboat, operated for 70 years at the 1934 Coast Guard Station.
1934 Coast Guard Station
The 1934 Coast Guard Station, built during the Great Depression, was critical to serve and protect the year-round carferry operation at Ludington.
Developing the Harbor
Developing the Harbor began in 1860 to give vessels access into Pere Marquette Lake for efficient shipment of lumber. By 1914 improvements made it a harbor of refuge.
The Life-Saving Station
Built in 1879 on the channel’s south side, was later relocated to the north side, then transferred to the Coast Guard in 1915 and used until 1934.
For more information on the Maritime Heritage Trail, please visit:
Trails & Tours
Discover Mason County Cultural Trails
Explore More Trails & Tours!
Mason County Sculpture Trail
The Mason County Sculpture Trail was launched in 2012 and includes nine sculptures in Ludington, Scottville, and Fountain.
Waterfront Park Sculptures
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.
Aerial View of Big Sable Point
The aerial view of Big Sable Point features Hamlin Lake, Ludington State Park, and Big Sable Point Lighthouse on Lake Michigan.
Travel Itineraries
No matter if your looking for a family friendly vacation or a getaway for two, Ludington is a great vacation spot, any time of year.
Disc Golf Courses
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.