Home to the Ludington State Park, which is considered one of the best state parks in the region. The park's lighthouse, hiking trails, and canoeing opportunities make it a favorite for nature enthusiasts. Ludington is also the port for the SS Badger car ferry that connects Michigan with Wisconsin across Lake Michigan.
Ludington is situated on the western side of the Lower Michigan 'mitten' at the point where the Pere Marquette river enters Lake Michigan.
Ludington is the largest city in and the country seat of Mason County. It has a population of about 8000 inhabitants.
The SS Badger ferry to Ludington in northern Michigan
The Ludington area includes the popular Ludington State Park, with its sand dunes and the Big Sable Point Lighthouse, and recreational area of Hamlin Lake just to the north of the city.
Both Manistee and Muskegon have daily services to Chicago O'Hare Airport, while Cherry Capital Airport connects to both Detroit and Chicago. Gerald R. Ford Airport near Grand Rapids has an extensive range of domestic flight options.
Distance to Manistee County Blacker Airport: 30 miles
Distance to Muskegon County Airport: 65 miles
Distance to Cherry Capital Airport (Traverse City): 89 miles
Distance to Gerald R. Ford Airport (Grand Rapids): 104 miles
Those looking to drive from a major international airport will find that Detroit Metro Airport (249 miles) or Chicago O'Hare Airport (256 miles) are the closest options.
The US-10 highway connects the ferry port to the east and Bay City. (It also continues west in Wisconsin through to North Dakota.)
The US-31 highway connects Ludington northwards towards Traverse City, Petoskey and Mackinaw City and continues south along the shore of Lake Michigan towards Muskegon and Holland.
Michigan state highway 116 provides access north to Ludington State Park.
The SS Badger ferry provides the connection across Lake Michigan to the city of Manitowoc in Wisconsin during the summer months. The 100-mile journey between the two ports takes around four hours.
The coal-powered ferry is the last in operation in the United States and has been designated a National Historic Landmark.
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Ludington was originally known as Pere Marquette, after the missionary and explorer who was laid to rest near there in the 17th century.
Ludington's early growth was fueled by the lumber industry. The town's location on Lake Michigan made it an ideal spot for timber mills and a shipping point for lumber, which was a significant industry in Michigan during the 19th century. The dense forests of the surrounding area provided ample resources.
The city was founded in 1873 and named after James Ludington, a local businessman with timber interests.
The city became a major port for shipping lumber to other destinations on Lake Michigan and a railroad connection was built to help carry freight.
Ludington area video overview
Ludington also developed a tourism industry. Ludington State Park, established in the 1930s,is now one of Michigan's most popular state parks, attracting visitors with its scenic sand dunes, hiking trails, and camping facilities.
Downtown Ludington offers weekly farmers' markets and live music performances. The Port of Ludington Maritime Museum is located in a listed former Coast Guard building and showcases the area's maritime history, including its ferry service.
The Ludington North Breakwater Light, a historic lighthouse, is also nearby and open for tours during the warmer months. The lighthouse is part of Ludington Waterfront Park, with Stearns Park beach a popular summer recreation area close to downtown.
Historic White Pine Village is an open-air museum located just south of Ludington that offers visitors a glimpse into the past, showcasing the history of Mason County. The village is designed to replicate a late 19th to early 20th-century pioneer settlement and features over 30 historic buildings and sites.
Ludington State Park is located to the north of Ludington on nearly 5,300 acres of scenic land between Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake.
The park offers beautiful beaches on both Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake, with opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and beach activities.
The park houses more than 18 miles of hiking trails, with the Lighthouse Trail and the Skyline Trail being two popular choices.
Big Sable Point Lighthouse
One of the park's landmarks is the Big Sable Point Lighthouse. Visitors can hike to this historic lighthouse and climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
The park's waterways, including the Big Sable River that flows through it, are perfect for canoeing and kayaking. Rentals are available within the park, making it easy for visitors to explore the tranquil waters.
Both Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake offer excellent fishing opportunities, with a variety of species such as salmon, trout, and bass.
During the winter months the park transforms into a haven for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing.
Petoskey is known for its beautiful Victorian architecture, historic Gaslight Shopping District, and also gives its name to the unique Petoskey Stones found along the Lake Michigan shoreline. It acts as a gateway to the outdoor activities available at Petoskey State Park.
Often considered the "Cherry Capital of the World," Traverse City is not only famous for its annual National Cherry Festival but also for its vineyards and culinary scene. Its proximity to both Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay makes it a prime location for water activities.
Nestled near the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Glen Arbor provides access to some of Michigan's most breathtaking natural beauty. The area offers miles of sandy beaches, clear waters, and the opportunity to explore the dunes themselves.
Saugatuck boasts a charming downtown with unique shops, galleries, and restaurants. Oval Beach is often rated as one of the best beaches in the United States, and Saugatuck's location along the Art Coast of Michigan provides visitors with a blend of cultural and natural attractions.
Pure Ludington (Ludington Area Convention and Visitors Bureau) : pureludington.com
SS Badger Car Ferry : www.ssbadger.com
Port of Ludington Maritime Museum : ludingtonmaritimemuseum.org
Historic White Pine Village : historicwhitepinevillage.org