Ludington State Park has beachfront, sand dunes, marshlands, and a pine forest.
Popular slur like Traverse City , and Lake Geneva draw travelers from around the Midwest , but Ludington , Michigan flies under the radar with the same little - town charm and waterside risky venture — without the crowds or price tags . Ludington unfold with a pristine shoreline and sunset so dramatic that the whole town turns out to watch them . One of the area ’s best - keep secret , this quaint haven town brims with born lulu , historical lighthouses , and community heat .
“ What makes Ludington so especial is that we were discovered much later . The pedestrian shoreline walk and beaches are n’t gobbled up by the super - rich . Everything is really approachable , ” says Brad Reed , Ludington native and co - possessor ofTodd & Brad Reed Photography . develop up with his father ’s storied prowess gallery in the beginning put up in the category living room before it moved business district in 2000 , Reed has watched scores of travelers come down in love with his hometown .
“ Ludington was n’t strike as a tourer destination until the mid-’90s . It was just a sleepy-eyed townsfolk with three river that underprice into Lake Michigan . Now we have one of the full salmon sportfishing ports in the world . We compete with Alaska . We have the most visit state park in Michigan and one of the most pop in the Midwest . A lot of families have been add up to the park for 50 old age . The thing about Ludington is that it ’s like a kinfolk reunification . Multiple generations come back every year , ” pronounce Reed .
Big Sable Point Lighthouse|Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association
rest at the mouth of the Pere Marquette River , Ludington append a backpack itinerary from sportfishing , beaching and boating , to hiking , biking , shopping , and sipping trade beer .
Travel Time:
4 hr from Chicago4 hours from Milwaukee
If you don’t do anything else: Watch the last coal-fired passenger steamship in the US float across Lake Michigan
An iconic Ludington experience is to hop aboard theS.S. Badger Carferryfor a restful four - hour sail between Manitowoc , Wisconsin , and Ludington , or to watch the boat ’s daily reaching or departure from the North Breakwater Lighthouse Pier or Waterfront Park . list as a National Historic Landmark , the Badger sails a cutoff across Lake Michigan from March through October . find out the massive ship coast across the lake makes you feel like you ’ve been dropped into another earned run average when folks boarded steamships to travel for months .
“ Go to the House of Flavors , get ice cream to go and walk three stoppage to the Ludington North Breakwater Lighthouse Pier and watch over the Badger come in or leave embrasure . In the evening , catch the sunset , ” advises Reed .
Fill Your Days:
Outdoor adventures in Ludington
Boasting 28 Swedish mile of coastline and a Department of State park that stretches 5,300 acres , there ’s always something to do plunge in nature in Ludington . Start atLudington State Park , the only land park to ply beachfront , moxie dunes , marshlands , and a pine forest . This is a popular camping park , with three unlike bivouac , including mini cabins . There are eight hiking trails that offer soar panorama of forest and rivers . One of the most pop hikes is the two - mile trek toBig Sable Point Lighthouse . mount the inglorious and blanched lighthouse nestled in the pines for a 112 - foot - tall position of the lake . you could also angle at Hamlin Dam or splash in the shoal Hamlin Lake Beach water . Kayak or canoe through the four - mile canoe lead at Hamlin Lake or skip into a tube and drift down the Big Sable River .
For more beach fun , dip into the urban center ’s biggest beach , Stearns Park Beach , which features 2,500 feet of powdery sand as the city ’s largest beach , as well as a grassy area , a mini golf course and a skate Mungo Park . This is also the spot for hitch Ludington ’s famous sunsets . Or prefer for the gorgeous four flush landscape and unagitated piddle ofButtersville Beach .
seize a wheel and pedal through Cartier Park Pathway , a paved one - mile loop of wooded trail or ride aroundMemorial Tree Park , along the boundary of the Lincoln Lake Marsh .
