Ludington Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Ludington is a charming city in the state of Michigan. Known for its stunning natural beauty and historical significance, Ludington offers a wide range of activities and attractions that cater to all types of travelers.

One of the main highlights of Ludington is its picturesque beaches. With miles of sandy shoreline, visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and beach volleyball. Stearns Park Beach is a popular choice, with amenities such as picnic areas, playgrounds, and a pier that offers panoramic views of the lake. For those seeking a more secluded experience, Ludington State Park boasts pristine beaches surrounded by dunes and forests, perfect for hiking and camping.

Ludington is also famous for its lighthouses, which serve as iconic landmarks in the city. The Big Sable Point Lighthouse, built in 1867, stands tall on the shores of Lake Michigan and offers breathtaking views from its top. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse and learn about its history through informative exhibits. Another must-visit lighthouse is the Ludington North Breakwater Light, located at the end of a picturesque breakwater. This lighthouse provides a scenic backdrop for memorable photographs.

For history enthusiasts, Ludington offers a glimpse into its past through its museums and historic sites. The Port of Ludington Maritime Museum showcases the city's rich maritime history, featuring exhibits on shipwrecks, navigation, and the local fishing industry. The White Pine Village is a living history museum that recreates a 19th-century pioneer village, with historic buildings, artifacts, and costumed interpreters.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities for adventure in Ludington. The city is surrounded by numerous hiking and biking trails, including the scenic Ludington State Park Trails. The Pere Marquette River is a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing, with its serene waters and abundant wildlife.

In addition to its natural and historical attractions, Ludington is also known for its vibrant downtown area. Visitors can explore a variety of shops, boutiques, and art galleries, as well as dine in charming restaurants and cafes that offer a taste of local cuisine.

Alternative names: Settled: 1847Population: 8.1 thous. (2020)Area: 3.7 mi²Elevation: 600 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 43°57'21"N, 86°26'52"W

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MichiganUnited States

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Ludington Top Attractions

Ludington Attractions - What to See and Explore

Ludington offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Ludington Light, White Pine Village, Big Sable Point Light, SS Badger. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Lighthouse
Ludington Light
The Ludington Light is a 57-foot tall steel-plated lighthouse in Ludington, Michigan, which lies along the eastern shores of Lake Michigan, at the end of the breakwater on the Pere Marquette Harbor.
Historical place • History museum • Museum
White Pine Village
White Pine Village is an outdoor museum in Ludington, Michigan, containing nineteenth-century buildings and related historical items. The thirty buildings in the village contain artifacts relating to pioneer lumbering, music, farming, shipping, sports, and businesses.
Lighthouse • Vernacular architecture
Big Sable Point Light
The Big Sable Point Light is a lighthouse on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan near Ludington in Mason County, Michigan, at the Ludington State Park. It is an active aid to navigation.

Mass transportation systems • Boat or ferry • Transport
SS Badger
SS Badger is a passenger and vehicle ferry in the United States that has been in service on Lake Michigan since 1953. Currently, the ship shuttles between Ludington, Michigan, and Manitowoc, Wisconsin, a distance of 62 miles, connecting U.S.
Tower • Romanesque revival architecture • Romanesque architecture
Mason County Courthouse
The Mason County Courthouse is in Mason County, Michigan. It is in the town of Ludington in Michigan's Lower Peninsula.
Monuments and statues
Mason County Sculpture Trail
The Mason County Sculpture Trail is a Western and Northern Michigan arts attraction of sculptures in Mason County, Michigan. This county wide outdoor art exhibition is centered on Ludington, Michigan.
Library
Ludington Public Library
The Ludington Public Library is one of the two branches of the Mason County District Library administrative system. This library, as the main branch, is located in downtown Ludington, in Mason County in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. The library started as an idea that in 1872 formed an association.
43°57'12"N • 86°27'34"W
Ludington United States Coast Guard Station
The Ludington United States Coast Guard Station is a Coast Guard facility located at 101 South Lakeshore Drive in Ludington, Michigan. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2010.
43°57'21"N • 86°26'48"W
Sandcastles Children's Museum
Children's museum • Science museum • Museum
43°57'21"N • 86°26'33"W
Warren A. and Catherine Cartier House
The Warren A. and Catherine Cartier House is a single family house located at 409 East Ludington Avenue in Ludington, Michigan. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2014. It is currently the Cartier Mansion Bed and Breakfast.
43°57'22"N • 86°26'52"W
North James Street Plaza
Park

Day trips

Ludington – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Ludington, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Manistee Central Business District (Manistee), Betsie Valley Trail (Frankfort), Manistee Pierhead lights (Manistee).

21 milesN
History museum, Museum, Romanesque architecture
Manistee Central Business District, Manistee
The Manistee Central Business District is a commercial historic district roughly bounded by Maple, Washington, Water and River Streets in Manistee, Michigan. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
49 milesN
Hiking, Park, Outdoor activities
Betsie Valley Trail, Frankfort
Betsie Valley Trail is a 22-mile rail trail in Benzie County, Michigan, United States, owned by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and operated by Benzie County.
21 milesN
Lighthouse, Vernacular architecture
Manistee Pierhead lights, Manistee
The Manistee Pierhead lights are a pair of active aids to navigation located on the north and south pier in the harbor of Manistee, Michigan, "Lake Michigan’s Victorian Port...
38 milesS
Museum, History museum
Michigan Heritage Park, Whitehall
The Michigan Heritage Park was an open-air museum that spanned 10,000 years of Michigan history. It consisted of a half-mile trail loop that started with a pre-historic mastodon exhibit and ended at a Civilian Conservation Corps camp exhibit. The historical exhibits are recreations.
21 milesN
Concerts and shows, Theater
Ramsdell Theatre, Manistee
The Ramsdell Theatre is a historic playhouse theater building and opera house at 101 Maple Street in downtown Manistee, Michigan. The building was financed by local businessman and politician Thomas Jefferson Ramsdell.

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Best Time To Visit Ludington

Learn when is the best time to travel to Ludington weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Ludington?

The top attractions to visit in Ludington are:

What is the best time to visit Ludington?

June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.