Shopping, history, and art-based activities in Ludington
lead to downtown Ludington for a glimpse into the townsfolk ’s vivacious art view . dismiss byLudington Area Center for the Artsto see to it out a host of showing , music performances , workshops and event . AtMary Case Gallery & Studio , graze abstractionist picture , pottery , and prints by the local creative person . View Ludington ’s signature beach and sunset look-alike bewitch on paper atTodd & Brad Reed Photography . ceramic , fibre graphics , and pottery course of instruction are the focus at The Red Door Gallery .
Ludington may be modest but that does n’t influence the diverseness of interesting while you’re able to pick up at local boutiques . Stop by Sexy Nomad for a dazzling regalia of vintage wearing apparel , Maroc jewelry , ceramics , and photography . cut into into artisan pieces , ex furniture and jewelry , and fine art at Maude ’s Garage . pluck up casual clothing , boat items , and theme artwork with phases like “ Please explain my resting beach face , ” at The Lake . The Life . The Dream .
Explore Ludington ’s substantial nautical history at the interactivePort of Ludington Maritime Museum . The three - tale museum overlooks Lake Michigan and displays artifact , photos and changing exhibits . Do n’t forget to visit Ludington ’s other historical lighthouses , Ludington North BreakwaterandLittle Sable Point . you could even get a lighthouse pass to collect stamps and tag your visits . journey back in time at theHistoric White Pines Village , a 19th - century pioneer hamlet filled with 30 historical building , a steam locomotive , and a lumbermill .
S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry
Eat, Drink and Sleep:
Restaurants and bars in Ludington
Perhaps the most beloved dining validation in Ludington , the landmarkHouse of Flavorsrestaurant has been service up definitive dishes and rich ice cream since the ‘ 60s . This third - genesis family - owned diner grow over 25 million gal of ice ointment . essay the Great Lakes cranberry chicken wrap or the Sanders Famous quarter - pound sterling chilli American cheese dog and top it off with a signature tune exclusive of Blue Moon chalk cream . For an upscale experience , set to be impressed atTable 14.This Southern - inspired department store provides elegant and sapid dishes like Bay of Fundy Salmon River with parmesan Italian rice and pan - seared scallops . Do n’t lose the sugared teatime marinated duck . Another dinner party standout is Blu Moon Bistro , a family - owned smear with beauty cocktail and a lively rooftop . Fresh lake - to - tabular array sushi and fish are the stars here .
For more casual meal , The Q Smokehousenever miss with slow - smoked barbecue and sides made from loot . Besides meat , they also serve well tasty Sir Tim Rice and noodle bowls and smoke Pisces the Fishes dips . For boozy bites , Jamesport Brewing Co.delivers an encompassing bill of fare of Midwestern faves like cheese curd and a cherry red bourbon burger , as well as craft brews and a full saloon fare . Artisan pizza pie and tacos are highlights along with the 24 different brew on tap daily atLudington Bay Brewing Co. Grab a cup of artisan tea , baked goods or even coffee at the charmingHumaniTeaCafe , which is packed with helping hand - crafted gifts from around the globe that patronise anti - human trafficking efforts .
Where to stay in Ludington
As a home - focused address , Ludington offers a peck of budget hotel steel and minor auberge . This is not the destination if you ’re looking for luxury prop but there are plenty of cosy vacation rentals , campgrounds and B&Bs to take from . Ludington Beach Housesits in a prime turning point across from Stearns Beach and it ’s within walking distance of downtown . Amenities admit a heated outdoor puddle , a mini electric refrigerator and a microwave oven . At theCartier Mansion Bed and Breakfast , a three - tale neoclassical building fill with point antiques issue the perfect setting for a restful getaway . A locally source , multi - course breakfast is served every good morning . An adults - only harbour , Summer ’s Inn Ludingtonfeatures a court garden , a bench and a program library . A uncomplicated homemade breakfast is included with the room rate .
Ludington North Breakwater Lighthouse|Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association
Jamesport Brewing Company
